For the last 2 weeks we have been summarizing the success that Martin Kaymer and Michelle Wie had in the US Open with their putting. This week I have collected facts to duplicate their putting success. Every green has a different surface and speed based on the contour and the condition of the grass surface. Only you can get a feel for the speed of the greens as they will change based on the moisture, grass height and rolling speed of the green. Putting can be up to 50% of your strokes in a round of golf so you really should pay attention to these tips.
PUTT WITH CONFIDENCE:
A good putt consists of 3 components: learn a smooth swing, commit to the right line and swing for the right distance. Adam Scott, the world’s #1 golfer, is using a new planning system to estimate the slope of the green and deciding on his target line. By choosing the severity of the slope he is committing to a plan for the break that he is expecting. He is setting a plan and committing to the plan. He must be on the right track so why not set a plan for each of your putts to swing with commitment and confidence.
Golf Digest used this image of Tiger Woods to show that he putts with his shoulders and spine. His wrists are locked and he swings directly up the target line.
Develop a Smooth and Confident Swing:
1/STOP using the small muscles in your arms and wrists to putt. Your small muscles tighten and cause the shaking motion (the YIPPS) in your swing. To solve this problem, the professionals lock their wrists and putt by rocking their spine and shoulders.
2/ Avoid the death grip on your putter as your shoulders and spine must be relaxed. Your grip still needs to be firm to lock your putter in your hands.
3/ Shorter putts should always be straight back and straight up the line of your intended target point. Longer putts will require more backswing so you may find yourself rotating around your body from the inside but you need to finish straight up your intended target line.
Commit to a line.
1/ Commitment is the first step to confidence. Use a line on your ball to line up with your target line. It just helps your mind confirm that you have committed to a line.
2/ MINIMIZE the Break by Sinking the Putt before your ball slows down: 70% to 90% of the break occurs as your ball slows down in the last 10% of the distance rolled. How often have you seen Tiger’s ball drop firmly into the hole (without the final curl on his putt)? Eliminate most of the break by planning to hit 12 to 18 inches past the hole. NOTE: Wear and tear near the hole from hole insertion, club damage when pressed on the green and careless ball removal distort the roll of your ball. Reasonable ball speed is the only way to minimize the impact of these unforeseen problems.
3/ Uphill putts break a lot less because you need more speed to get your ball up the hill so you should take a more direct line for uphill putts.
Practice for the Right Distance
1/ Before you play a round of golf make sure that you get a feel for the speed of the greens by using the practice green. They change every day based on many factors.
2/ After you choose your line, take 2 or 3 practice swings with the exact stroke and cadence that you need to hit the ball 12 inches past the hole. Step up to the ball, check your line and duplicate your practice swing.
Increase your odds of sinking more putts by developing a smooth “up the line” swing, practice your putting and pay attention to your misses. GOLFSTR+ is an excellent training aid to develop your confidence by locking your wrists during the putting stroke. Practice with GOLFSTR+ For Every Swing in Your Game: Click here to check out all of the uses for GOLFSTR+.
