Golf tips: putting your woes away

The average golfer has a tendency to jab at putts with their hands and arms or flip with the wrist. This type of stroke is based solely on timing, not sound technique. The results of this type of stroke are unreliable and will lead to many problems in a variety of areas. Golfers will be unable to consistently gauge distance, speed and ultimate control of putts. Putting is quite similar to a normal swing. Although a much more compact stroke the putter face will open on the back stroke and close on the forward motion. (Ex: Putting arc training aid).


In most cases distance control is far better than direction. Putts that miss beyond the hole or miss a bit short will afford golfers the advantage of a tap-in. When a putt misses long you can see the line or any break for the return putt. If the putt does come up short you are usually faced with a gimme. In either case a short tap-in is much easier than the dreaded yip from 2 or 3 feet. There are additional factors to consider that will affect a putt, including but not limited to: speed of the green, pace of the putt or the grain in the grass. Surprisingly, you can putt from a bunker although it would be on rare occasions.


When you are putting you will face long, short, slow, fast, flat and sloping putts in every round. You can putt from most anywhere, therefore a putt can always be a viable option. On most occasions putting would be a more consistent shot than a chip. The average golfer chooses to chip entirely too often, whenever possible use a putter first before grabbing a wedge. The sooner the ball gets rolling on the green the better. It is by far the safest route with the least amount of room for error. Chips bring an array of potential problems from a chunk at your feet to a nasty skull across the green. Choose the best option for your game and one that is the most comfortable and you will achieve the positive results desired.


First Coast Golf Group

Good putting is by far the most important element in the game of golf. Proper mechanics, combined with an individual’s particular style, will result in consistent putting and lower scores. Putting styles vary from the type of putter to a person’s stance. Depending on preference, a square stance is the most common, although an open or closed stance is acceptable. A neutral grip, basic setup and a solid stroke will yield the best results. Putting requires tremendous touch and exceptional feel.  Sound techniques will produce a repeating stroke but try to avoid being overly analytical with mechanics. Keep everything as simple as possible.

Golfers must process excessive amounts of information with every shot, especially those on or around the green. In addition to utilizing the sense of feel, our mind relies heavily on vision. When putting you must visualize your line, speed, break along with seeing the ball roll to and in the hole. Practice your putting stroke as you look at the hole not the ground as you prepare to make your stroke. The eyes and brain will eventually become programmed for a desired result. The arms and hands will follow and in time will duplicate the actions desired.

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