Date Published: 19/09/2023
For mid to high handicap golfers, putting can often be a source of frustration, it’s where strokes are gained or lost, making it a critical aspect of the game.
If you’re looking to improve your putting and lower your scores, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we will explore the key aspects of putting, share some valuable tips, and help you on your journey to improve your putting skills.
Putting is often referred to as the “game within the game” in golf, and for a good reason. It accounts for a substantial portion of your strokes during a round. Mastering putting can help you save strokes and lower your handicap.
Master Your Putting Setup
Your putting stance and setup are the foundation of consistent putting. Follow these key steps:
– Grip: Hold your putter with a relaxed grip, allowing for a smooth and unhindered stroke. Experiment with different grip styles to find what suits you best.
– Stance: Stand shoulder-width apart, ensuring your weight is evenly distributed. Your eyes should be directly over the ball, helping you align your putter accurately.
Develop a Smooth Putting Stroke
A smooth, pendulum-like putting stroke is essential for consistency. Focus on these aspects:
– Backswing: Keep the putter low to the ground during your backswing to maintain a stable path.
– Follow-through: Let the putter follow through naturally, ensuring it points towards your target after contact with the ball.
Aim and Alignment
Proper aim and alignment can significantly impact your putting success:
– Pick a Spot: Instead of staring at the hole, pick an intermediate target on your putting line, a few feet in front of your ball. Aim to roll the ball over that spot.
– Read the Green: Analyse the slope and breaks on the green. Consider factors like grain, wind, and the shape of the green. The more you practice reading greens, the better you’ll become at it.
Speed Control
A crucial aspect of putting is controlling the speed of your putts. Too often, golfers focus solely on direction:
– Lag Putting: Work on your lag putting to ensure you leave yourself with manageable second putts. This reduces the risk of three-putts and helps save strokes.
Develop a Pre-Putt Routine
A consistent pre-putt routine helps you stay focused and confident:
– Visualisation: Picture the ball’s path to the hole in your mind.
– Practice Strokes: Take a few practice strokes, focusing on rhythm and tempo.
– Alignment Check: Ensure your putter is correctly aligned with your target.
Continuous Practice
Improving your putting is an ongoing process. Dedicate time to practice regularly, incorporating various drills like short putts, long putts, and uphill/downhill putts into your routine.
Seek Professional Instruction
Consider investing in lessons from a golf professional. They can provide personalized feedback on your putting technique and help you identify areas for improvement. Professional guidance can accelerate your progress on the greens.
Improving your putting is a game-changer for mid to high handicap golfers, it’s a skill that can save you strokes, boost your confidence, and ultimately lower your handicap.
By focusing on technique, regular practice, green-reading, a pre-putt routine, and seeking professional instruction, you can make significant strides in your putting game.
So, head to the putting green, put in the work, and watch your golf game improve one putt at a time.