Putting is a major factor in one's confidence on the course. Some days the cup looks like a peach basket and some days like a thimble. Practice drills before the first tee are very important. A few long lag putts to get a feel for the speed of the greens followed by several short putts that fall in the cup will create a confident starting point.

 

Just how important is your putting game? You can hit a 300-yard drive and make it from the tee to the green in one shot and then bogie on a 3-foot putt… The truth of the matter is that putting can make or break a hole: more strokes are lost or saved on the green than any other area on a golf course.

 

Three Tips, Tools and Drills to Ensure You’re Taking Your Putting 

to New Levels

Hurricane Golf Putting Tips


1) The Putter: For your practice sessions (and gameplay) to be effective, you need the right kind of equipment, which is precisely why you need the best putter. It can mean the difference between being the greatest player you can be… and mediocrity. No matter your level of play in the game of golf, invest wisely in a putter.

 

2) Swing: A putting stroke vs. a full swing are completely different and should be approached as such. The putter’s move-away is short, flat and compact. Knees are slightly flexed, stance should be narrow, and there is no rotation or pivot involved in the swing. Wrists stay straight and firm. When putting, shoulders and arms must form a triangle with the club, which moves back and forth like a pendulum.

 

3) Drills: So many think it’s best to head out to the driving range before a game, but a little time spent on the practice green is a great way to see improved scores. Three drills to try:

 

a) Long Putt Points Drill - don't disregard long putts. Start from 20 feet away – if you make it, three points. If you make it within three feet of the cup, one point. Keep score, so next time you try it, you’ll gauge improvements.

 

b) Coin Drill - set the coin about a foot in front of the ball and practice putting over it. Over and over and over. Repetition is key. This drill is about ensuring you are hitting the ball in the middle of the putter’s face.

 

c) Around the World - set up four golf balls, equal distance, around the cup. The goal is to make all four sink before moving the balls back a foot and trying again from that distance. If you miss, you have to start over.

 

As stated above, practice makes putting. To truly excel inside the 10-foot sweet spot range, you should practice putting before and after every round. Don’t just focus on the putt; focusing on the aim is just as important. There are three keys to remember: aim your putter accurately; hit your putt where you aimed, and strike it at the ideal speed. Ping!

 

Check out more tips for excelling at your golf game.