"Putt for Dough"
Written by Sandra B. Chester, LPGA Teaching Professional, Class A Member
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Do you find yourself near the green in two or three shots just to three or four putt the hole? Statistics tell us that approximately forty percent or more of our golf score is attributed to putting. Since putting comprises nearly half the score, spending time on the practice green would surely improve your results on the course. When practicing your putting, begin by focusing on your setup. In order to make an efficient motion that is repeatable your setup must be consistent and effective.
Consider the following factors when addressing the ball (Figure 1 and 1a):
·Grip Position – connecting your hands together with a neutral hand position on the club handle will allow your hands to work together more effectively
·Posture – bow from the hips until your neck is parallel to the ground. This will allow your shoulders to “rock” rather than “turn” when stroking the putt
·Ball position - place the ball forward of center so your head is behind the ball at address; place slightly more weight on your target foot
·Balance – allow a slight knee flex to alleviate back strain and enhance rhythmic motion
Once your setup is efficient, turn your attention to your ball striking ability. Making solid ball contact or connecting with the ball in the center of the club face or “sweet spot” is achieved when you are able to maintain total body stillness throughout the putting stroke. Consider the following factors (Figure 2 and 2a):
·Stroke - Utilize a pendulum motion keeping wrists firm throughout the stroke
·Clubface -Keep the putter face square and on path throughout the entire stroke (perpendicular to your target line at impact and at finish).
·Posture - Maintain posture and keep your head still - especially at impact
·Tempo - Accelerate the club head through impact maintaining a smooth and rhythmic tempo. Incidentally, your ability to “feel” impact is improved when you remove your glove.
Now that your setup is consistent and your putting stroke is solid, you can begin to practice distance and direction control. There are many drills available to help you with these two important components of putting to make learning fun and increase retention. Remember to maintain your posture and hold your finish after each stroke to help evaluate your clubface position at impact (Figure 3 and 3a).
Consider the following factors when addressing the ball (Figure 1 and 1a):
·Grip Position – connecting your hands together with a neutral hand position on the club handle will allow your hands to work together more effectively
·Posture – bow from the hips until your neck is parallel to the ground. This will allow your shoulders to “rock” rather than “turn” when stroking the putt
·Ball position - place the ball forward of center so your head is behind the ball at address; place slightly more weight on your target foot
·Balance – allow a slight knee flex to alleviate back strain and enhance rhythmic motion
Once your setup is efficient, turn your attention to your ball striking ability. Making solid ball contact or connecting with the ball in the center of the club face or “sweet spot” is achieved when you are able to maintain total body stillness throughout the putting stroke. Consider the following factors (Figure 2 and 2a):
·Stroke - Utilize a pendulum motion keeping wrists firm throughout the stroke
·Clubface -Keep the putter face square and on path throughout the entire stroke (perpendicular to your target line at impact and at finish).
·Posture - Maintain posture and keep your head still - especially at impact
·Tempo - Accelerate the club head through impact maintaining a smooth and rhythmic tempo. Incidentally, your ability to “feel” impact is improved when you remove your glove.
Now that your setup is consistent and your putting stroke is solid, you can begin to practice distance and direction control. There are many drills available to help you with these two important components of putting to make learning fun and increase retention. Remember to maintain your posture and hold your finish after each stroke to help evaluate your clubface position at impact (Figure 3 and 3a).
