Putting… the game within the game!
Did you know that putting makes up over 40% of your strokes during a round of golf?
Developing a consistent putting technique is the fastest way to lower your score on the course.
There are so many variables to learning how to putt you may be wondering… where do I begin?
Let’s take a look at some important tips and drills that will get you on your way to sinking more of those short putts that change the way you score in golf.
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Four Basics to Learning How to Putt
- SET-UP
The setup starts with good posture and feet about shoulder width apart.
From here your eyes should be resting somewhat directly over the ball.
Ball placement should center of your stance to just off your lead foot.
Arms should be relaxed with minimal pressure on the putter grip.
2. AIM
Aim can sometimes be confused with line, but they are very different.
Your feet and shoulders should be perpendicular to your target.
This takes practice and the use of alignment sticks or string lines can be very helpful during a practice session.
3. SPEED
Speed is the most important aspect to putting.
The ability to predict speed based on length of putt, elevation and green condition is critical to reducing the risk of three putting.
The goal for each putt is to estimate the amount of speed it will take to get the ball eighteen inches past the hole.
This will help eliminate leaving putts short and will increase the likelihood of making putts on the first attempt.
4. LINE
Determining start line and aim point is the final piece to successful putting.
Choose a spot on the green about two feet in front of the ball. This is your start line.
The aim point is apex of break for each putt. Think about the highest or lowest point of break for each putt.
Combine start line and aim point, and you will give yourself the best chance of success.
Must-Haves for Better Putting
Now lets take a look at some of the tools that can help you become a better putter.
A Golf Ball that works with YOUR putter.
Let’s not underestimate one of the most important pieces of equipment, the golf ball.
It may seem simple but using the right type of golf ball for your putter and stroke could make all the difference.
Putter heads and faces are made up of all different kinds of materials, some may interact with golf balls differently.
Using a softer golf ball can give you a better feel on those long range putts.
Titliest and TaylorMade have released new versions of their popular line of golf balls. Both are sure to give you that extra edge in consistency off the putter face.
Titliest ProV1
View the Titleist ProV1 Golf Ball HERE
Titleist ProV1x
View the Titleist ProV1x Golf Ball HERE
TaylorMade TP5
View the TaylorMade TP5 Golf Ball HERE
TaylorMade TP5x
View the TaylorMade TP5x Golf Ball HERE
A Putter Grip that fits YOUR own stroke.
The Putter Grip is where your hands meet the putter.
In order to have a consistent straight back & through stroke, you must feel comfortable with how your hands grip the putter.
In recent years, the size and dimensions of putter grips have changed immensely.
You can now choose between oversized grips, pistol grips and even inverted V-shaped grips.
The most important thing is to try different grips and choose the one that fits your stroke the best.
Here are a few of our top recommendations.
Super Stroke Traxion Tour
View the Super Stroke Traxion Tour Putting Grip HERE
Super Stroke Slim
View the Super Stroke Slim HERE
Lamkin Pistol Grip
View the Lamkin Pistol Grip HERE
Speed and Line Tools to perfect your putting.
There are some great tools that some of the best putters on the PGA tour use in their everyday practice sessions.
These can range from the most simplistic tools to some very sophisticated training aids.
Here are a few of our favorites.
Putt Out Pro Putting Gates
View the Putt Out Pro Putting Gates HERE
Putt Out Pressure Putt Trainer
View the Putt Out Pressure Putt Trainer HERE
Time and Practice will always pay off in the long run.
Nothing will replace hard work.
Putting in the time and effort to become a better putter will most certainly pay off in the long run.
The great thing is there are tools you can use in your own home regardless of the weather outside.
Below is the number one tool we recommend for practicing how to putt at home.
Perfect Practice Putting Mat
View the Perfect Practice Putting Mat HERE
Putt better consistently with efficiency and technique.
Putting is the most important aspect to a golfers total game.
Reducing three putts and making more short putts is the fastest way to lower your handicap.
It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an experienced golfer, these tools and tips will help you be more efficient in your practice and more consistent in your technique.
Looking for other tools to improve your golf game? Check out our favorite rangefinders for golf!
Use These Tools to Improve Your Putting