Have you been looking for ways to lower your golf score?
Many golfers place too much focus on improving their driving and iron play. And yet putting is just as important, if not more so, in scoring well on the course.
In this article, we provide valuable tips for improving your golf putting skills, from choosing the right putter to practicing the right technique. Keep reading to learn more.
Choosing the Perfect Putter for Golf
The putter is arguably the most important club in your golf bag, as it can make or break your score on the greens. With so many putter options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you.
Here are some key factors to consider when buying the perfect putter for your game:
Head Shape and Weight
The head shape and weight of your putter can greatly affect your putting stroke and overall performance on the greens. There are several head shapes to choose from, including blade, mallet, and peripheral-weighted putters.
Keep in mind that putters can vary in weight, with some designed to be heavier or lighter depending on your personal preference and putting style.
Length
The length of your putter should be based on your height, arm length, and putting stance. A putter that is too long or too short can negatively impact your putting stroke and accuracy.
When trying out putters, be sure to experiment with different lengths to find the one that feels most comfortable and natural to you.
Alignment Aids
Alignment aids on a putter can help you line up your shots and improve your accuracy on the greens.
Some putters feature visual aids such as lines or dots on the head to help you align your shot, while others have a larger clubface or “sightline” to aid in alignment.
Consider which type of alignment aid would work best for your putting style and preferences.
Grip
The grip of your putter can affect your feel and control of the club. Consider trying out different grip types, such as a pistol grip, a reverse grip, or a fat grip, to see which one feels best for you.
Feel and Balance
The feel and balance of your putter can greatly affect your confidence and performance on the greens. Some golfers prefer a putter with a soft or muted feel, while others prefer a more solid feel.
The balance of your putter can affect how it feels during your putting stroke. Experiment with different putters to find one that feels comfortable and well-balanced for your putting style.
Type
There are three main types of putters: blade, mallet, and hybrid.
Blade putters are the most traditional and are often used by more skilled golfers.
Mallet putters are larger and more forgiving, making them a good choice for beginners.
Hybrid putters combine the features of both blade and mallet putters, providing a good balance of feel and forgiveness.
Price
Putter prices can range from under $50 to over $500, so it’s important to consider your budget when shopping for a new putter.
While more expensive putters may offer advanced features or premium materials, there are also plenty of high-quality putters available at a more affordable price point.
Consider your needs and priorities when deciding how much to spend on a new putter.
Perfecting Your Putting Technique
Once you have the right putter, it’s time to focus on perfecting your putting technique. Here are some tips for improving your putting skills:
Address
The position of your body at address is important for a good putting stroke. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed between your feet.
Your eyes should be directly over the ball, and your hands should be positioned slightly ahead of the ball.
Stroke
The putting stroke should be smooth and controlled, with a slight forward press of the hands at address. Keep your wrists firm and use your shoulders to move the club back and through the ball.
Aim to keep the putter face square to the target line throughout the stroke.
Alignment
Proper alignment is crucial for a good putting stroke. Use a putter with alignment aids or place two alignment sticks on the ground to help you aim properly.
Your feet, hips, and shoulders should all be aligned parallel to the target line.
Distance Control
Distance control is essential for good putting. Practice hitting putts of varying lengths and learn to judge the speed of the greens. Experiment with different stroke lengths and backswing lengths to find the right combination for each putt.
Reading Greens
Reading the greens is an important skill for good putting. Look for slopes and breaks in the green, and use the grain of the grass to determine the direction and speed of the putt.
Pay attention to the speed and direction of other putts on the green to get a sense of the overall conditions.
Practicing Your Putting Skills
To improve your putting strategy, it’s important to practice regularly. Here are some drills and exercises you can use to work on different putting techniques that can help:
Straight Putts
Place a ball on the green and practice hitting straight putts of varying lengths. Start with short putts and gradually work your way back to longer distances.
Breaking Putts
Set up a series of cones or markers on the green to simulate breaking putts. Practice hitting putts that break left or right, and try to read the slope and speed of the green to make the putt.
Speed Control
Set up a series of balls at different distances from the hole and practice hitting putts with different lengths of backswing. Experiment with different speeds and distances to improve your feel for distance control.
Putting Competitions
Practice your putting by playing putting games with friends or other golfers. Try playing games like H-O-R-S-E or playing for drinks or small bets to add some friendly competition to your practice sessions.
Maintaining Your Putting Skills
Improving your putting is not a one-time event. To maintain your skills, you need to continue practicing regularly and keeping your technique sharp. Here are some tips for maintaining your putting skills:
Regular Practice
Set aside time each week to practice on a putting green to learn how to putt better. Even just 10-15 minutes of practice each day can make a big difference.
Track Your Progress
Keep a record of your putting stats, including your number of putts per round and your average distance from the hole on missed putts. Use this information to identify areas where you need to improve and track your progress over time.
Play More
The more you play golf, the more opportunities you’ll have to work on your putting skills. Look for opportunities to play different courses and experience different greens to continue improving your game.
The Benefits of Taking Putting Lessons
While practicing on your own can be helpful, taking lessons with a professional coach can provide you with valuable putting help and guidance to help you improve your skills even more.
Here are some of the benefits of taking putting lessons:
Expert Feedback
A professional putting coach can provide you with expert feedback on your technique, helping you to identify any flaws or weaknesses in your putting stroke.
They can also provide you with personalized advice on how to correct these issues and improve your overall putting game.
Individualized Instruction
Every golfer is different, and a professional golf coach can tailor their instructions to meet your individual needs and goals. They can provide you with a customized lesson plan that addresses your specific areas of weakness and helps you achieve your putting goals.
Improved Consistency
Consistency is key when it comes to putting, and a professional coach can help you develop a more consistent putting stroke.
By analyzing your technique and providing you with personalized feedback and guidance, they can help you achieve a more repeatable putting stroke that will help you sink more putts on the course.
Confidence
Putting can be a mentally challenging aspect of golf, and a professional coach can help you develop the mental toughness and confidence you need to succeed on the greens.
By providing you with personalized guidance and support, they can help you overcome any mental barriers that may be holding you back and develop the confidence you need to make more putts.
Accountability
Taking putting lessons with a professional coach provides you with a sense of accountability that can help you stay motivated and committed to improving your putting game.
By setting goals and tracking your progress over time, you’ll be more likely to stick to your practice routine and continue improving your skills.
A Guide to Improving Your Putting Skills
There’s no denying that golf is a great sport that continues to grow in popularity. Fortunately, this guide to improving your putting skills will help give you a competitive edge.
