This week we are going to talk about the most used shot in golf…Putting. Strangely, it is one of the least practiced shots by most amateurs. I don’t know why, perhaps it’s because people believe it’s a bit of luck and have the attitude that maybe today “they’ll go in”. But I believe too many people find practicing putting boring and just can’t be bothered with it. One thing I do know is that Pros who make a living at playing golf practice their putting alot! In this article I’ll give you some tips on how you can become a better putter.
It’s not a bad idea to keep track of how many putts you take in a round including how many three putts. It gives you an idea of where you stand and how much time you need to set aside for practicing. If you follow the PGA tour you will know that the best player last year was Jordan Speith and he just happened to be the best putter on tour. On the other hand, Rory McIroy can hit amazing shots super long but his putting seems to always hold him back unless he’s having one of those great weeks on the greens which lately has been a rare commodity. This year, Jason Day leads the putting stats gaining over a full stroke per round on the field, Jordan is 4th and Rory is 93rd. These stats line up clearly with how their seasons are going. PGA professionals generally have 30 or less putts per round.
My point in bringing up these statistics is two fold. To point out how good the best putters in the world are and that with practice you can easily improve and shave lots of shots off your score. Most of us will never be able to hit woods and irons like they do on tour, but with putting, we all have a chance because strength is not a factor, it’s all about technique and hard work.
Putting Tips
Here are some key principals of putting you can start working on that will lower your putts per round!
Establish a putting routine
As with the full swing, you need to establish a routine for your putting that you follow exactly for every putt.
take a general view of the putt from behind the ball
walk to the hole, taking a side view to help determine the slope of the putt
examine the area around the hole
walk back to the ball crouching behind to determine line and speed
stand alongside ball making two practice strokes
move putter behind the ball and then shift feet
two more looks at the hole then stroke the putt
If that routine sounds or looks familiar it is because that was how Tiger putted. Now make one for yourself!
Gauge the Distance
More three putts are caused by poor distance control than line! Concentrate on your weight leaving your putt near the hole to eliminate three putts.
Keep your head Steady
No peeking. Taking a look too soon to see where your putt is going will cause off centre hits. Gary Player on critical short putts would keep his head down waiting to “hear” the ball go into the cup.
Use Arms and Shoulders
Don’t be too wristy. The really good putters lock in the wrists and use the big muscles…your shoulders
Reading Putts
It’s really tough to make putts if you can’t read greens. Reading greens takes practice and experience. Here’s some pointers: Putts break towards water and away from mountains, If the grass is shiny you are down grain and the putt is faster than into the grain which is a darker shade. If you just can’t figure it out…go to the other side of the hole and take a look.
Own a Good Putter
Finally, own a good putter. You’re going to use it 30 plus times a round! (Hopefully less) If you can spend $500.00 on a driver that you use a max of 14 times a round then surely your putter deserves the same attention. Golf clubs will let you demo putters. Go try several and see if one works better than your old one.
Confidence is a must for good putting and good putting builds confidence. They feed off of each other.
Good luck with your putting and I guarantee you will play YOUR best golf if you just get on that practice putting green a little more often and practice these tips!
