3 Putting Tips (No Drills Involved)

Various putting drills are a really good way to groove in a consistent putting stroke and boost your confidence with the putter. However, you may find that they are not very useful during the game itself. These 3 Putting Tips are intuitive and easy to remember during your round of golf. Incorporate them into your putting practice and on the golf course to reduce your number of putts and minimize 3 putts.

1. Keep your wrists firm and steady

The wrists control the back of your leading hand which in turn controls the putter face. When setting up to the putt, the back of your hand should be flat and aimed parallel to that of the putter. Just as you want to strike the ball with a square putter face, you want the back of your hand to impact the putt in the same position as in the set up. Firm and steady wrists are required for this to take place.

Do not allow your wrists to bend as it causes the back of your hand to shift from the set up position. If the back of your leading hand points right at impact, it is likely that your putter face will be open and the ball will roll right of where you have aimed it. The opposite is true when the back of the hand points to the left. Manipulation of the putter face will be required to send the ball down the desired pathway, taking focus away from a smooth putting stroke.

2. Swing appropriate for the distance

Use a short swing back and through on a short putt and extend the length for longer putts. Many people take the same length swing on all their putts and try to adjust their strength as they impact. This is an inconsistent method of trying to develop distance control for your putts. It is very difficult to sink a 4 foot putt if you take a swing that is enough for 15 feet and slow down as you reach the ball.

The length of swing should be determined by the rocking of your shoulders. The shoulders and arms should move together in a smooth motion, rocking like a pendulum. This allows you to swing the putter straight back and forth on short putts and create a natural arc for longer putts.

Remember to make necessary adjustments for the speed of the green. A harder and drier green or a downhill slope requires a shorter stroke while a softer, wetter and uphill putt requires a longer stroke. Practice and experience makes it easier to alter the length of the swing in different situations.

3. Position eyes directly above the ball

Take a practice stroke and set up for your putt. Bend forward at the hips and move forwards or backwards until your eyes are positioned over the golf ball. When you set up this way, your hands are hanging loosely from your shoulders ensuring that you are in a comfortable position. Standing with arms too outstretched or too cramped near your body make it awkward to swing smoothly. It is also easier to see the target line of the putt with your eyes and confirm your aim.

I have these 3 putting tips written down on a small cue card and kept in my golf bag. When I am putting badly, I take the card out and quickly glance over them. I always putt better within the next few holes and am able to capitalize on good approach shots.

Remember to have fun when you putt!

Lim Shuyan is an avid golfer who has dropped 10 strokes within 6 months from putting better.
Go to http://howtoputtbettertoday.blogspot.com for more tips on how to putt better now