Easiest Putting Technique Ever

Putting Technique Synopsis

Putting is often treated as a mysterious art, but Dave Cahill distills it down to a remarkably simple and effective technique: the single‑pivot pendulum stroke. After more than 30 years of studying and teaching putting, Dave found that the most reliable method is built around using one dominant arm—right arm for right‑handed players, left arm for left‑handed players—and allowing that arm to swing freely from a single fulcrum point at the shoulder. This eliminates unnecessary moving parts and creates a pure, repeatable motion.

The process begins by hitting several putts with one arm only. Players quickly discover which arm feels more coordinated and natural. Once the dominant arm is chosen, the putter is held simply in the palm, with the fingers pointing downward and wrapped lightly around the grip. The palm faces the target, the back of the hand faces away, and the stroke becomes a straightforward pendulum driven entirely by the shoulder—not the wrist, not the elbow, and not the body. The sternum and hips stay quiet, allowing the arm to swing smoothly without interference.

As students continue hitting putts, they learn to maintain that stillness while letting the putter travel naturally along the club’s inclined plane. Instead of forcing the putter straight back and straight through, the stroke moves slightly inside on the backstroke and slightly inside again on the forward stroke—just as it should when the arm swings freely. Using a chalk line or alignment stick makes this easy to see and helps reinforce the correct motion.

Finally, once the player is comfortable, they may add the non‑dominant hand lightly to the grip—almost like giving the putter a gentle high‑five—without actually taking control of the stroke. The lead elbow stays relaxed and tucks in naturally, ensuring the shoulders remain quiet and the single‑pivot motion stays intact. The result is a beautifully simple, highly repeatable putting stroke that removes complexity and builds confidence on the greens.

Check out the video for more information.