Putting is an essential part of golf, and it can make or break a game. Controlling the distance of your putts is crucial to ensuring that you make the shots you need to make. However, many golfers struggle with controlling the distance of their putts, leading to frustration and lost opportunities. In this article, we will explore some tips and techniques for controlling your distance in putting, so you can improve your game and shoot lower scores. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, these tips will help you develop a better feel for the putter and make more confident, accurate shots.
Understanding the Basics of Putting
Grip and Stance
The Correct Grip for Putting
One of the most crucial aspects of putting is the grip. A proper grip can help you maintain control over the ball and improve your accuracy. The traditional grip for putting is known as the “concentric circles” grip, where the fingers are placed in a specific pattern around the golf club handle. This grip allows for a consistent and smooth stroke, reducing the chances of mishits.
The Importance of a Proper Stance
A proper stance is essential for a good putting stroke. It provides stability and control over the direction of the ball. A balanced stance ensures that you can make a smooth and controlled putting stroke without losing your balance. A common mistake among golfers is to lean over the ball, which can cause a loss of balance and affect the accuracy of the shot. Instead, it’s important to stand up straight, with your weight evenly distributed on both feet, and your eyes focused on the ball.
In addition to providing stability, a proper stance also helps with alignment. A common rule of thumb is to position the ball so that it is between your eyes and the hole. This ensures that you are lined up correctly and have a clear target.
Overall, mastering the basics of putting, including the correct grip and stance, is essential for controlling your distance and improving your accuracy on the green.
Reading the Green
One of the most important aspects of putting is being able to read the green correctly. This means understanding the speed and direction of the greens, as well as the terrain and other factors that can affect the roll of the ball. Here are some tips for analyzing the green and determining the correct line:
- Speed and direction of the greens: The speed and direction of the greens can vary greatly from one hole to the next, and even from one part of the green to another. It’s important to pay attention to the condition of the greens and to take note of any changes in speed or direction.
- Terrain: The terrain of the green can also have a big impact on the roll of the ball. For example, if the green is sloping from right to left, the ball will tend to roll to the left if it’s hit too hard. Similarly, if the green is on a hill, the ball will tend to roll away from the hole if it’s hit too softly.
- Other factors: Other factors that can affect the roll of the ball include the type of grass on the green, the presence of any hazards or obstacles, and the wind conditions.
- Analyzing the green: To analyze the green, it’s important to take your time and to carefully observe the conditions. Walk around the green and take note of any changes in speed or direction, as well as any other factors that could affect the roll of the ball. You can also use a laser rangefinder or other tool to measure the distance to the hole and to identify any hazards or other features of the green.
- Determining the correct line: Once you’ve analyzed the green, you can use your observations to determine the correct line for your putt. This may involve taking into account the speed and direction of the greens, the terrain, and any other factors that could affect the roll of the ball. With practice, you’ll develop a sense for how hard to hit the ball and which line to aim for in order to get the ball to roll towards the hole.
Mental Game
Putting is not just about physical technique, it’s also a mental game. The way you think and feel on the green can have a significant impact on your performance. Here are some tips for managing your mental game:
The Importance of Focus and Concentration
Focus and concentration are key elements of a successful putting performance. To putt well, you need to be able to concentrate on the task at hand and block out distractions. Here are some tips for improving your focus and concentration:
- Find a quiet, comfortable place to practice putting.
- Set aside dedicated time for practicing putting.
- Use visualization techniques to help you focus on the task at hand.
- Practice mindfulness techniques to help you stay present and focused.
How to Control Your Emotions on the Green
Emotions can be a powerful force on the golf course, and putting is no exception. It’s important to learn how to manage your emotions on the green so that you can perform at your best. Here are some tips for controlling your emotions on the green:
- Stay calm and composed, even if things aren’t going well.
- Practice positive self-talk to help you stay confident and focused.
- Use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, to help you manage stress and anxiety.
- Avoid getting too high or too low after making a putt – try to maintain a consistent emotional state throughout your round.
Controlling Your Distance in Putting
Techniques for Short Putts
When it comes to short putts, there are a few techniques that can help you control your distance and sink the ball. Here are three techniques to consider:
- The open stance technique
- The cross-handed technique
- The conventional grip technique
The Open Stance Technique
The open stance technique is a great option for short putts because it allows you to focus on your stroke and maintain a steady pace. To use this technique, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and keep your knees slightly bent. Place the ball behind the ball marker and use a normal stance. Keep your left arm straight and use a short, smooth stroke to hit the ball.
The Cross-Handed Technique
The cross-handed technique is another option for short putts. This technique is great for players who struggle with a conventional grip. To use this technique, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and keep your knees slightly bent. Place the ball behind the ball marker and use a normal stance. Place your left hand on top of your right hand and use a short, smooth stroke to hit the ball.
The Conventional Grip Technique
The conventional grip technique is the most common technique used in putting. To use this technique, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and keep your knees slightly bent. Place the ball behind the ball marker and use a normal stance. Place your left hand on the grip and your right hand on top of your left hand. Use a short, smooth stroke to hit the ball.
It’s important to note that each of these techniques has its own advantages and disadvantages. The open stance technique is great for players who want to focus on their stroke, while the cross-handed technique is great for players who struggle with a conventional grip. The conventional grip technique is the most common technique used in putting, but it may not be suitable for all players.
Experiment with these techniques to find the one that works best for you. With practice, you’ll be able to control your distance and sink more short putts.
Techniques for Long Putts
When it comes to long putts, accuracy is key. The following techniques can help you control your distance and improve your accuracy on longer putts:
- The hybrid technique:
- This technique combines elements of the conventional putting stroke and the pitching stroke.
- It is particularly useful for putts that are too long to use the conventional stroke but not long enough to require a full-scale pitching stroke.
- To execute the hybrid technique, start with a narrow stance and use a longer putter.
- Keep your eyes on the ball and use a smooth, pendulum-like motion to make contact with the ball.
- Be sure to keep your arms and hands relaxed throughout the stroke.
- The two-putt technique:
- This technique involves using a more deliberate, controlled stroke for the first putt, with the aim of leaving the ball in a specific location on the green.
- On the second putt, you can then use a more aggressive stroke to finish the putt.
- To execute the two-putt technique, use a more vertical stroke for the first putt, keeping your hands forward and your eyes on the ball.
- On the second putt, use a more standard putting stroke, but be sure to take into account the slope and speed of the green.
- The toe-down putting stroke:
- This technique is particularly useful for long putts on fast, sloping greens.
- To execute the toe-down putting stroke, set up with a narrow stance and a slightly longer putter.
- Keep your eyes on the ball and make a stroke that is similar to a pendulum swing, but with the putterhead trailing behind the ball at impact.
- Be sure to keep your hands and arms relaxed throughout the stroke.
By mastering these techniques for long putts, you can improve your accuracy and reduce your score on the golf course.
Practice Drills
As with any aspect of golf, practice is key to improving your putting distance control. There are a variety of drills you can use to hone your skills and perfect your technique.
Putting Drills to Improve Distance Control
One effective drill is to set up a series of balls at different distances from the hole, and then try to hit each one using the same speed and stroke. This will help you develop a better sense of how much force to apply to the ball based on the distance, as well as improve your ability to make adjustments based on the break of the green.
Another useful drill is to practice using different stroke techniques, such as the standard pendulum stroke or the “crossover” grip. Experimenting with different styles can help you find the one that works best for you and allows you to maintain the most consistent distance control.
Practice Routines to Perfect Your Technique
In addition to specific putting drills, it’s important to incorporate general practice routines into your daily sessions. This might include warm-up exercises, putting from various distances and angles, and spending time practicing your setup and stance.
One helpful tip is to use a putting mat or other artificial surface to practice on, as this can help you develop your skills in a controlled environment before moving on to the real thing. Additionally, make sure to take regular breaks to rest and refocus your attention, as fatigue can quickly set in and negatively impact your performance.
Overall, the key to improving your distance control in putting is to practice consistently and focus on developing a smooth, controlled stroke that allows you to accurately judge the speed and force needed for each shot. With time and effort, you’ll be able to master this crucial aspect of the game and see improvements in your overall putting performance.
Tips for Successful Putting
Visualization
Visualization is a powerful tool that can help golfers improve their putting skills. It involves mentally rehearsing the shot before actually taking it, which can help increase confidence and reduce anxiety on the green. Here are some tips for effective visualization in putting:
- Focus on the target: One of the most important aspects of visualization is to focus on the target. Golfers should visualize the ball rolling towards the hole and ending up in the cup. This can help improve accuracy and increase the chances of making the putt.
- Use all five senses: Visualization should not only involve seeing the shot, but also using all five senses. Golfers can imagine the sound of the ball rolling into the cup, the feeling of the putter head hitting the ball, and even the smell of the grass on the green.
- Slow down the motion: It’s important to visualize the shot slowly and deliberately. Golfers should take their time and mentally rehearse each step of the putting process, from addressing the ball to the final follow-through.
- Repeat the process: Visualization should be practiced regularly, especially before each round of golf. Golfers can spend a few minutes each day visualizing successful putts, which can help build confidence and improve their putting skills over time.
By incorporating visualization into their putting routine, golfers can improve their focus, reduce anxiety, and increase their chances of making more putts.
Trusting Your Instincts
Trusting your instincts on the green is an essential aspect of successful putting. Here are some key points to consider:
- Trusting your instincts: One of the most crucial factors in putting is trusting your instincts. It’s essential to develop a sense of feel for the speed and line of your putts, which comes with practice and experience. When you trust your instincts, you’ll be able to make more confident strokes and ultimately make more putts.
- The importance of feeling comfortable with your putting stroke: Trusting your instincts also involves feeling comfortable with your putting stroke. If you’re uncomfortable with your stroke, it’s challenging to trust your instincts. So, it’s essential to develop a smooth and comfortable putting stroke that feels natural to you.
By trusting your instincts and feeling comfortable with your putting stroke, you’ll be able to develop a sense of feel for the speed and line of your putts. This will enable you to make more confident strokes and ultimately make more putts.
Post-Putting Routine
The Importance of a Post-Putting Routine
Developing a consistent post-putting routine can greatly improve your putting performance. By creating a pre-shot routine, you establish a rhythm and routine that can help you maintain focus and control your emotions during the putting process.
Tips for Winding Down After a Putt
- Take a Deep Breath: After sinking a putt, take a deep breath to help calm your body and mind. This will help you stay focused and avoid becoming too excited or anxious for the next shot.
- Practice Good Etiquette: Remember to rake the sand and clean your ball before moving on to the next shot. This will help maintain the course and show respect for the game.
- Reflect on Your Shot: Take a moment to reflect on your last putt and congratulate yourself for a job well done. This will help reinforce positive feelings and build confidence for the next shot.
- Focus on the Next Shot: Avoid getting too caught up in the previous shot and instead focus on the next one. Take a few moments to visualize your next shot and remind yourself of your target and aim.
- Stay Calm and Relaxed: Try to stay calm and relaxed after a putt, even if it was a long or difficult one. Avoid celebrating too much or getting too excited, as this can throw off your focus and energy for the next shot.
By following these tips for winding down after a putt, you can maintain a consistent and focused approach to your putting game.
FAQs
1. What is distance putting in golf?
Distance putting refers to the act of putting the golf ball from a long distance, typically beyond 10 feet, on a golf green. It requires a high level of accuracy and control to ensure the ball reaches the hole in the desired number of strokes.
2. Why is distance putting important in golf?
Distance putting is important in golf because it allows players to reach the green in fewer strokes, which can save time and improve their overall score. It also requires a different set of skills than regular putting, such as the ability to control the ball’s trajectory and distance.
3. What are some tips for controlling distance in putting?
Some tips for controlling distance in putting include using the right grip, keeping your eye on the ball, using the correct stance and body position, and paying attention to the speed and trajectory of the ball. Practicing on different types of greens and under different weather conditions can also help improve your distance control.
4. How can I improve my distance control in putting?
Improving your distance control in putting requires practice and repetition. Start by practicing on a flat surface and gradually increase the distance as you become more comfortable. Focus on using a consistent stroke and paying attention to your body position and ball position throughout the stroke. Seek feedback from a golf pro or coach to help identify areas for improvement.
5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when putting from a distance?
Some common mistakes to avoid when putting from a distance include using too much force, taking your eye off the ball, using an incorrect grip, and not paying attention to your body position and ball position. It’s also important to avoid rushing the stroke and not allowing the club to do the work.
6. How do I choose the right putter for distance putting?
Choosing the right putter for distance putting depends on your personal preference and the type of putting stroke you use. Some putters have a longer shaft and a heavier head, which can help with distance control and accuracy. Others may have a lighter head and a shorter shaft, which can be more suitable for a smooth, consistent stroke. Experiment with different putters to find the one that feels most comfortable and allows you to control your distance and trajectory.