Johnny Miller, a well-known figure in the world of golf for his elite ball striking abilities, has shared a clever putting tip that can help golfers improve their game. In a series called Timeless Tips by GOLF.com, Johnny Miller’s advice from the September 1975 issue of GOLF Magazine is revisited. Miller, famous for his exceptional ball striking and legendary broadcasting career, also had a skillful touch on the greens, which contributed to his success in winning multiple major championships.
Miller emphasizes the importance of producing solid contact between the ball and the putter face to ensure accuracy in putting. He highlights the role of the hands in maintaining consistency and solid striking, recommending a palm-to-palm grip to align the hands and the putter face. Miller also suggests a reverse overlapping grip to engage all fingers of the right hand and maintain sensitivity in the stroke.
In terms of grip pressure, Miller advises applying most of the pressure in the left hand, with a firm grip from the back three fingers to maintain balance between both hands. He cautions against gripping too hard with both hands, as it can restrict the overall stroke. Miller also emphasizes the significance of a natural putting stance that allows for fluid movement of the arms and shoulders, advocating for comfortable positioning of the elbows to promote a smooth stroke.
When discussing the fundamentals of putting, Miller draws inspiration from legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus and recommends standing slightly open, playing the ball off the left heel, and aligning the eyes directly over the ball for consistent putting. He stresses the equal involvement of both hands in the stroke, focusing on a one-piece motion with minimal wrist movement. Miller suggests using a mental tempo gimmick, a One-Two count, to maintain a smooth and rhythmic stroke, particularly under pressure.
Contrary to spot putting, Miller visualizes the line from the ball to the hole and focuses on leading his hands down that line for simplicity and concentration on distance. He emphasizes the importance of visualizing a successful outcome for every putt and maintaining a systematic approach to stay positive and focused. Miller shares his own pre-putting routine, which includes visualization, alignment checks, and a maximum of two looks at the hole before executing the stroke, following the pattern of top professionals.
In conclusion, Miller encourages golfers to prioritize hitting the ball solidly through attention to the hands rather than the putter head. By integrating his putting tips and mindset into their game, golfers can strive for improved consistency, accuracy, and positive outcomes on the greens. Johnny Miller’s timeless advice from 1975 continues to resonate with players seeking to enhance their putting performance and overall golf game.
