Make More Putts (with These 8 Putting Tricks)

8 Essential Tips to Improve Your Putting Skills

Here are eight key tips for improving your putting skills, divided into setup and stroke techniques. Key points include proper eye alignment, grip selection, foot positioning, ball alignment, and maintaining a smooth stroke. Two drills are also provided to help reinforce these techniques.

Putting is a crucial aspect of golf that can significantly impact your overall performance on the course. In this post, we will explore eight essential tips to enhance your putting skills, divided into two main categories: setup and stroke techniques.

Setup Techniques

1. Eye Positioning

Having your eyes positioned correctly is vital for accurate alignment. Ideally, your eyes should be just inside or directly over the ball. This positioning allows for a better view of the putt and helps in lining up correctly.

If your eyes are too far back, it can complicate your alignment, while being too far over the ball can lead to an incorrect stroke path. Aim to keep your eyes within the area just inside the ball for optimal results.

2. Grip Selection

Finding a comfortable grip is essential for a successful putting stroke. There are various types of grips, and it’s important to choose one that feels right for you. A popular choice is the conventional grip, where the right hand is on the bottom and the left hand on top, with the left pointer finger overlapping.

Ensure that the grip is more in your palms rather than your fingers to maintain a solid stroke without excessive wrist movement.

3. Foot Positioning

Your foot positioning can greatly affect your stability while putting. Experiment with different stances to find what feels most comfortable. Some golfers prefer a wider stance, while others may feel more stable with their feet closer together.

The key is to find a position that allows you to maintain balance and minimize head movement during your stroke.

4. Ball Alignment

Aligning the ball correctly is a personal choice among golfers. Many players benefit from lining up the ball’s markings with the intended target line. This practice can help ensure that your putter is aimed correctly at the target.

For shorter putts (inside 15 feet), using a line can be particularly beneficial, while for longer putts, focusing on speed may be more important than alignment.

Stroke Techniques

5. Understanding the Putting Stroke

The ideal putting stroke should follow a slight arc. When practicing, visualize your putter moving back and through in a smooth, elliptical motion. This slight arc helps maintain the putter face’s alignment throughout the stroke. Use video recordings to analyze your stroke and ensure it follows this pattern.

6. Maintaining a Smooth Stroke

A smooth putting stroke is crucial for consistency. Picture your putter as a broom, gently sweeping the ball towards the hole. Avoid jabbing or forcing the putter, as this can lead to inconsistencies. Focus on a fluid motion that feels natural and relaxed.

7. Keeping the Stroke Short and Simple

While it’s important to have a smooth stroke, it should also be short and simple. A shorter stroke reduces the chances of error and helps maintain accuracy. Strive for a balance between a smooth tempo and a compact stroke to enhance your putting performance.

8. Avoid Peeking

One common mistake among golfers, especially on short putts, is peeking at the hole before the ball has a chance to roll in. This can disrupt your stroke and lead to poor results. Instead, focus on a specific spot on the ball during your stroke and keep your head down until after the ball is struck. This practice will help maintain a smooth stroke and improve your confidence.

Drills to Reinforce Techniques

Setup Drill

To check your eye position, set up as you would for a putt and hang your putter from your left or right eye. Observe where the shaft points in relation to the ball. Alternatively, drop a second ball from your eye level to see if it lands in line with your original ball. This simple check can help ensure your eyes are correctly positioned.

Stroke Drill

A useful drill for improving your putting stroke involves using two irons set parallel to each other, with a small gap for your putter. Place the ball in the middle and practice your stroke. This setup will help you visualize your stroke path and ensure it follows the desired arc.

Conclusion

Improving your putting skills is a personal journey that requires practice and experimentation. By focusing on the setup and stroke techniques outlined in this post, you can enhance your performance on the greens. Remember, putting is an art form, and finding what works best for you is key to becoming a better golfer.