Extensor Action and putting

[O.B.Left]

Although EA provides structure and mass there is something to be said for relaxation. A massive amount of EA or a left arm with its muscles actively resisting EA will get the left arm straight but is less than ideal from my experience anyways. I struggled for over a year doing just that. When I totally relaxed my left arm I found what I was looking for. The left arm doesnt need to be perfectly straight at address to my thinking when putting or in the full swing (on the occasions when employ EA at address that is). In the full swing the CF of the turning pivot extends the left arm to truly straight. In putting the left arm always stays slightly bent as the CF is dialed down.

One factor in all of this is the angle of the shoulder tilt at address. With a lower trailing shoulder the EA extends the left arm with relative ease. Level shoulders makes it harder to do. There is some middle ground of course which is where I tend to live for putting. With EA , my slightly tilted shoulders and the left arm TOTALLY relaxed there will be a slight bend at the left elbow. Left arm muscular resistance could snap it straight but it would have a disruptive effect on the orbit the putter travels. It is best thought of as a leash or check rein. Unfettered CF allows the club head to seek a straight plane line. The lighter CF of putting gives more weight to the disruptive and off plane meanderings of muscular tension. This, sadly, I know from extensive first hand experience.