Category: Putting

Perfecting the Putting Stroke – How to Master the Greens

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When it comes to the game of golf, every stroke counts. The act of putting can often make or break a round. Moreover, the putting stroke is a delicate blend of art and science. It requires not just technique but also an astute understanding of greens. By perfecting the putting stroke you can learn how to master the greens.

To lower your scores, mastering the putting stroke is essential. Furthermore, it demands consistency, confidence, and a smooth rhythm.

A perfect putt begins well before the backstroke. Additionally, it involves reading the green, assessing the distance, and understanding the grass’ grain.

For many, the green is where nerves are tested, but with the right approach, it can become a place of triumph. Therefore, fine-tuning your putting stroke is paramount to achieving golfing success.

For starters, it is crucial to develop a routine that promotes consistency. Selecting the right putter is just as important as the stroke itself.

Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash
Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash

Also, practicing with purpose and intention can lead to significant improvements. Let’s explore the steps to perfecting the putting stroke. We will start with the fundamentals and move through to advanced techniques. By the end, you will have a deeper understanding and be equipped with practical ways to enhance your game. After all, on the green is where champions are made. With the right guidance, you can join their ranks.

Mastering the Basics

First and foremost, it is imperative to get the basics right. For instance, your grip on the putter should be firm yet gentle. Your stance must be stable with your eyes over the ball to ensure proper alignment. Additionally, the ball’s position should be slightly ahead of the center of your stance to promote an upward strike.

A consistent pre-putt routine can also set the stage for success. It is about repeating the same steps before every putt, which can greatly enhance your focus. Similarly, a smooth takeaway is critical, as it sets the tempo for the entire stroke. Then, the transition from backstroke to forward stroke must be fluid. Avoid any jerky movements that could disrupt the putt’s path.

Finally, follow-through is often overlooked but is very important. Equally important as the backstroke, a good follow-through ensures the putter head stays on line after impact. A steady, controlled follow-through will improve your chances of sinking more putts.

The Mental Game

The mental aspect of putting is as crucial as the physical. Having a clear mind and a positive attitude can greatly influence your putting performance. Moreover, visualization is a powerful tool. Picturing the ball rolling into the hole can boost your confidence.

Dealing with pressure is another facet of the mental game. Hence, it is vital to develop strategies that help you stay calm under stress. For example, deep breathing exercises can be very effective. Learning to stay in the moment and not let previous holes affect your current putt is key to maintaining composure.

Image by Peter Drew on Unsplash
Image by Peter Drew on Unsplash

Advanced Techniques

Incorporating advanced techniques can further refine your putting stroke. For example, understanding the nuances of green reading can give you an edge. Experimenting with different putter types and weights may reveal what best suits your style.

The use of training aids can also aid in developing a more consistent stroke. They can provide instant feedback on your alignment and stroke path. Also, there are high-tech simulators and stroke analyzers. They can offer a detailed look at your putting stroke and help you make precise adjustments.

Drills and Practice

Practice is the cornerstone of improvement. This is especially true for putting. Regular drills can train muscle memory and improve your touch on the greens. The “gate drill”, where you putt through a small opening, can enhance your accuracy. Distance control drills are vital for learning how to judge and adjust for different-length putts.

Setting realistic practice goals is another important factor. It ensures that you are focused and motivated during practice sessions. Also, varying your practice routine can keep it interesting and cover different aspects of putting.

Equipment and Customization

The putter is your most personal piece of equipment. Choosing the right one is a significant decision. The length, weight, and balance of your putter should complement your natural stroke. Many golfers benefit from a putter fitting session. It helps them customize the putter to their specific needs.

The type of grip on your putter can affect your stroke. For example, some players prefer a thicker grip to minimize wrist action. Others may opt for a traditional, slimmer grip for more feel. The choice of a putter’s face can affect the ball’s roll and feel on impact.

Image by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Image by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Practice and Patience

Perfecting your putting stroke is a journey that requires patience and persistence. It is important to remember that even the best golfers continually work on their putting. Therefore, embracing the process of improvement will make you a better putter. It will also enhance your overall enjoyment of the game.

Always remember the fundamentals: grip, stance, alignment, and a smooth stroke. Additionally, the mental game should not be neglected. Confidence and focus are essential components of successful putting. New techniques and strategies will keep your game evolving.

Practicing with purpose and using drills will sharpen your skills. Do not underestimate the importance of the right equipment. A putter that feels like an extension of your arm is a valuable ally. Putting is a blend of many elements – technical skill, mental toughness, and the right equipment.

So, take these insights and apply them on the green. Be patient with yourself, as perfection is an ever-moving target. Also, enjoy every moment of the journey. The path to becoming a master on the greens is as rewarding as the destination itself. The sweetest victories are those that are hard-earned.

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What Are the Fundamentals of Putting – Guide for Beginners

The Technology Behind Putters – How Aim and Balance Improve

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Golf is a sport that elegantly marries tradition with innovation. For centuries the game has captivated players and spectators. It has done it with its serene courses and nuanced techniques. Nowadays, golf clubs make a big difference in a golfer’s journey. For example, the technology behind putters in modern days has gone to great lengths since times past.

Each swing, each shot, and each putt help to showcase a player’s skills, strategy, and finesse. Yet, beneath this display of athletic prowess lies an undercurrent of evolution and progress, driven by technology.

As the time has passed, golf equipment has transformed dramatically. The clubs of yesteryears are a far cry from today’s meticulously engineered masterpieces.

Image by Robert Ruggiero on Unsplash
Image by Robert Ruggiero on Unsplash

Specifically, there is one area that has witnessed a profound transformation. Also, it is often overlooked in favor of drivers and irons. It is the realm of putters. Putters are seemingly simple tools. However, they are undergoing a technological renaissance. Hence, they are changing how we perceive and play the game on the greens. We will shine a spotlight on the contemporary marvel that is the modern putter.

By delving into the latest advancements we’ll uncover the technology behind putters. In fact, we’ll uncover how today’s putters are revolutionizing aim and balance. These innovations are enhancing the player’s game. Additionally, they are reshaping the very fabric of golfing strategy and execution.

Enhanced Alignment Systems

Historically, putting alignment was a matter of personal judgment. However, modern putters are now equipped with intricate visual aids. These systems are usually lines, dots, or contours. They are designed to guide your eyes and ensure the putter face is square to the target line.

A popular technology is the parallel line system. It creates a visual channel that helps players align their putts more accurately. When the putter’s lines match perfectly with the intended target line, you are square and ready to putt.

Multi-Material Heads

The inclusion of multi-material heads in putters is a game changer. Manufacturers integrate different materials like tungsten and steel. By doing so they can alter the weight distribution within the clubhead. The strategic placement of weight improves the moment of inertia (MOI). MOI essentially means the putter’s resistance to twisting on off-center hits.

A higher MOI ensures your putt will still roll relatively straight if you don’t hit the ball dead-straight. This forgiveness is invaluable. For instance, under pressure with important putts.

Advanced Face Inserts

Remember the days when putters had a simple, flat metal face? Those days are long gone. Advanced face inserts now provide a more consistent roll and better feel upon impact. These inserts are often made of soft polymers or grooved patterns. They grab the ball at impact and induce a faster, more true roll.

The technology ensures that the ball starts rolling immediately instead of skidding. The end result? Putts hold their line better. Nonetheless, the putts are more likely to find the bottom of the cup.

TaylorMade Spider Putter by golfballsworld.com
TaylorMade Spider Putter by golfballsworld.com

Counterbalance Technology

In traditional putters, the majority of the weight is located in the clubhead. However, counterbalanced putters flip this on its head. Extra weight is added to the grip end of the club. This shifts the putter’s balance point closer to the hands. Consequently, it provides greater control and stability.

By counterbalancing, the hands and putter work more harmoniously. This can lead to a smoother stroke and better consistency, especially on longer putts.

Adjustable Weight Systems

Customization is a significant theme in modern golf equipment. Putters are no exemption. Some contemporary models feature adjustable weight systems. These systems allow players to add or remove weights from the putter head. This way, they can tailor the feel and balance to individual preferences.

You might like a head-heavy putter or one that’s more balanced. Either way, adjustable weight systems offer the flexibility to find the perfect setup for your stroke.

Smart Putters: Data and Feedback

The digital age has not left the greens untouched. Smart putters equipped with sensors and chips can provide real-time feedback on your stroke. Thus, these tools analyze elements like stroke path, face angle, and impact point. Using this data, players can make informed adjustments to their technique. Therefore, it leads to more consistent putting.

TaylorMade Spider Putter by golfballsworld.com
TaylorMade Spider Putter by golfballsworld.com

Embrace the Changes

The realm of golf has always been a place of both peace and challenge. As we stand on the brink of each putt, we are reminded that this is a game of inches. Truly, the smallest adjustments can determine victory or defeat. Once the putter was seen as just another club in the bag. But it has risen to prominence. It embodies the fusion of tradition and technology.

Today’s putters are more than just tools. They are companions that aid golfers in their quest for perfection. There is no denying the value of skill and practice. Nonetheless, technological enhancements in putters are bridging gaps. They offer players, whether amateurs or professionals, a chance to refine their strokes.

Additionally, they offer the chance to improve their aim and maintain a better balance. Innovations like alignment aids or counterbalance technology play a pivotal role in democratizing the sport. They make excellence on the greens achievable for many. In the end, as we embrace these advancements, we must remember the essence of golf.

That is the joy of play, the camaraderie among players, and the thrill of a well-executed shot. Technology is simply a means to elevate this experience. It empowers the players and enriches the game. Finally, it ensures that the future of golf is as promising and exhilarating as its storied past.

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What Are the Fundamentals of Putting – Guide for Beginners

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Golf, a game of precision, strategy, and skill, has many facets. However, none are as nuanced and pivotal as the art of putting. The flair of the drive often overshadows this aspect of the game. Nonetheless, it holds the key to success on the greens. In this article, we are asking the question what are the fundamentals of putting?

As a beginner, you should be acquainted with the fundamentals. Putting combines precision, technique, mental fortitude, and a keen understanding of the environment.

At the heart of a successful putt lies a golfer’s stance and setup. This ensures that the golfer is positioned optimally. That means the ball, eyes, and club align seamlessly.

A golfer’s grip on the putter, too, plays a pivotal role. It serves as the direct link between the player and the club. The putter’s alignment ensures the ball’s path stays true to the intended direction.

Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash
Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash

Now, even with impeccable setup and alignment, mastering pace and distance is paramount. A golfer must cultivate a feel for the greens. In other words, the golfer must interpret the green’s undulations and speed to guide the ball’s journey. Furthermore, the mental game in putting cannot be underestimated.

Visualization, focus, and a robust pre-putt routine are often the invisible allies of every successful putt. In essence, the realm of putting is a blend of technical skill and mental mastery. So, understanding its fundamentals is the first step to conquering the greens.

The Spotlight on Setup and Stance

Every great putt begins with the right foundation: your setup and stance. Think of it as aligning all the stars before taking the shot.

  • Grip: Your hands should grip the putter lightly. Allow it to act as an extension of your arms. There are multiple grip styles in the world of putting. Some of them are the reverse overlap, cross-handed, and claw grip. Hence, you should choose the one that reflects comfort and control.

  • Posture: A slight bend at the hips with a straight back is your go-to position. Ideally, your eyes hover directly over or slightly inside the ball. Thus, this posture gifts you the best perspective and balance.

  • Ball Position: Keep the ball just forward of the center in your stance. This positioning ensures the ball benefits from a gentle upward motion upon contact.

  • Stance: Your feet should be set approximately shoulder-width apart. Therefore, evenly distribute your weight to ensure stability and consistency.

The Precision of Alignment

Every degree matters when it comes to aligning your putter. Consequently, misalignment can send your ball veering off course, making this fundamental a priority.

  • The face of the putter should be perfectly square to your target line. Because of that look out for alignment aids on putters. Those can be immensely helpful in this process.

  • Alignment doesn’t stop with the club. Your body, too, plays a role. Accordingly, ensure your feet, hips, and shoulders remain parallel to that all-important target line.

Image by Frederik Rosar on Unsplash
Image by Frederik Rosar on Unsplash

The Mechanics of the Stroke

Golfers often speak of the pendulum-like motion of a putt. But what does this mean, and how can you achieve it?

  • The stroke, powered primarily by the shoulders, should see your hands and wrists remain largely passive. This minimizes any unwanted influence they might have on the ball’s trajectory.

  • A balanced approach is key. Keep your backstroke and forward stroke roughly equal in length. Thus, you will maintain a consistent rhythm and pace.

The Art of Pace and Distance

The green’s surface isn’t consistent. In fact, its undulating nature means that reading it correctly is an acquired skill.

  • First, familiarizing yourself with the speed of the green is crucial. Different greens can present unique challenges. Indeed, some might be swift, offering a slick surface, while others could be slow and dense.

  • Second, drills can be invaluable. By practicing putts of varying distances, you adapt and become versatile. Additionally, you become ready for any challenge the course presents.

Image by Thomas Park on Unsplash
Image by Thomas Park on Unsplash

Reading the Greens

The surface of the green tells a tale, one of slopes, valleys, and peaks.

  • Analyzing the contour before every putt offers clues about the ball’s potential path. Both horizontal (left or right) and vertical (uphill or downhill) reads are essential.

  • Remember, uphill putts will demand more force, while downhill putts will ask for a gentle touch.

The Mental Mastery

Putting isn’t just about the physical. Your mind can be your greatest ally or a challenging obstacle.

  • Confidence is crucial. Approach each putt with a positive mindset, visualizing success.

  • Establishing a consistent pre-putt routine can also help to calm nerves. Furthermore, it ensures you’re centered and focused before each shot.

One Stroke at a Time

In the intricate tapestry of golf, putting stands out as both an art and a science. It is a discipline where attention to detail and intuition converge. The fundamentals of putting are seemingly straightforward. On the other hand, they require a depth of understanding and practice to master.

Furthermore, the beauty of putting lies not just in its technical aspects. It is also in the mental challenges it presents. The journey of self-awareness, patience, and resilience is as crucial as understanding the mechanics. The golfer battles the intricacies of the green. Additionally, he battles the ebb and flow of their own emotions and thoughts.

Yes, the roar of a long drive might echo in memory. Yet, it is the whisper of a well-executed putt that often writes the story of the game. By immersing oneself in the fundamentals of putting, golfers unlock the door to consistent performance. It is a pathway to conquering the greens, one stroke at a time.

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How to Improve Your Putting at Home – 5 Tips for Beginners

How to Improve Putting Alignment – 5 Tips for Beginners

How to Improve Putting at Home – 5 Tips for Beginners

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Putting is one of the areas of golf that golfers tend not to practice enough. I fall into that category myself and do not work on my putting as much as I probably should. Experts say putting should be around 30% of all golf practice. Luckily, you can use some tips on how to improve putting at home and increase your practice time.

Unlike swinging with other clubs in your bag, for the putter you do not need much space. You don’t have to worry you will wreck the walls, scratch the sealing, or break a piece of furniture.

Now, that is the case unless your putts are so wild that there is a real danger for surrounding objects or housemates. Remember, the golf ball is hard, so be always cautious with it.

Nevertheless, let’s get back to putting at home. All you need is a few feet of unobstructed space in your place. No matter if it is a house or an apartment, anything works.

Image by Morgan House on Unsplash
Image by Morgan House on Unsplash

It does not have to be a space over 10 feet long or longer. If you do have a longer area, that is good, you can also work on longer putts. In general, all you need is going to be a putter and a golf ball. If you do have some putting aids, it will be helpful. However, you can still improve your putting in a simpler way.

1. Practice Strokes in Front of a Mirror

I am sure this might sound a bit weird, and I agree with that. Why would you practice strokes in front of a mirror? That’s a fair question. Now let me explain it. In the same way, you can’t exactly see how you look when you are working on your full swing, you can’t see yourself putting either.

There are reasons why it is important to be aware of what you do while putting. You could see what your posture looks like for one. Second, you could see what parts of your body you are moving. For all you know, you could be moving too much or be too still. Then you can see what your stroke looks like.

All things you can see in the mirror could give you a better idea of what to work on. Sometimes you could be surprised by seeing things you thought you never do. It is a good starting feedback toward improvement. Additionally, if you want to take it to the next level, check the tip right below.

2. Make a Video While You Putt

Unlike the previous tip, this is a very common one in the golfing world. Again, it is more common with the full swing. It can definitely give you an in-depth view of your putting stroke. As I have mentioned above, with a video, you can see how everything looks and single out things to work on.

One of the benefits of making a video is the option to pause it at any given moment. That gives you opportunities to analyze things. Look at the video as a first step toward better putting. Once you discover things in your stroke, you can go to work. The best thing is you can do it without expensive equipment, just by using your phone.

Image by Robert Ruggiero on Unsplash
Image by Robert Ruggiero on Unsplash

3. Use a Plastic Cup for Practice

This is a scene you might have seen in some movie or tv show. It is the classic setup of a person in an office just putting and using a plastic cup as the target. As silly as it sounds, it can help you improve your accuracy. At the end of it, you still have to direct that ball toward the cup and be precise if you want it to get in there.

It can also be a metal cup or any kind of cup you want to use to practice. In case you do have some putting aid, such as holes with a little ramp for the ball to go in, you won’t need a cup. However, a simple cup is something to be found in any household and be helpful in order to get some practice without leaving home.

4. Use Your Furniture for Drills

When you are practicing on a putting green you can use tees to make gates to practice your putts. That is very convenient because you can place them wherever you want and make as many. Now, that is the case if you have access to a putting green where you can go and practice any time you want.

For anyone who does not have that luxury, there are ways to get creative and make the best of what is available. So if you want to practice in a similar way at home, you can use your furniture. For example, you can use two chairs to make a gate the ball has to go through on the way to a target.

You can use anything like coffee or dining table legs as well. Basically, you can use any piece of furniture that can make a gate with another piece. Gate drills are very good for accuracy and can help you to become more precise with your putter.

Image by Peter Drew on Unsplash
Image by Peter Drew on Unsplash

5. Putt on Different Surfaces

At first, this might not make much sense, but bear with me. You know already that putting greens do not have to necessarily be all the same. Sometimes they will be in better condition and sometimes in worse condition. They could be faster or slower. There are flatter ones and there are ones with more undulation.

That being said, there is a good chance you have a few different surfaces at home. There could be wooden flooring, tiles, carpet, or anything else. Naturally, if you practice putting on all those surfaces, the ball is going to act differently. That makes it a good chance to practice for different conditions in one place.

Sometimes all it takes is a bit of creativity to be able to do something. If you do have different surfaces at home and decide to give it a try, just be cautious with furniture and objects in the surroundings.

Make the Best of the Situation

Golf is an amazing sport that takes a lot of time and dedication if you want to become good at it. For that reason, you should take advantage of the environment you find yourself in. In this case, it is your home that could be extremely convenient to help you improve your putting.

A lot of successful professional athletes have stories of creative practice at home. I am not saying you have to do it as intensively as they did, but you can still do it to improve. Now take a look around you, make a practice plan, grab your putter, and go.

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How to Improve Putting Alignment – 5 Tips for Beginners

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The good old saying goes drive for show, putt for dough. Even if you just started golfing, there is a great chance you have heard it already. I can also tell you that you will hear it many, many times as long as you golf. Anyway, in order to become proficient on the green, you have to know how to improve putting alignment.

There is a fact related to putting which is very important to be aware of. Your putter is the only club in your bag you will use on every single hole.

Obviously, there is the exception when you hole out, but that does not happen so often. For that reason, you should be very comfortable on the green.

Besides having the right putter that suits your putting style, you have to master putting alignment. Starting the ball on the right line is one of the keys to success.

Robert Ruggiero on Unsplash
Robert Ruggiero on Unsplash

There is no golfer who can sink each and every putt, except maybe Tiger Woods in his prime. What you want is to give yourself a chance to get that ball into the hole or to roll it as close as possible. There is one thing golfers really don’t like, and that is three putts. Good alignment is one of the things that can help you avoid that.

1. Use the Ball Design to Your Advantage

It has been a long time since golf balls have alignment lines on them. Yet, there are a number of recreational golfers who do not use them whatsoever. That is a shame because the balls are designed that way to help when putting. Just ask professional golfers about it, I doubt there will be any of them who do not align before putting.

I know, professional golfers draw a line with a sharpie on the ball themselves to help them with putting. In any case, they do use a straight line on the golf ball to align it before the putt. There is a reason for that, it does help. Granted, you have to align it on the right line in order for it to work.

There are industry experts who advise recreational golfers against using the alignment aid. The explanation is that a lot of them do not align the ball properly. Despite that, it can be a powerful tool when you do align the ball properly. For that reason, you could try it and see what it does for you.

2. Know How to Read the Green

Here we go with reading the green. Like you haven’t heard enough about this since you started golfing. No matter how long you have been golfing, you always hear about this topic. Let me just say you hear about it all the time for a good reason. It is very important if you want to lower your number of putts per round.

Knowing how to read the green is essential for putting alignment. In order to align the ball properly, you have to know what it is going to do while rolling on the way to the hole. There is a huge difference if the ball is going to go straight if it is going to break left or right, or if it is going to be a double break.

Because of all that, you have to read the green the right way. There are several things you can do to achieve that. To start with, be aware of how fast it is. Then you can check the undulations from different angles. You can walk your line without stepping on it to see which way it is tilting. There are different sources out there where you can see all the ways to read the green.

Frederik Rosar on Unsplash
Frederik Rosar on Unsplash

3. Pick a Line According to the Putt

What says just above can be confusing. Let me explain what I mean by according to the putt. It has and hasn’t to do with reading the green. The part that is related to reading the green is whether there is a slope or not. Meaning, that part of picking the line is going to depend on the possible break on the way to the hole.

The second part is actually more important. What line you pick can entirely depend on how fast your putt is going to be. If you are going for a faster putt, your line should be straighter. I would suggest this for shorter putts or longer uphill putts. When the putt is faster there are fewer breaks because of the speed, therefore the line is going to be straighter.

On the other hand, if you decide to go with a dying-speed putt, your line has to be more precise. I mean that in a way that you have to account for all the possible breaks. Slower putts do not hold the line so well because any slope, even the slightest one, comes into play. Whatever you decide to do, trust your line and go for it.

4. Observe Other Golfers Putting

This is only applicable if you are not the first one to putt. You can learn a lot from just observing other golfers putting. It reveals the speed of the green, the slopes, and the green condition in general. A big bonus is if someone ahead of you is putting close to your line. Then all you see you can instantly apply it to your putt.

More so, try to pay attention to what another golfer’s ball does when it gets closer to the hole. That also applies to the situation when it goes past the hole. All that info can be very valuable. In case you play a course often, then you could try to remember your putts as well so you can do better next time.

When you see someone putt it can help you to align your ball better. Based on everything you see it could make you readjust your putt before going for it.

Peter Drew on Unsplash
Peter Drew on Unsplash

5. Be Aware of the Green Condition

This is a thing that could easily slip under the radar. Even if you have done all the preparation properly, you still have to see what kind of green you are dealing with on a day. You might think it has nothing to do with alignment, but it certainly does. The main thing the green condition affects is putting speed.

Now, putting speed will determine the line you want to start your ball on. That is directly related to alignment, particularly on putts that involve a break. If the green is slower, you might take a more direct line. In case of a faster green, you might want to take a bit of an arc line. All in all, it is another thing to pay attention to when aligning the putt.

Proper Alignment Can Help Your Game

Think about putting as an area of your game that can help you lower your handicap. Remember that putting strokes make a big portion of your scorecard. If you two-putt every single hole, that adds up to 36 strokes on your card. Lowering that number to 30 or less would make a significant difference in your score.

This goes especially if you are trying to break a score or just start shooting better numbers. Either way, it is an area worth working on. Next time you decide to practice try to incorporate some putting into it. A lot of recreational golfers focus way too much on their swing, while some simpler solutions might be within reach.

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Top Golf Putting Tips – How to Master the Greens

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If you fall into the recreational golfer category, there is a good chance you are neglecting your putting practice. Don’t worry, it is a common thing. Most of us tend to prioritize our swing over putting all the time. With that being the case, check the top golf putting tips below in order to help you master the greens.

There is no shortcut to getting better at golf, that is the truth. In the same way, there is no shortcut to getting better at putting. However, there are things that can help you on the green.

It takes time to see results when you start changing your golf game.

We all have some routines when it comes to putting. Sometimes we have to change them to see better outcomes.

There is a reason why professional golfers seem to be putting with such ease. Besides all the hours they put into practice, they do certain things that help even more. Some are related to putting techniques and others are related to knowing the greens better. You will find a few of those things as you keep reading this article.

Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash
Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash

Learn to Read the Greens

Reading the greens the right way is the recipe for lower scores. You can be great at controlling the putting pace, but if you do not get it on the right line all is for nothing. Now, there are things recreational golfers do to read the greens and there are additional things the professionals do.

You will not have enough time to do the reading thoroughly as the pros do, since you can’t spend that much time on the green due to the pace of play. Nonetheless, there are a few things you can do to read them better. Walking around the green and reading it from different positions is one of them.

Additionally, you can walk your putting line and stop at certain spots to see if it tilts either way and how much it tilts. It is also a good idea to observe other golfers in your group when they putt. That will give you an idea of the green speed as well as where the putts are moving toward. You can also find other ways that can work to improve your green reading skills.

Use Practice Greens to Your Advantage

Usually, the golf course has a practice green where you can warm up before your tee time. What I notice a lot is that not that many golfers take advantage of that. It is a shame because it is complementary. On top of that, it can help you a lot for the round of golf you are about to play.

First of all, it is a good way to warm up. There is nothing worse for your body but to start hitting balls cold. Any form of warm-up is good, this one included. Besides that, it can give you information on the current greens’ condition. You can see how fast the greens are so you can adapt your putting for the day.

Image by Frederik Rosar on Unsplash
Image by Frederik Rosar on Unsplash

Rotate Your Shoulders

One of the things that lead to putting inconsistency is using arms or wrists. That way is harder to control the stroke pace and the putter head. If you have a look at the tour pros you will notice how they move their shoulders and arms in sync. It almost looks as if their putter is an extension of their arms.

When you move only your shoulders and arms while putting you leave less room for errors. It might feel weird in the beginning, but once you get hold of it brings more consistency. Everything should be basically locked in with no separate arms or wrist motion. Start doing that and you will see better results.

Strike the Ball Firmly on Short Putts

Greens can be very tricky and sometimes short putts are harder than long ones. For one, you feel more pressure in making a 3-foot putt compared to a 20-foot one. As simple as it seems, it can be far from that. There are a couple of reasons for missing short putts. One is missing the line and the other is the pace.

If you have a look at the pros they rarely make a short putt that dies off by the time it reaches the hole. They always strike the ball firmly on those occasions. Assuming that their line is correct, those firm putts will end up in the hole. That leaves less room for a mistake that can happen if the putt is too soft.

When a short putt is too soft the ball can easily get off the line on the way to the hole. There can always be some slight bend on the way to the hole that you can’t see. Striking the ball firmly eliminates surprises and makes sure your ball goes straight into the hole. Next time find the right line and hit the ball firmly enough to hold the line on its way in.

Image by Lukas Opekar on Unsplash
Image by Lukas Opekar on Unsplash

Find the Most Comfortable Grip

As trivial as it sounds, the grip is very important when it comes to putting. There are many variations of it and it can make a difference. The last thing you need on the green is a grip that does not feel comfortable. Not just that, but it is also important that it brings you consistency putt after putt.

You can try classic grips, unconventional grips like the claw, or even the lead hand lower grip. Play around with it and find the one that suits you the most. On top of that make sure you are using a putter that matches your stroke in order to feel complete comfort while putting.

Strengthen Your Putting for a Lower Score

If you were ever wondering ways you can lower your score besides hitting the ball further, putting is one of them. Think about it for one moment. When you putt with an average of 2 strokes per hole, you end up with 36 putts in a round. If you lower that to around 1.7 putts per hole, you are now at 30 or 31 putts for the round. That is 5 to 6 strokes less on your card.

Who would not like to shave off a few strokes of their scorecard? It may take some time and persistence but it is achievable. The chances are it won’t happen every single round even when you do improve. But when it starts happening more often than not, it will be a good feeling. It is definitely worth working on your putting in order to lower your score.

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Categories: Gameplay Golf Tips Putting

Golf Putting Tips for Beginners – How to Putt Better

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Besides your golf ball, your putter is the only other item in your bag you will be using on every single hole. That emphasizes the importance of doing the right things on the green. Golf putting tips for beginners will help you to putt better with more confidence. There is way more to putting than just rolling the ball towards the hole.

As simple as putting seems, there are more things to pay attention to. It starts with choosing the right club, striking the ball well, and reading the green properly. Professional golfers spend as much time on putting as on any other segment of the game. That is why they are so good at it.

An average recreational golfer usually does minimum putting practice. Since it would require a significant amount of time to practice everything equally, putting gets sacrificed. Despite that, there are things to be done in order to become a better putter. Some practice will still be required, but it is doable.

Image by Matt Seymour on Unsplash
Image by Matt Seymour on Unsplash
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Categories: Beginners Putting

What Is the Correct Putting Stroke? – The Different Types

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Putting is often underrated. That is true mostly for the world of amateur golfers. Professionals on the PGA and LPGA tours know well how important putting is. There are a lot of good questions about it. One of the more important ones is what is the correct putting stroke. As with most things related to golf, there is no simple answer.

When you picked up your putter for the first time you stroke the ball in a certain way. There is a good chance you still do it the same way. You should probably keep doing it that way if it works fine. However, there are different types of strokes you could be using. No stroke is the right or wrong one and both could be used efficiently.

Think of it like the different types of swings you use for different distances and different golf clubs. Sometimes you will use a longer stroke and sometimes a shorter one. But not all are in the stroke length, there is something to the intensity and swing direction. Playing conditions could be affecting what kind of stroke you use.

Image by Gene Gallin on Unsplash
Image by Gene Gallin on Unsplash
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Categories: Putting

Putting Drills for Beginners – Guide to Success

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We already know that practice makes perfect, especially when it has a purpose. Just grabbing a putter and rolling the balls towards the hole can help, but if you just started golfing some putting drills for beginners will help you improve faster. When you get on the green, you will find yourself in a lot of different situations.

You could find yourself in some difficult ones and you want to be ready for it. No matter if it is a 2-foot or a 20-foot putt, downhill or uphill, breaking to the left or breaking to the right, in dry or wet conditions, some drills can make your putting easier.

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Categories: Beginners Drills Putting

Putting Tips for Beginners – Get Confident on the Green

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Putting is the final part of a golfer’s game on every hole on every golf course out there. It is often neglected when someone starts to play, and for that reason, I will focus on some putting tips for beginners to build some confidence on the green. When a golfer begins the journey, almost all the learning and practice time goes into the swing with the driver, irons, or wedges.

There is little to no time allocated to the segment of putting. I can relate to that because that is exactly how my learning curve started. After I figured that out I started paying more attention to what I do when putting so I can correct myself and improve. Like every other segment of the golf game, it is a lifetime learning process.

A lot of times your approach shots are going to be great, and only an easy putt will be needed to roll that ball into the hole, but there are going to be times when more challenging putts are going to be needed. When those situations happen, it is good to have a variety of different strokes in the bag to use on demand. We can get there by following some simple tips that will help us in the process. Below I will touch on different segments of putting from preparation to execution.

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Categories: Beginners Putting