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Four Ways to Become a Solid Putter
K.B. Thompson
http://www.tpgolfonline.com
The game of golf can be very fun to learn and play. There are many elements to the game and putting is one that has often been said to be a separate game altogether. Learning how to putt can be quite a challenge. Many people pick it up fast and become good but often they encounter difficulties and get the dreaded putting yips. Here's some tips to help you develop into a great putter and stay that way.
Lots of golfers on long putts try to lag the ball close to the hole. They often will aim for a 3 foot circle around the hole. The problem with this strategy is that you are just increasing your margin for error. A better approach is to always putt to make it every time. Meaning that on every putt your goal is to make the putt.
This does not mean you need to stoke the ball harder in order for the ball to get it to the hole. Instead think of making every putt by seeing the ball rolling into the hole on the last rotation. This way your mis-hits will be much closer to the hole.
When you are reading greens it can be very easy to get overwhelmed and start doubting how the putt will break. When you first approach a green take a bit of time to look at the putt from a few different spots. After that simply come up with a good solid first impression and stick with that.
It is important to be decisive on your putts. Trust the read you make and trust you will sink the putt. This does not mean you will make every putt. The goal is to give every putt the best possible chance of going in the hole. This mindset will allow you to do just that. Even the best golfers misread greens so when you do misread a few putts just forget about them and trust your next read will be accurate.
If you play golf a lot then you will miss many putts. It's very easy to dwell on these misses. However there is no doubt that you have made a fair share of putts too and some of them have been spectacular. Celebrate all the great putts you have made. This will ingrain into your subconscious the great putts you have sunk and will build your confidence on the greens.
Remind yourself of some of the memorable putts you have ever sunk. One good thing to do is each day prior to going bed is visualize the top 3 putts you have ever sunk. Visualize them in your mind as clearly as you can and really experience the joy and satisfaction that sinking those putts. Do not suppress your emotions on great putts and celebrate them internally. Remember to focus on your successful putts
While putting it is easy to start thinking about different things. Make sure that when you are hitting your putts that you are zeroed in on your target. Make sure to spot a target like a blade of grass on the edge of the hole or where you expect the putt to break. Make sure your target is something small.
Don't think about putting mechanics, your putts from the last hole, or outcome of your current putt prior to hitting the putt. Just focus on the target and let your mind tell your body to strike the putt. You will be amazed how well your mind reacts and your body responds.
Making more putts comes down to hitting putts with the right speed and line. When reading greens get a feel for the speed of the putt so it rolls to or a small distance past the golf hole. Visualize the line the ball will travel and this is a product of your observations of the green's terrain. Clear your mind and trust the speed and line are correct and perform the stroke. If the results are good store them in you memory banks or if they are bad forget about it.
K.B. Thompson has developed and operate TP Golf Online since 1999 and is a former teaching professional in Canada. Just released: The Secret to Creative Shot Making. Learn how to create shots on demand.
Article submitted Tuesday, August 26, 2008
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