GOLFMEDIC

Tip From the Archives

Perfect Putting Routine

Problem

You have difficulty putting due to overanalyzing or trying too hard to make the perfect putt.

Cure

Trying to putt perfectly will only make your body tense and your swing will become too mechanical. In order to make perfect putts, you need to base your swing on feel and experience. To help develop your own preputting routine, take notes on how the pros do it and how you can adapt these techniques into your own game. Experienced putters slowly relax and gain more confidence as they execute each step of their routine.

Therapy

Good putters all have these basic skills and no longer have to put thought into executing them because they have became part of their natural routine. They face the line with both eyes open so that they take enough time to accurately read the green and relax their bodies. They all walk around their line and bend low to the ground near the cup to help them analyze the green based on slope, subtle undulations, grain, grass type, wind, and moisture levels. They focus on how the middle of the hole is the actual entry point as they consider the break in their line. The more break or slope, the more it will affect the roll and direction of the path to the hole. Speed is everything, especially for longer putts. One great tip to help analyze how much speed is needed for a long putt is to walk halfway to the hole and then double the distance. This will give you a better feel and perspective for the distance and necessary speed to make it to the middle of the hole. It is very common for good putters to walk the line in a putting rhythm until they have gained enough feel for the pace and stroke they need to use.

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