Putting is basically a “game-within-a-game” technique which comprises almost half of all strokes in the course. Also, the putter is often used by players more than twice as the driver. The problem is that most beginners tend to ignore these skills, making it hard to improve their performance and score. That’s why we write this golf putting lesson to show you some basic yet effective putting techniques.
1. Strategic planning
The failure or success of every putt mainly depends on your preparation. When on the green, you’re your time to read and study the putt carefully to acquire the logical information to perform a good putt.
Determine whether the putt is downhill or uphill, the amount of break (left or right turn), as well as how much speed you should create to succeed. In most cases, this skill comes from experience, which can be gained by practices and on-course situations.
2. Understand the green
Speed and distance are just as significant as the direction of the golf ball. Thus, make sure to check the green before putting to the course’s condition and length, as well as the grass’s angle.
Keep in mind to take weather conditions into consideration, such as wind or rain, because these factors can change the course’ condition.By doing this, you will know how to make better decisions and differentiate various greens and golf courses.
3. Grip
The grip of a putter is often personal preference as long as it is steady and comfortable. Avoid changing your grip regularly because it can affect your performance and accuracy. Here’s a common putting grip that many professional golfers often use.
Place the left hand on the club’s top with your thumb directly aiming down the handle. Next, put the right hand and point your right thumb straight down the handle. Now, your thumb and right index finger should be on the handle’s bottom, and the left index finger should contact the right middle, ring, and pinky finger.
4. Setup
Just like a full swing, you should hang your arms straight down from your shoulders in a putting setup. The difference is that your eyes should be directly over the golf ball and you should reach the ball by bending from your hips.
You can drop the ball from the eyeline while in this position to know whether you are close enough. Practice with a mirror can also be helpful in getting you in the right setup position.
5. Ball position and stance
The best position of the ball should be slightly forward but not too much of the center. The suitable width of stance is mostly personal preference, but make sure it is comfortable.
It is necessary to know that every golfer has their own stance, based on the situations and their preferences.
6. Putting stroke
A putting stroke typically consists of zero lower body movement in which the shoulders and arms should move together without wrist break. It is simple to practice this lesson as it is quite similar to a pendulum motion. The most important thing is to control the tempo and rhythm.
7. Practice
Practicing with these basic skills is the best way to enhance your putting skills and putt consistently every time with your putter. Keep in mind to spend more time for longer putts and try to practice at different green speeds to get different feels. You can learn details on improving your golf swing at golf swing videos. For more putting tips you can view more details at golf putting tips for beginners.
Here are 2 simple drills to practice with your putting:
– Long putts
Only practice putting 7.5 meters or longer with 3 balls. All you need to do is reading and setting up the putt, then looking up at the target rather than the ball while making the stroke. This would be useful in helping you focus on 2 things: rolling the golf ball to the correct distance and paying attention to the target instead of the mechanics of the stroke.
– Short putts
Use 3 balls and practice putts within 2 meters. Read and set up the putt, and keep your eyes in places with your head still while putting. This drill has three benefits: clear visualization, stability in short putts, and trust on yourself.
The bottom line
These are some of the basic golf putting lessons that even professional players always try to improve day by day. So if you practice them on a regular basis, it is likely to improve your accuracy on the green. Believe it or not, this is one of the quickest ways to improve your performance and lower the score.
