For golfers looking to improve their game, focusing on their putting skills is key. Putts account for about half of total strokes in a round of golf, making it essential to work on improving this aspect of the game. By making small adjustments to your setup, stroke, and reading greens, you can significantly lower your scores and have a breakthrough season. In this guide, we will explore some expert tips and techniques to help you level up your putting game and tap into your true potential.
One of the first things to focus on when practicing putting is your setup. Brad Faxon, a PGA Tour winner and putting coach, emphasizes the importance of a proper address position. A good setup includes elements such as proper body alignment, weight distribution, ball position, and eye position. By ensuring that your stance, weight, and eye position are in the correct positions, you can set yourself up for a consistent and repeatable stroke. Checking your setup in a mirror can help you identify any areas that need adjustment.
To improve your putting stroke, consider adopting the 60-40 technique. This technique involves a longer backstroke and a shorter through stroke, contrary to the traditional belief of accelerating through the stroke. Research from top golf teachers suggests that the long-to-short stroke can lead to better speed control, reduced face rotation, and improved consistency on the greens. By practicing this technique and focusing on the length of your strokes, you can enhance your distance control and overall putting performance.
In addition to perfecting your setup and stroke, learning to read greens is essential for becoming a great putter. By understanding the contours of the greens and how they will affect your putts, you can leave the ball closer to the hole and avoid unnecessary three-putts. Simple methods like Carly Schneider’s approach of determining if a putt is uphill or downhill and moving left or right can help you make better decisions on the greens. Utilizing green reading tools like a mirror or book can also assist in improving your putting accuracy.
While there are specific techniques and drills to help you improve your putting, consistent practice is key to mastering this aspect of the game. By incorporating drills that focus on distance control, short putts, and challenging reads, you can enhance your skills and build confidence on the greens. Tools like the Putting Arc Mirror can provide visual feedback on your alignment and stroke path, helping you perfect the fundamentals of putting. By dedicating time to practice regularly and incorporating feedback from training aids, you can elevate your putting game and see significant improvements in your scores.
Overall, to become a proficient putter, it is essential to focus on your setup, stroke, and reading greens. By fine-tuning these aspects of your putting game and incorporating regular practice, you can lower your scores, reduce three-putts, and gain confidence on the greens. Implementing expert tips and techniques, such as proper body alignment, weight distribution, the 60-40 stroke technique, and green reading strategies, can help you tap into your true putting potential and achieve breakthrough results in your game. Start working on your putting skills today and watch your scores improve throughout the season.
