Improving your putting skills can have a significant impact on your overall golf game. One of the most confidence-boosting moments on the golf course is sinking a difficult 4- or 5-footer putt. However, missing these crucial putts can be detrimental to your scorecard and your mental game. The ability to consistently make these medium-length putts can be the difference between a great round and an average one. The best players in the world are making roughly 8 out of 10 putts from 5 feet, with the PGA Tour average at 82%. Even the lowest-ranked player in this category, Kevin Streelman, is still successful 63% of the time. Learning to make more of these putts can lead to lower scores and increased confidence on the greens.
Shawn Callahan, a GOLF Top 100 Teacher, offers a helpful drill to improve your short putting game. By using a 4-foot T-Square on the putting green and creating a gate with tees, you can practice getting your putter face square and consistently on line. This drill focuses on the fundamentals of putting, such as stroke consistency and ball position. By honing in on your short putting skills, you can build a solid foundation for success on the greens. Callahan emphasizes that finding the right ball position and becoming comfortable with your stroke are key components of improving your putting performance.
The concept of the pendulum stroke is essential to mastering short putts. Understanding the arc and pendulum motion of your putter can help you develop a more consistent and reliable stroke. By practicing the T-Square drill and focusing on getting the face square and the ball on line, you can improve your accuracy and confidence on those critical 4- and 5-foot putts. Callahan’s approach to short game practice highlights the importance of repetition and refining your technique to achieve better results on the greens. By dedicating time to short putting drills, you can see significant improvement in your overall putting performance and scoring ability on the course.
The mental aspect of putting is just as important as the physical technique. Confidence and focus play a significant role in sinking those clutch putts under pressure. By practicing consistently and utilizing drills like the T-Square exercise, you can develop a more confident and reliable putting stroke. Visualizing success and maintaining a positive mindset on the greens can help you stay calm and composed when facing challenging putts. Building a routine and practicing with purpose can enhance your mental game and improve your ability to convert those scoring opportunities on the green.
Incorporating short putting drills into your practice routine can lead to tangible improvements in your overall golf game. By focusing on the fundamentals of putting and mastering the art of the pendulum stroke, you can become more successful in sinking those crucial 4- and 5-foot putts. Shawn Callahan’s T-Square drill offers a practical and effective method for honing your short game skills and increasing your confidence on the greens. Whether you are a recreational player looking to lower your scores or a competitive golfer striving for consistent putting performance, dedicating time to short game practice can have a lasting impact on your game. Strengthening your putting skills through targeted drills and mental preparation can elevate your performance and lead to greater success on the course.
