One of the essential parts of a successful golf game is the ability to putt. If you can master the art of putting, you’ll be able to make short and long shots seem easy. Some simple tips can help you improve your putting. These tips are a must for every golfer to know!
Eyes Over the Ball
While you may be tempted to keep your head down when putting, it can hinder your ability to aim the putter accurately. This is because the position of your eyes affects how you perceive the line between the ball and the hole.
You’ll see the target line without distortion if you’re positioned with your eyes over the ball. In contrast, if your eyes are too far outside the target line, you’ll likely subconsciously aim too far right, and if they’re too far inside the line, you’ll more likely subconsciously aim too far left.
This can lead to more missed putts. That’s why Short Game Gains co-founder Frederik Linblom recommends checking your eye alignment regularly with a putting mirror to ensure you’re aiming down the intended line every time.
Keep Your Head Down
When you’re put, you move your head excessively, making it tricky to control your position and keep your stroke straight.
One of the best ways to do this is to focus on a specific dimple before your backswing. This allows you to see where you need to change your head position during your swing.
Another tip that can help you stay still is watching your shadow. This is a great drill to use in practice and can be especially helpful on a sunny day when your shadow might get in the way of seeing your line.
The more you can train yourself to make this move, the easier it will be to incorporate into your swing. Run this drill 50-100X a day, and you’ll soon start to notice a difference in your putting results. You’ll hit the ball solidly, make more short putts and get your long ones closer more consistently.
Look at the Line Between the Ball and the Hole
Many golfers are so focused on the ball that they forget to look at the line between it and the hole. However, this is an essential aspect of putting that can help you start your putt on the right path.
First, look at the green between your ball and the hole and try to guess the line. If you need more clarification, ask your caddie or use your experience.
Once you’ve guessed, move to the next step.
You’ll want to determine whether your putt is breaking straight or has a significant amount of break. The best way to do this is to stand straddling the putting line with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Then, position your putter face at the ideal angle to start the ball down the red line (pictured above). This is known as the “start direction” and will give you more control over the speed of your putt.
Practice
If you want to play better golf and shoot lower scores, you should focus more on your putting than anything else. Whether you are playing on the weekend or the Tour, the best players in the world understand that holing putts when it counts is the key to low handicaps.
To practice putting effectively, you need to have a plan and goals. There are many different putting drills that you can use to improve your game, and they can be done alone or with friends.
One of the most effective putting drills is to set up a target on your practice green. Use a small golf tee or tape to make it more difficult.
Another great putting drill is to use books, which can be used as distance markers for your putts. You can start with a ball at 3 feet and work up to 7 feet. Doing this will help you get the feel of putting with a very short putter and the correct alignment of your putting stroke.