Most golfers do
not pay enough attention to their putting until it is time for a round
of golf with their buddies. Putting makes up 43% of your total strokes
in a round of golf, yet golfers seem to be more interested in practicing
their full golf swing. It may sound repetitious, but in order to improve
your game, you should spend at least ½ of your practice time around the
green.
"Breaking your wrists" (another term for bending the wrists)
causes the putter face to open and close, which will start the ball
on the wrong line. If you make a backswing that is too long, you will
be inclined to decelerate the putter on the swing through the ball.
Putting works well if you have a simple routine.
For best results in improving your golf game, consult your local PGA
Professional. He or she can help you identify specific areas for improvement
and prescribe the practice techniques that are right for you.
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1.
First
of all, your grip in putting is as important as your grip during
any other part of your game. The best bet is to grip with a
reverse overlap, with your thumbs straight down the front of
the grip. The reverse overlap putter grip will help eliminate
wrist break during the putting stroke. Start with the putterhead
on the ground, and position your bottom hand on the grip first
(thumbs straight down).
2.
Next,
position your top hand on the grip, except for your top index
finger, and slide your hands together until they touch (thumbs
straight down).
3.
Lay
your top index finger over the top of your bottom hand fingers.
This is the grip used by both advanced players as well as most
golf pros on all of the golf tours.
4.
Use
the name on your golf ball as a reference for aim. Mark your
ball and clean it off. When you set the ball back down, aim
the name on the ball on the line you would like to start the
ball rolling. This way when you stand over the ball, you see
the line more clearly.
5.
Stand
next to your ball and practice the swing while looking only
at the hole. Try to get a feel for how much swing is needed
to get the ball to the hole while practicing swinging once or
twice.
6.
Move
closer to the ball, until your eyes are directly over it. Set
your feet so that you feel balanced and move around until you
feel comfortable.
7.
When
you are in proper position, the ball should lie just slightly
in front of the center of your stance. Take another look or
two at the hole and visualize where the hole is in your mind's
eye.
8.
Be
sure that you only use your arms and shoulders to swing together.
Eliminate any wrist breaking - meaning that your wrist should
not bend at all during your putt.
9.
Although
it may seem to be common sense, on a short putt, use a short
swing, and on a long putt, use a longer swing. A softer or wetter
putting green will necessitate a longer stroke. Alternately,
a harder or drier putting green will ask for a shorter stroke.
10.
For
the advanced golfer, line up a dimple on the back top of the
ball with a spot on your chest. Do not move the spot on your
chest and swing. This keeps your body still and wrists firm.
11.
Swing
the putter, and knock it in. Don't become frustrated with your
putt. It will take a good deal of practice to become a proficient
putter, but the steps above will shorten your learning curve.
"Breaking your wrists" (another term for bending the wrists)
causes the putter face to open and close, which will start the ball
on the wrong line. If you make a backswing that is too long, you will
be inclined to decelerate the putter on the swing through the ball.
Putting works well if you have a simple routine.
