For Every Inch Of Putt, An Inch Of Stroke

photo credit: makelessnoise   Rather than increasing or decreasing the size of their putting strokes, most amateurs change the force or speed of their stroke.  Their priorities are backward, the pace of thier stroke should be the same for all putts regardless of distance.  As long as the size of the stroke is identical on both sides of the ball, its pace shouldn’t change.

For a putt of 1 ft. the clubhead is taken back 1 in. and moved 1 in. past the ball after impact.  A 2 ft. putt is taken back 2 in. and proceeds 2 in. past the ball.   Take the clubhead back 1 in. for every foot to the hole, up to about 25 ft.  Try this system for a lower putting average.

The Putting Setup

photo credit: akegPutting Setup Tips:  (1).  Set up square to the target with the shoulders, hips, knees and feet square to the target line.  (2).  Keep the top of both forearms square to the target line.  (3).  Set the putterface at the center of your stance with the putter just ahead of it.  (4).  Maintain relaxed arms and shoulders with the elbows resting against your sides.  (5).  The putter shaft should lean a bit forward which will result in solid contact with the ball.  (6).  Use your dominant eye to align yourself to the target, this will result in better putting accuracy.  

A good setup is critical for all golf shots but it’s especially true for putting.  Spend the time to achieve the proper putting setup and you will notice the difference in your scores.

Putting Process

photo credit: Good putting should not be based on how many putts you make, it should be based on how well you think you’re striking the ball. You can hit really great putts that just don’t go in or you can stroke the ball poorly and have putts drop all day long.

Instead of thinking about making each putt, try thinking about the process of hitting the putt. You have to develop a rock-solid routine prior to actually stroking the ball. If you put yourself in a position to make a good stroke time after time you are going to start making a lot more putts. Developing a good routine will accomplish two things: It will lessen the pressure you feel on the green and it will smooth out the peaks and valleys of your putting performance.

Fix Your Putting Problems

photo credit: mandj98If you are having difficulty with your putting, here are a few fixes:

Pull - Check your ball position…play the ball more towards the center of your stance.
Pushes - Make sure the left forearm isn’t higher than the right…check your grip.
Feel - Keep your grip in your lifeline and maintain a very light grip…relax your grip.
Distance Control - Make sure you are making solid contact…read greens more carefully.
Green Reading - More study of green contour…read from behind your ball and behind the cup.
Equipment - Have your putter adjusted…try 4-5 degrees of loft and about 69-70 degrees of lie.

Putting contributes to nearly half of your total score which is why it requires your utmost attention.

Putting Alignment

photo credit: Pierre -M- Most amateurs do not align themselves properly. Let’s start with the ball position. The ball should be one ball width left of center in your stance. When looking down at the ball your left eye (right handed players) should be one inch on the inside and one inch behind your ball (drop a ball while in the address position to test this).

Keep your shoulders level to prevent your right should from coming over the top during the forward swing. Make sure your feet, knees, hips and shoulders are perfectly square to the target. Stay completely motionless when striking the ball and make sure your grip is correct Practice these tips and putt for doe, not for show !

Golf Green Play

photo credit: Shayan (USA) Sometimes players are bewildered by certain circumstances they are faced with on the putting green. Let’s shed some light: When putting from off the green leave the pin in, it may help stop your ball if it’s been hit too hard. On the other hand don’t leave the pin in if your putting while on the green, if you hit the pin with your ball it’s a penalty.

Marking your ball takes it “out of play.” Touching your ball while marking it means a penalty. If address your ball and it moves after you have placed it on the green and removed your marker, there is a penalty, keep this in mind on windy days.

The putting green is where matches are won or lost and where champions are born.

Putting Smart

photo credit: Kevitivity Better putting means leaving nothing to chance. Walk behind the cup to look at the line of your putt you will get a much different perspective. Also, on your way back to your ball, stop half-way back and examine the contour of the green.

Remember, if you have a 30 ft. putt, your only goal is to get the ball within 3 - 4 ft. of the cup. Another important consideration should be whether to play the break on short putts or take the break out by hitting the ball harder. Taking the break out with a harder putt could mean a 3 or 4 ft. putt coming back so your best bet is to play the break in most cases. Putt Smart and lower your handicap.