Hints On How To Improve Putting

By Dorothea Garner


By knowing how to improve putting when playing golf, you will be able to lower your score. Putting is very important and can mean the difference between a birdie and a bogey, or even worse. To putt well consistently, you need to master both the pace and line of your putts. Spend time practicing some drills. This will make all the difference to your score.

There are basically two types of putt. The lag putt is a long distance putt and at least ten feet from the hole. The aim here is to put the ball as close to the hole as possible. The short putt needs to be accurate enough to be put in the hole each time. This will save the frustration of requiring extra putts just to finish a hole. Getting the distance accurate is the most important factor for long putts. Line is more important on short putts.

There are various drills which will help you develop the necessary skills. To start with, place two markers in a line on the green and a foot or two apart. Putt so that the ball stops between the two markers. Over the course of a few days, close the distance between the markers. Once you can place ten balls accurately, try the same thing from further away. When you are accurate at that distance, move closer and repeat the drill.

With time, this exercise will improve your accuracy to a remarkable degree. It is now time to try hitting random distances with each stroke. Toss a coin or marker on the green and putt to it. Pick up the coin and throw it randomly again. Repeat this process, aiming for accuracy with every shot.

To help improve hitting on a desired line, place two markers on the green with only the width of a golf ball between them. Putt from six inches away and continue until you can place ten consecutive balls between the markers without touching either. Then move back a foot and try again.

Find a level surface when first trying these exercises. Later, attempt them on a slope. It is important to keep your head steady. If you lift your head too early, you will move the putter away from the line and the shot will be spoiled.

Make sure you're not holding your breath but are breathing normally. Take two or three deep breaths to help relax your muscles. Aim at a pendulum-type swing. Stabbing actions or flicking the wrists can cause the ball to bounce instead of rolling and accuracy will be lost.

Reading the green will only come with experience. Many putts follow a parabolic or curved line to the hole. Some greens are much faster than others. Weather conditions also play a part. Dry greens are faster than wet ones. On an uphill slope, the ball will need a firmer push than on a downhill. Watch for and remove twigs, stones or sand which may affect your putt. It is permissible to pick up the ball and clean it. Mark its position first. With these tips on how to improve putting, your game scores will start to drop.




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