Delo’s Divots: Step onto the putting green and you have to
transform yourself into a totally different section of golf. The
putting green is where the success to your round lies.
Step onto the putting green and you have to transform yourself into a totally different section of golf. The putting green is where the success to your round lies.
The first thing that every player should do every time is mark your ball, which provides several positive allowances that increase your chances of making the putt.
First, it gives you the opportunity to clean your golf ball of any mud or debris it may have picked up along the way. I have seen many times a glob of mud stick to the ball, and when the player putted it without seeing it and cleaning it, the ball rolled like it had a flat tire. Marking your ball gives you the opportunity to take a look at the break and to simply slow down your approach to the putt.
From an etiquette standpoint, the only ball that should be on the green is the ball that is being putted. There should be no other balls around to distract the player. While other people are putting, line up your putt and watch how their ball reacts around the hole. Chances are your ball will do the same as it slows down.
When placing your ball back to putt, use any alignment aids the ball may have, such as arrows or the name. Aim these at the direction you want the ball to go in.
Finally, have a consistent pre-shot routine. Take the practice strokes and make sure your routine is the same each time. You will be surprised if you follow this pattern; your putts will start to drop.
Show me a hurried putter and I’ll show you a bad putter.
