Start with the basics: Before you can improve your putting, it’s important to ensure that you have a solid grasp of the basics. Make sure you have a good putting stance, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed between your feet. Your eyes should be over the ball and your hands should be in a comfortable position on the putter grip. Make sure you have a good grip on the putter, with your palms facing each other and your thumbs down the shaft.
Practice your technique: One of the best ways to improve your putting is through consistent practice. Set aside some time each week to work on your putting technique. Start by practicing short putts from a few feet away from the hole, and gradually work your way out to longer putts. Pay attention to your posture, grip, and stroke, and try to develop a smooth, consistent motion. Use a putting mirror or alignment stick to ensure that your eyes are directly over the ball.
Develop your feel: Putting is as much an art as it is a science, and developing a good feel for the speed and break of the greens is essential. Spend time on the practice green, working on developing a good touch and getting a feel for how the ball rolls on different types of greens. Pay attention to the slope and grain of the greens, and try to develop a good sense of how the ball will break as it rolls towards the hole.
Work on your distance control: Distance control is another key aspect of good putting. Spend time practicing your speed control, both on the practice green and on the course. Use a variety of drills and games to work on hitting putts of different lengths with the correct speed. Focus on hitting the ball the right distance, rather than just trying to make the putt.
Learn to read greens: Reading greens is a crucial skill for any golfer looking to improve their putting. Pay attention to the slope and contour of the greens, and look for any subtle breaks or undulations that could affect the path of your putt. Take your time when lining up your putts, and use a combination of your feel and your reading skills to make the best possible stroke.
Manage your nerves: Putting can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when you’re playing in a high-pressure situation. To improve your putting under pressure, it’s important to learn to manage your nerves. Practice deep breathing and visualization techniques, and focus on staying relaxed and composed throughout your putting routine. Remember that every golfer misses putts from time to time, and that the most important thing is to stay positive and keep trying.
Play more golf: Finally, the best way to improve your putting is simply to play more golf. The more time you spend on the course, the more opportunities you’ll have to work on your putting skills and develop your feel for the greens. Play in as many different conditions as possible, from dry, fast greens to slow, wet greens, and use every round as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Putting Techniques
Technique
Description
Advantages
Disadvantages
Tips
Pendulum
The putter swings like a pendulum from the shoulders
Consistency, accuracy, and distance control
Requires good timing and coordination
Keep your arms and wrists relaxed throughout the stroke
Arc
The putter swings in an arc around the body
Good for players who struggle with a straight back and through stroke
Can be less accurate than other techniques
Keep the putter face square to the target at impact
Straight back and through
The putter moves straight back and through along the target line
Good for players who struggle with alignment
Can be less consistent than other techniques
Keep your eyes directly over the ball and focus on a smooth stroke
Reverse overlap
The left hand rests over the right on the grip, helping to promote a straight back and through stroke
Good for players who struggle with wrist breakdown
Can feel uncomfortable at first
Make sure your grip pressure is even between both hands
Claw
The grip is held with the palm facing the target, and the fingers wrap around the putter grip like a claw
Good for players who struggle with wrist breakdown
Can feel awkward at first
Focus on keeping the putter face square to the target throughout the stroke
Pre-Shot Routine
Step
Description
Importance
Tips
Read the green
Evaluate the slope and speed of the green
Critical for distance control and accuracy
Take your time and assess the green from all angles
Ray Barnes, our Senior Staff Writer and a Golf Analyst with a PhD in Sports Analytics, is a beacon of insight in the golfing world. With a deep understanding of the sport's nuances, statistical analysis, and a talent for demystifying complexities, he provides in-depth analysis and captivating narratives that engage golf enthusiasts worldwide.
