Best Way to Learn Golf Putting

Putting is that part of the game that is most variable. Sometimes, putts are missed for no apparent reason, causing loss of confidence and soaring scores. Do not allow this kind of situation to continue -something must be done.

Start by improving your reading of the green. For instance, it is worth noting that greens tend to lean away from high ground and towards the sea (if playing on a seaside course). Allow for slightly more slope than you think there actually is.

The shorter the grass is cut, the longer the ball will roll and the more it will be affected by the slope; you must take this into account. The nap of the green (the direction in which the grass is cut and growing) will affect the speed of the ball. If the grass along which your ball will roll is cut away from you, it will be bright and shiny (green). The ball will roll faster and take longer to stop. Therefore, this putt needs less backswing. If the grass has been cut in the other direction, it will be dull and dark (often called ‘red’) and the ball will stop much quicker. Therefore, you need a longer backswing to achieve the same distance.

Then create a putting routine that will be a constant factor in your putting game. As mentioned previously, routine will help you to concentrate, thus preventing your thoughts from leaving the job at hand and wandering – for instance, starting to worry about missing. Your routine will also create confidence, based on the feeling that you have made the right decision about line and the length of backswing. You must believe that what you are about to do will be successful.

Occasionally, it is impossible to find a suitable intermediate target, or you may even find one and lose it when standing to the ball. You must then use your imagination to help you stick to the decision that you have already made.

Strike the ball with the sweet spot, using the arms to create a smooth flowing movement, allowing the putter to move freely. Do not be over-mechanical or try to over-control the movement while making the stroke.

Make a habit of practising your putting routine: first, inspecting the pace and slope of the green before deciding on line and length, seeing always a successful result before taking up your stance. Then strike the ball immediately and with authority. Don’t change your mind, and above all, stand still. Practise with a friend, competing with each other to create the atmosphere you will meet out on the course.

At some stage, if you have taken too many shots to reach the green, you may lose interest in finishing well, thus increasing your score even more. Remember that every shot has the same value. A good putt will put you in a more confident mood for the next hole.

Good putting seems to do something no other shot can do – it not only helps to keep your scores low, but it also makes the rest of the game a little easier and considerably more enjoyable.