Putting? It’s all about distance. Really
The majority of putts are missed because of distance rather than
direction. How many of your come back putts are less than two feet?
If your answer is ‘not many’, here are some drills that will help
you to learn distance control.
Putting? It’s all about distance. Really
The majority of putts are missed because of distance rather than direction. How many of your come back putts are less than two feet? If your answer is ‘not many’, here are some drills that will help you to learn distance control.
This putting lesson will combine two separate drills. First, go to the putting green and find a spot 15 feet from a hole. It is a good idea to put a yardstick on the ground to make sure you are aligned properly. Take your address position; look at the hole and putt. It may take some time to get comfortable with this drill but this is not uncommon. Just give it time.
Once you have become comfortable with the above exercise, we move to a combination of drills that will really pay off on the course. This is a 3-ball drill. Look at the hole while you putt the first ball. After you stroke the ball, hold the putter at the finish position as the ball rolls to the hole. Address the second ball, look at the hole and feel the distance, now close your eyes but don’t putt until you can see the hole in your mind’s eye, then putt it. Finally, putt the third ball normally.
By putting while looking at the hole you are letting your eyes talk to your hands (focusing on eye hand coordination), which teaches you feel. By putting with your eyes closed you are learning to trust that feeling. The third ball combines the two elements.
Now, after you have worked on this a few times a week this is what you do on the course. Align your ball, stand to the side of the ball and take two practice swings looking at the hole. Now address the ball, take one more look at the hole, look at the ball but see the hole in your minds eye. Now putt. Then, take your ball out of the hole and go to the next hole.
People say that great putters are born not made. I say great putters are made and not born. These drills are a tool to make you a better putter. Play well.
Eagle Ridge will be holding a Demo Day on Sunday, April 22 from 10 to 3. All major club manufacturers will be there with all the newest equipment for you to try, we provide the balls. Please join us.
Have any golf related questions? From rules to club fitting you can call me at 408-846-4531 or e-mail me at [email protected]. If you would like to read some of my past tips, you can do so at www.pinnaclenews.com. And don’t forget, if you’re not having fun playing golf call your local PGA or LPGA instructor. We will help. Golf is more fun when you’re improving. Don’t be afraid to be good.
