Many thoughts go through our brains when we’re on the putting
green. I always emphasize that speed is the most important part of
putting … and it is
Many thoughts go through our brains when we’re on the putting green. I always emphasize that speed is the most important part of putting … and it is.
One of the reasons speed is important is you must have the proper pace for a putt to get the break you want. Putt too hard and the ball doesn’t break until beyond the hole. Putt to soft and it curls up short.
One of the best ways to become a good putter is to putt to a spot along the line of the putt. If it rolls over that spot, WITH THE PROPER SPEED, it will drop gently in the center of the cup. But, only use “spot putting” when the putt is longer than 10 feet. Any shorter than that and you have too many things happening in a short distance.
The spot you pick out should be six to 10 feet out in front of you, and right on the line of the putt. Visualize the ball rolling over that spot and into the hole and it will happen more often than not.
For those of you with a bowling background, it’s just like hitting your mark or board. It’s much easier to pick out a closer, intermediate target than a longer, eventual target. You can use anything as your spot – an old ball mark, dark or light grass, or even a small leaf that has found it’s way onto your line.
Just remember, it’s against the rules to aim by placing something on your line. It has to already be there.
Don DeLorenzo is a PGA-certified instructor at Gilroy Golf Course. To schedule a lesson with Don, call Gilroy GC at (408) 848-0490
