Golf is a game of precision and accuracy, and the putt is one of the most critical shots in the game. It’s the shot that determines whether you make a birdie or bogey, and it’s the shot that can make or break your round. So, it’s no surprise that many golfers spend countless hours practicing their putting stroke. But what is the best way to putt? Is there a secret technique that will help you sink more putts? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various methods and techniques used by top golfers to improve their putting stroke and give you the tools you need to become a better putter. So, grab your putter and let’s get started!
Understanding the Basics of Putt
Grip
The right grip for a successful putt
When it comes to improving your putt, one of the most crucial aspects to consider is your grip. The right grip can make all the difference in the world, as it helps you maintain control over the club and ensures that you can make a smooth, consistent stroke.
The traditional grip for putting is often referred to as the “overlap grip,” where the right hand is placed below the left on the grip. This grip allows for a more stable and controlled stroke, as it keeps the hands in close proximity to the body and the clubface square to the target.
To achieve the overlap grip, begin by placing the hands on the club with the palms facing towards the target. The right hand should be placed below the left, with the fingers intertwined and the thumbs resting against the right side of the shaft. The left hand should be placed slightly forward of the right, with the fingers wrapping around the grip and the thumb resting against the bottom of the shaft.
Once you have a firm grip on the club, it’s important to keep your hands relaxed and your wrists firm, as this will help you maintain control over the club and prevent any unwanted movement during your stroke.
The left hand grip
In addition to the right grip, the left hand also plays a crucial role in determining the success of your putt. The left hand is responsible for keeping the clubface square to the target and providing stability during the stroke.
To achieve a proper left hand grip, begin by placing the left hand on the grip with the palm facing towards the target. The fingers should be wrapped around the grip, with the thumb resting against the bottom of the shaft. The left hand should be placed slightly forward of the right, and the two hands should be intertwined with the fingers.
It’s important to keep the left hand relaxed and firm during the stroke, as this will help you maintain control over the club and prevent any unwanted movement. Additionally, the left hand should be used to provide a stable base for the putter, as this will help you keep the clubface square to the target throughout the stroke.
Stance
When it comes to putting, the stance you take is crucial to the success of your shot. A proper stance will help you maintain balance and control throughout the swing, allowing you to make a smooth and accurate putt. Here are some key points to keep in mind when setting up for a putt:
- The Proper Stance for Putting: The most common stance for putting is the conventional or square stance. In this stance, your feet are shoulder-width apart, with the ball positioned between your feet. Your weight should be evenly distributed on both feet, with the front foot slightly in front of the back foot.
- How to Set Up for a Putt: To set up for a putt, begin by placing the ball in the center of your stance. Next, take a few practice swings to get a feel for the weight and balance of the club. Adjust your stance as needed until you find a comfortable and balanced position. It’s important to keep your eyes on the ball throughout the setup process to ensure that you’re focused and ready to make the putt.
In addition to the conventional stance, there are other stances that can be used for putting, such as the reverse or cross-handed stance. These stances may be useful for certain players, depending on their body type and putting style. It’s important to experiment with different stances to find the one that works best for you.
Overall, the key to a successful putt is to find a stance that allows you to maintain balance and control throughout the swing. With practice and patience, you can improve your putting stance and make more accurate putts.
Alignment
How to align your body and the ball for a straight putt
When it comes to making a straight putt, the key is to align your body and the ball in the right way. To do this, you need to position your body so that your eyes are directly over the ball, and your feet are shoulder-width apart. Your hands should be positioned on the grip of the putter, with your right hand on top of the grip and your left hand lower down.
The importance of eye alignment
One of the most important aspects of good alignment is eye alignment. Your eyes should be directly over the ball, and you should be looking at the point where the ball is going to enter the hole. This will help you to keep your head still and avoid any involuntary movements that could throw off your aim.
It’s also important to keep your eyes focused on the ball throughout the entire putting stroke, rather than looking up too soon or fixating on the hole. This can help you to maintain a smooth and consistent motion, and avoid any last-minute corrections that could throw off your aim.
Overall, good alignment is essential for making a straight putt. By positioning your body and the ball correctly, and focusing on maintaining good eye alignment throughout the stroke, you can increase your chances of sinking that all-important putt.
The Mental Game of Putting
Visualization
Visualization is a powerful tool that can help golfers improve their putting skills. It involves creating a mental image of the perfect putt and then focusing on that image before making the actual shot. Here are some tips on how to effectively visualize your putt for success:
- Create a vivid mental image: To visualize your putt effectively, you need to create a vivid mental image of the perfect shot. This means imagining the ball rolling towards the hole, the line it takes, and the sound it makes when it drops into the cup. The more detailed and realistic your mental image, the better.
- Use all your senses: To make your visualization more effective, try to use all your senses. Imagine the feel of the club in your hands, the sound of the ball rolling across the green, and the smell of the grass. This will help you create a more immersive mental image.
- Practice mental rehearsal techniques: Mental rehearsal techniques involve going over the perfect shot in your mind, step by step. This can help you build confidence and reduce anxiety before you make the actual shot. Try to imagine yourself making the perfect putt, from the moment you address the ball to the moment it drops into the cup.
- Use positive self-talk: As you visualize your putt, use positive self-talk to reinforce your mental image. For example, you might say to yourself, “I am a great putter,” or “I am confident and relaxed over my putts.” This can help you build a positive mindset and increase your confidence on the green.
- Practice regularly: Visualization is a skill that requires practice. Set aside time each day to visualize your putts, and over time, you will become better at creating a vivid mental image and mentally rehearsing the perfect shot.
Confidence
Building confidence in your putting skills
Developing confidence in your putting skills is crucial to improving your overall performance on the green. Here are some strategies to help you build confidence:
- Start with easy putts: Begin by practicing with putts that are within your comfort zone. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the difficulty of the putts.
- Focus on your strengths: Identify your strengths as a putter and concentrate on building your skills in those areas. For example, if you have a natural feel for the arc of the ball, work on refining that aspect of your game.
- Practice under pressure: To simulate real-game conditions, practice putting under pressure. You can do this by setting a timer or playing practice rounds with a partner who will keep score.
Overcoming the fear of missing
Fear of missing a putt can significantly impact your performance on the green. Here are some techniques to help you overcome this fear:
- Visualization: Visualize yourself making the putt before you actually take it. Imagine the ball going into the hole and your reaction to making the putt. This can help build confidence and reduce anxiety.
- Slow down your pace: Rushing your putts can increase the likelihood of missing. Take your time and focus on a smooth, consistent stroke.
- Positive self-talk: Use positive self-talk to encourage yourself during the putting process. Instead of thinking “I hope I make this putt,” try saying “I know I can make this putt.”
- Embrace misses: Realize that missing a putt is a natural part of the game. Instead of dwelling on missed putts, use them as learning opportunities to improve your putting skills.
Focus
Maintaining focus during a putt is crucial for achieving a successful outcome. Here are some tips to help you stay focused:
- Set your intentions before you start putting: Before you start putting, take a moment to set your intentions. This will help you stay focused on your goal and avoid distractions.
- Eliminate distractions: Identify any distractions that may be present, such as noise or movement, and eliminate them as much as possible.
- Visualize your shot: Visualization is a powerful tool for maintaining focus. Visualize the perfect shot and imagine it happening in slow motion.
- Breathe: Deep breathing can help you stay calm and focused. Take a deep breath before each putt and exhale slowly as you make your shot.
- Stay present: Avoid getting caught up in the past or future. Stay present and focus on the current shot.
- Stay positive: A positive attitude can help you stay focused and confident. Avoid negative self-talk and focus on your strengths.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness can help you stay present and focused. Take a few moments to practice mindfulness before putting.
By following these tips, you can improve your focus and increase your chances of making a successful putt. Remember, the mental game is just as important as the physical game, so make sure to practice these techniques regularly.
Techniques for a Smooth Putt
Acceleration
How to Accelerate Through the Ball for a Smooth Putt
To accelerate through the ball, it is important to maintain a smooth and continuous backswing. This can be achieved by using a relaxed and natural arm swing, keeping the shoulders and hips in alignment, and avoiding any sudden or jerky movements. As you approach the ball, the speed of your swing should increase, allowing you to build up momentum and power.
The Importance of a Smooth Stroke
A smooth stroke is crucial for a successful putt. Any hesitation or jerkiness in your stroke can lead to a mis-hit, causing the ball to deviate from its intended path. To maintain a smooth stroke, focus on keeping your arms and hands relaxed, with a light grip on the club. Your weight should be evenly distributed on your feet, with your knees slightly bent and your shoulders relaxed. As you make contact with the ball, your stroke should be smooth and continuous, with no sudden changes in speed or direction.
Body Positioning
Proper body positioning is essential for a successful putt. It not only helps in maintaining balance but also in ensuring accuracy and control over the putt. Here are some key points to consider:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with the balls of your feet facing the target.
- Keep your weight evenly distributed on both feet, with the majority of your weight on your front foot.
- Bend your knees slightly, which will help in absorbing the impact of the putt and also in maintaining balance.
- Your shoulders should be relaxed and down, with your arms hanging loosely by your sides.
- Rotate your hips slightly in the direction of the target, which will help in generating power and accuracy.
- Keep your head still and focused on the ball, with your eyes fixed on the target.
- Avoid tilting your body forward or backward, as it can cause a loss of balance and accuracy.
- Take a few practice swings to ensure that your body is in the correct position before making the actual putt.
By paying attention to these details, you can improve your body positioning and increase your chances of making a successful putt.
Speed Control
When it comes to putting, speed control is crucial to ensuring a smooth and accurate shot. Here are some tips to help you control the speed of your putt:
- Practice your speed: The more you practice, the better you’ll become at controlling the speed of your putt. Start by using a putting mat or a small, indoor golf course to work on your speed control.
- Use your hands: While it’s tempting to rely solely on your arms when putting, using your hands can actually help you control the speed of your shot. Your hands can help you make small adjustments to the speed of your putt, which can be crucial in getting the ball to roll smoothly.
- Adjust your grip: Your grip can also affect the speed of your putt. Experiment with different grip pressures and hand positions to find what works best for you. A lighter grip can help you control the speed of your putt, while a firmer grip can help you give the ball more power.
- Pay attention to the ball’s roll: As you practice, pay attention to how the ball is rolling. If it’s rolling too fast or too slow, make small adjustments to your grip or stroke to correct the speed.
- Consider the green’s slope: The slope of the green can also affect the speed of your putt. If the green is sloped, adjust your speed accordingly to ensure the ball stays on course.
By following these tips, you can improve your speed control and make more accurate putts. Remember, practice is key, so don’t be afraid to spend time on the green working on your speed control.
Tips for Different Putting Scenarios
Uphill Putts
When faced with an uphill putt, it can be challenging to keep the ball on the intended line. Here are some tips to help you handle uphill putts with ease:
- Use a longer, slower stroke: Since the ball is rolling uphill, you’ll need to give it more time to reach the hole. A longer, slower stroke will help you keep the ball on the intended line and give it enough power to reach the hole.
- Adjust your aim: On uphill putts, you’ll need to adjust your aim slightly to account for the angle of the slope. If the slope is steep, you may need to aim a little bit to the left of the hole to compensate for the ball’s natural tendency to roll to the right.
- Pay attention to the speed: It’s crucial to have the right speed on an uphill putt. If you’re too slow, the ball may not reach the hole, and if you’re too fast, the ball may roll past the hole. Experiment with different speeds until you find the right one for each putt.
- Practice your stroke: Practice is key to mastering any skill, and putting is no exception. Spend time practicing your uphill putts, focusing on your stroke, aim, and speed. With practice, you’ll be able to handle uphill putts with ease and confidence.
Downhill Putts
Downhill putts are those in which the ball is rolling down a slope towards the hole. These putts can be tricky, as the ball can easily speed up and roll past the hole if not hit with the right amount of force. Here are some tips for handling downhill putts:
- Read the slope: Before you even pick up your putter, take a moment to analyze the slope of the green. This will help you determine how much force to use when hitting the ball.
- Use a longer stroke: Since the ball is rolling downhill, you’ll need to use a slightly longer stroke to ensure that you hit it with the right amount of force. A shorter stroke could result in the ball rolling past the hole.
- Aim correctly: Since the ball is rolling downhill, it’s important to aim slightly uphill to compensate for the downward momentum of the ball. This will help keep the ball on track towards the hole.
- Pay attention to the grain: The direction of the grain on the green can also affect the speed of the ball. If the grain is running downhill, the ball may pick up more speed and roll past the hole. Be sure to take this into account when choosing your stroke.
- Practice: Finally, the best way to improve your downhill putting is to practice. Spend some time on the practice green, focusing on your technique for downhill putts. With enough practice, you’ll develop a feel for how much force to use and how to aim correctly for these tricky putts.
Breaking Putts
Putting in a straight line can be challenging enough, but when the ball is breaking towards the hole, it adds an extra level of difficulty. Breaking putts require a delicate balance of power and accuracy, and the key to success is to adjust your stroke to account for the slope of the green.
Here are some tips for handling breaking putts:
- Read the Green
Before you even start thinking about your stroke, you need to read the green. Look for any changes in the texture or color of the grass, as well as any natural breaks in the slope of the green. These can give you an idea of how the ball will break and how much power you’ll need to apply. - Adjust Your Stroke
The slope of the green will dictate how much power you need to apply and how much the ball will break. To adjust your stroke, you’ll need to make some adjustments to your normal putting stroke. For example, if the ball is breaking towards the hole, you’ll need to apply more power to compensate for the slope. On the other hand, if the ball is breaking away from the hole, you’ll need to apply less power to avoid overshooting the hole. - Use a Stronger Grip
A stronger grip can help you maintain control over your stroke and apply the right amount of power. Place your hands in a neutral position, with your palms facing your body and your fingers pointing towards the target. Then, firm up your grip by squeezing your hands together and using your thumbs to hold the club in place. - Aim for the Breaking Point
To account for the slope of the green, you’ll need to aim for the breaking point of the putt. This is the point where the ball starts to break towards the hole. By aiming for this point, you can ensure that your ball starts on the right line and has the best chance of ending up in the hole. - Practice Your Breaking Putts
Finally, the best way to improve your breaking putts is to practice. Spend some time on the practice green, focusing on your stroke and aim for different breaking putts. As you become more comfortable with your stroke and develop a better feel for the slope of the green, your breaking putts will start to fall more consistently.
Long Putts
When it comes to long putts, it’s important to have a solid strategy in place. Here are some tips to help you handle long putts with confidence:
How to handle long putts
- Use a controlled, smooth stroke: Since long putts require more precision, it’s important to use a controlled, smooth stroke. This will help you maintain accuracy and avoid any jerky movements that could throw off your aim.
- Aim for the middle of the hole: When faced with a long putt, it’s tempting to aim directly for the hole. However, this can be a risky strategy, as it’s easy to miss the target altogether. Instead, aim for the middle of the hole, which will give you a better chance of making the putt.
- Break it down: Long putts can be intimidating, but it’s important to break them down into smaller segments. Focus on hitting the ball within a certain distance from the hole, rather than aiming for the hole itself. This will help you build confidence and make the putt more manageable.
Tips for adjusting your stroke
- Use a longer, more fluid stroke: When putting from a distance, it’s important to use a longer, more fluid stroke. This will help you maintain control and accuracy, even on longer putts.
- Adjust your grip: A firm grip is essential for control, but it’s also important to avoid gripping the club too tightly. A loose grip can lead to an uncontrolled stroke, while a firm grip can cause tension and affect your accuracy. Experiment with different grip styles to find what works best for you.
- Use a putter with a longer shaft: A longer shaft can provide added stability and control when putting from a distance. Consider investing in a putter with a longer shaft to help you tackle those longer putts with confidence.
Putting Drills for Improvement
Stationary Ball Drill
The stationary ball drill is a great way to improve your aim when putting. To perform this drill, place a ball on the green and stand about 3 feet away from it. Then, take your putter and make a stroke at the ball, trying to hit it directly.
Here are some tips for success with this drill:
- Keep your eyes on the ball throughout your stroke
- Use a smooth, consistent putting stroke
- Pay attention to your body position and posture
- Practice this drill repeatedly, focusing on hitting the ball with accuracy
By incorporating the stationary ball drill into your practice routine, you can improve your aim and become a more accurate putter.
Circling the Cup Drill
- Enhancing Your Feel for the Green
The Circling the Cup Drill is an excellent exercise to help golfers improve their feel for the green. This drill requires you to make putts from various points around the hole, focusing on different sections of the green. By doing so, you will develop a better understanding of the speed and break of the green, which will ultimately help you make more accurate putts.
- Tips for Success
To maximize the benefits of the Circling the Cup Drill, follow these tips:
- Start by putting from different distances, gradually increasing the distance as you become more comfortable with the drill.
- Make sure to use the proper grip, stance, and stroke for each putt. Pay close attention to your body position and ball placement to ensure that you are applying the correct amount of force.
- Take your time and focus on each putt individually. Avoid rushing through the drill, as this will only hinder your progress.
- Pay close attention to the ball’s movement and take note of any inconsistencies in your stroke. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve.
- After completing the drill, take some time to analyze your performance. Identify any patterns or mistakes and make adjustments to your technique as needed.
By incorporating the Circling the Cup Drill into your practice routine, you will significantly improve your feel for the green and develop a better understanding of how to read and respond to the different slopes and curves on the putting surface. With consistent practice and attention to detail, you will see a noticeable improvement in your putting skills.
Target Practice Drill
Target practice is a simple yet effective drill that can help golfers improve their accuracy when putting. This drill involves placing a ball on the fringe of the green and attempting to roll it towards the hole. By focusing on the target and using a consistent stroke, golfers can develop better accuracy and control over their putts.
How to improve your accuracy with this drill
To improve your accuracy with the target practice drill, it’s important to keep your eye on the target and use a smooth, rhythmic stroke. Avoid rushing or jerking your putts, as this can cause inaccuracy and poor control. Instead, take your time and focus on making a smooth, continuous motion from start to finish.
Additionally, pay attention to your body positioning and posture. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with your weight evenly distributed on both feet. Keep your knees slightly bent and your back straight, allowing for a stable and balanced stance. This will help you maintain control over your putts and increase your accuracy.
Tips for success
Here are some tips to help you succeed with the target practice drill:
- Use a ball that is in good condition and has a consistent roll.
- Practice on different types of turf and green speeds to prepare for various conditions.
- Take your time and focus on your form and technique, rather than just trying to make the ball roll towards the hole.
- Try different starting points for your putts, such as inside or outside the fringe, to develop versatility and accuracy.
By incorporating the target practice drill into your putting routine, you can improve your accuracy and develop better control over your putts. Remember to focus on your form and technique, and take your time to develop a smooth, rhythmic stroke.
Speed Control Drill
How to improve your speed control with this drill
Speed control is a crucial aspect of putting, as it ensures that the ball is sent towards the hole at the right pace. The speed control drill involves practicing putting with different speeds to improve your ability to control the ball’s pace. To perform this drill, start by placing a small bucket or container a few feet away from the hole. Next, hit the ball with varying levels of force, ranging from a soft, gentle touch to a more powerful stroke. As you practice, focus on maintaining a consistent speed, even as you change the force of your strokes. This drill will help you develop the muscle memory and mental focus needed to control the speed of your putts in real-game situations.
- Start with a comfortable grip on the putter, with your dominant eye over the ball.
- Use your hands to control the speed of your putts, rather than your body or shoulders.
- Keep your head still and your eyes focused on the hole throughout the drill.
- Pay attention to your body position and alignment, ensuring that you are square to the target throughout.
- Practice this drill regularly, gradually increasing the distance of the bucket from the hole to challenge yourself.
Mental Rehearsal Drill
Improving your mental game is just as important as physical practice when it comes to putting. The mental rehearsal drill is a great way to develop your mental skills and build confidence on the green. Here’s how to do it:
- Visualize yourself making successful putts: Spend a few minutes each day visualizing yourself making putts from various distances and situations. Imagine yourself confidently lining up the putt, making a smooth stroke, and the ball rolling into the hole.
- Practice positive self-talk: During your visualization, practice positive self-talk. Tell yourself things like “I am a great putter” or “I trust my stroke.” This will help you build confidence and belief in your abilities.
- Repeat the process before each round: Before each round, take a few minutes to visualize yourself making putts. This will help you get in the right mindset and feel more confident on the course.
Tips for success:
- Be consistent: Make the mental rehearsal drill a regular part of your practice routine. The more you practice, the more effective it will be.
- Be specific: Visualize yourself making putts from different distances and situations. This will help you become more comfortable with a variety of putts.
- Focus on the process, not the outcome: Instead of focusing on making the putt, focus on the process of making a good stroke. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting too caught up in the outcome.
FAQs
1. What is the best way to aim when putting?
When putting, it’s important to aim for the center of the hole. This may seem obvious, but many golfers make the mistake of aiming too far to the right or left of the hole, especially on uphill or downhill putts. To aim properly, use the “eye line” method, where you place your eyes directly over the ball and look straight ahead, with the hole in your peripheral vision. This will help you to keep your stroke smooth and consistent, and avoid pulling or pushing the ball off course.
2. What is the best way to set up for a putt?
To set up for a putt, you should stand behind the ball with your feet shoulder-width apart, and your knees and hips flexed. Your non-dominant hand should be on the grip of the club, with your dominant hand just above it. Your eyes should be directly over the ball, and your head should be tilted slightly forward, with your chin tucked in slightly. This setup position helps to create a stable and balanced stance, and allows you to maintain a smooth and controlled stroke.
3. What is the best way to practice putting?
To improve your putting skills, it’s important to practice regularly, using a variety of drills and techniques. One effective drill is to practice making putts from different distances and angles, using a variety of stroke types, such as a pendulum stroke or a wrist stroke. You can also practice putting on different types of greens, such as fast or slow greens, to help you develop your feel and touch around the hole. Additionally, you can practice using a variety of putters, to find the one that feels most comfortable and effective for you.
4. What is the best way to read greens when putting?
To read greens when putting, you should pay attention to a variety of factors, such as the speed and direction of the putt, the grain of the grass, and the contours and undulations of the green. You can also use your eyes to gauge the slope and break of the green, by looking at the direction of the grass and the shadows on the green. By taking these factors into account, you can develop a better understanding of how the ball will roll on the green, and make more accurate and confident putts.
5. What is the best way to deal with putts that miss the hole?
If you miss a putt, it’s important to stay positive and focused, and to learn from the experience. You can try to analyze what went wrong, such as your stroke, your aim, or your setup, and make adjustments to your technique and approach for the next putt. You can also use missed putts as an opportunity to practice your recovery skills, such as chipping or pitching, to help you get back on course and make up for the lost stroke. Remember, putting is a skill that takes time and practice to master, so be patient and persistent, and keep working on your putting game.