Arnold Palmer once quipped that “golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated.” He wasn’t kidding. It’s all well and fine to practice with your driver, but the majority of shots lost to par are due to poor putting practices. You might get lucky and hit a hole-in-one occasionally, but if you’re like most of us you’ll have to rely on your putting skills at some point. For professionals, the putt could be the difference between first and third place. For you, putting practice could help you on the greens with the guys or even hit the links with your boss. Don’t go into your practice blind – let the professionals offer their advice to help get the perfect shot every time.
Everyone loves their driver. It’s the club everyone wants to master because people generally think distance equals lower scores. While it would be nice to get a hole-in-one, the reality is that your initial shot will rarely be your final shot. Focus initially on accuracy. Don’t try to hit the ball straight down the fairway; curve your shot and make adjustments if you notice the ball going left or right so it ultimately hits down the middle. After that, your short game practice can kick in, which means you’ll get lower scores with less effort. All it takes is a little practice.
The key to putting is first to align your putter correctly. For the most accuracy, you’ll need a direct hit – not a glancing blow. This helps achieve consistent ball roll and a predictable shot.
Golfer Kevin Streelman recommends matching up the line of your ball with the start line of your putt. The putter face is then set up perpendicular to that line. Stand square to the line on the ball – not to the hole. This is a classic mistake amateurs make that sabotages their attempts at effective putting.
Three-time PGA Tour winner Martin Laird recommends focusing on keeping the lower half of your body in one place. Less movement there means you have more energy to focus on your shoulders and arms – which should be doing all the work anyway. Laird says to “grip it like a tube of toothpaste with the lid off—you don’t want to squeeze the toothpaste out.”
Visualization is another helpful tip with which every pro golfer is familiar. Think of the hole like a clock, with the hole in the very center. 12 o’clock is the side farthest from you, while 6 o’clock is the side closest to you. This will help you determine where to aim and get a more precise putt every time.
Our certified Green Masters have a bit of their own advice for you: don’t second guess yourself. Every player we’ve talked to says it’s important to trust your instincts when setting up a shot. If you feel good about the strike you’re about to make, don’t let the pressure of a crowd (or the presence of your boss) get to you. Trust your swing, strike confidently, and enjoy lower scores with some practice!
If you’re ready to recommit to regular putting practice, let us know. We have a wide range of both indoor and outdoor putting greens to choose from in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you’re ready to practice your short game in the privacy of your own backyard, let Southeast Turf LLC / Synlawn Carolina create a custom putting green for you. Like us on Facebook for more golf tips and tricks!
