Golfers can struggle with their putting and many times it’s caused by flipping their wrists. Often these types of putting strokes are called “poppers.” The No. 1 problem with poppers is they do not putt with a stroke, instead they hit their putts.
A popper tends to flip their wrists and pop the ball rather than use a smooth stroke.
They will hit at the ball rather than stroke through the ball. One of the causes for this style from gripping the putter like the rest of your clubs – with the grip resting in their fingers.
The putter should be gripped within your palms, along the lifelines. Your thumbs should be placed on the top of your grip with the palms facing each other. This grip helps stoke the putt rather than hinging your wrist.
If you need help with your putting grip and stroke, San Benito County has plenty of PGA teaching professional who would love to help you.
National Slow Play Month
June is National Slow Play Month where the PGA is trying to help increase the pace of play. With all the studies, the No. 1 area of slow play is around the greens.
I have a couple of tips to help speed up your round. First, be ready to chip or putt when it is your turn to hit. Decide on how you will chip and the club selection while others are playing their shots.
Read your putt and be ready to putt when it is your turn. When reading a putt, remember your first instinct is usually right and there is no need to read your putt from several different angles.
I will have more tips on how to speed up your round in my next column.
Moving on Up
Congratulations to Ridgmark’s Alex Rodriguez for passing his PGA School II.
He has one more school to pass to earn a PGA membership. Also, Ridgemark Superintendent Eric Boyd is now Class “A” Member with the Golf Course Superintendents Association.
