Tip From the Archives

Gimmie Putts

Problem

You miss a putt that is four feet away from the pin or closer.

Cure

Do not try to steer the putt with your forward stroke and stop believing in gimmies. Playing out a gimmie shot successfully will help build your confidence and set a better pace for the up coming holes. Thinking a short putt is easy might prevent you from completing your normal pre-shot routine and miss it.

Therapy

Instead of trying to steer the putt over the break, take your normal pre-shot routine to read your line and aim correctly. So if you would normally aim an inch to the left, aim for that point. Even if your opponent or group says it is an easy putt, take a couple of practice swings to help pace and visualize your swing. Listen as the ball rolls into the cup; when you do, it will give you a sense of completion, help improve your mental image of putting and boost your confidence for the rest of the game.

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10 votes

 
carlos perez | 5 years ago, mid-December

most hackers take too much time on the greens as it is now. they take entirely too much time lining up short putts for double and triple bogies.the putting green is where hackers waste most time now,they mark and clean their ball on one and two foot putts like tiger.tell them to keep putting and after three or four putts pick it up and get off the green.

vin | 4 years ago, at the start of March

A 3-4 ft putt, unless it is extremely downhills, I will swing the putter like a pendulum and make full stroke with authority. It will get better and better if you have this swing and conviction. Just do this" Ready, relax, release" Hear the sound!!! Vin



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