Brad Faxon is consistently ranked as one of the greatest putters in golf history. His success wasn’t built on a complicated, mechanical stroke, but on a unique blend of sound fundamentals, a consistent routine, and a relaxed, fearless mental approach.
Our featured video, “How to Putt Better with Brad Faxon | Keys to the Set Up”, dives into the crucial pre-shot elements that put him on the right track for every putt. Mastering the setup is the fastest way to ensure a consistent stroke that you can trust under pressure.
The Faxon Setup: Your Foundation for Consistency
Faxon emphasizes that a repeatable stroke starts with a repeatable setup. He breaks down the address position into key components that directly influence alignment and path:
- Stance Width: He recommends a stance that is approximately hip width, ensuring ankles, knees, and hips are aligned.
- Weight Distribution: Faxon likes to have slightly more weight on his forward (lead) foot. This helps maintain a stable lower body and encourages a consistent low point for the stroke.
- Body Stack: Keep your zipper, buttons, nose, or shirt logo all generally stacked over each other. Avoid excessive twisting or tilting, which makes repetition difficult.
Eye-Line and Forearm Alignment: The Keys to the Plane
Two of Faxon’s most critical insights revolve around alignment, which directly dictates the path your putter travels on:
- Eye-Line Position: Faxon prefers his eyes to be behind the golf ball and generally parallel to the target line. He cautions against being too strict with the “eyes directly over the ball” theory, preferring a comfortable position that allows for a clear view of the line.
- Forearm Alignment: He stresses the importance of having your forearms square to the target line when viewed from down the line. This alignment helps ensure the putter swings on a consistent plane, leading to greater consistency.
The Mental Game: Trust and Tempo
Faxon’s mental approach is as important as his physical setup. He strongly advocates for a relaxed approach and trusting your instincts.
- Embrace Movement: Unlike some traditional instruction, Faxon found that consciously trying to stay “perfectly still” actually crippled his stroke. He allowed for a slight release or movement in his body, which alleviated tension and allowed the putter to swing naturally.
- Visualization and Routine: Use a pen line on the ball for precise alignment, and once you step up to the ball, look at the hole once or twice, and immediately go—don’t let conscious thought creep in.
If you struggle with alignment and tension on the greens, Brad Faxon’s simple, powerful tips on setting up your putt are the fastest way to gain instant confidence and sink more putts! Check on YouTube