Improve Your Putting Skills Using These Techniques
Tuesday, August 15th, 2017
More than 40% of all strokes in a round of golf are made with a putter, making it crucial to invest time in refining your pre-shot routine and identifying the sweet spot on your putter. By focusing on these steps, you can enhance your consistency on the green and significantly reduce your score. Here are nine tips to elevate your putting skills.
Work on your palm-to-palm grip
A great way to enhance your putting skills begins with your grip. Start by letting your arms hang naturally in front of you. Then, bring your hands together with your palms facing each other as you grasp the shaft of the club. Ensure that the back of your left hand follows a straight line toward your target, guiding the ball in the desired direction. Mastering this technique will significantly enhance your putting performance.
Keep the ball between your eyes
The most skilled putters maintain a consistent gaze on the golf ball. While on the practice green, assume your putting stance and drop a golf ball between your eyes. If your stance is correct, the ball will land on your club head. If it doesn’t, you may need to adjust your posture. Practicing this exercise each time you putt will help it become a natural reflex.
Learn to read the lines on the green
On fast greens, the lines created by the grass mower indicate the pace of play required for that day. A lighter shade signifies smoother turf. While it may take some practice to interpret these lines initially, mastering this skill is essential for enhancing your putting abilities.
Practice putting at all ranges
If you must face long-distance putts, concentration is key. On the practice green, focus on using a solid technique that ensures the consistency required to sink putts consecutively. Practicing from various distances can build the confidence you need for a successful round of golf.
To attempt a long-distance putt, pace your approach carefully. Concentrate on rolling the ball within an imaginary circle that is the width of a dustbin lid. Remember, two 20-foot putts are the logical approach to making par in a round of golf.
Locate the sweet spot
To discover the optimal sweet spot, grip the putter between your index finger and thumb, then gently tap the face with the edge of a coin. The club head should move like a pendulum rather than twisting, so be sure to mark the spot where this motion begins on the top of the putter. This technique will help generate increased overspin and achieve the perfect roll of the ball toward the hole.
Know how to change your putting approach
Like any sport, unpredictability is part of the game. If your putt requires more curl, for example, you’ll need to adjust your putting stroke accordingly. Professional golfers recognize that a putt often has a better chance of sinking from the side rather than approaching the cup head-on. Mastering the ability to adapt your putting technique to specific conditions can significantly lower your score.
Know how to putt from the edge of the green
Sometimes your swing will place the golf ball right on the edge of the putting green. Putting from the fringe of the green can be a difficult task. Try to imagine the hole is further away than it actually is. However, remember that your follow-through will still be the key to scoring par.
Develop a routine
Establishing a pre-shot routine is crucial for reducing your overall score. It’s important to create a routine that promotes a consistent approach to the course. Dedicate time to develop this routine, as well as to refine your ball-striking technique. While it may take some time to master these elements, doing so will significantly enhance your golfing skills. Additionally, be mindful of other golfers on the course; always check their line but avoid stepping into their line of sight.
Align your shoulders properly
Comfort and alignment are essential when it comes to putting. Ensure your shoulders are squared and facing the target where you want the ball to travel. Depending on your dominant hand, position your left hand below your right. This setup helps maintain shoulder alignment at impact. Consider using a short-shafted putter to maximize the effectiveness of your stroke. Your alignment should be slightly adjusted away from the ball. Take a practice swing to gauge the pace, and then give it one final glance before making your putt.
Contact The Academy of Golf Dynamics to improve your game
To discover how attending a golf school can enhance your putting skills, reach out to the experts at The Academy of Golf Dynamics today. Give us a call at (512) 261-3300 or email us for more information about our schools, instructors, and facilities. We are located at 1700 Kahala Sunset Dr in Spicewood, Texas.