The long, short of putting
Short putts are made by good mechanics and long putts are made
by feel. That isn’t to say good mechanics aren’t involved in long
putts
– they are. In fact, your mechanics have to be even better
established so that your mind is freed up to concentrate on the
distance or the
”
feel
”
part of putting.
The long, short of putting
Short putts are made by good mechanics and long putts are made by feel. That isn’t to say good mechanics aren’t involved in long putts – they are. In fact, your mechanics have to be even better established so that your mind is freed up to concentrate on the distance or the “feel” part of putting.
First let’s cover the basics. Aim the ball by standing behind it and aim the writing on the ball or the line you have drawn on the ball along your ball line (the actual line you want the ball to roll) or pick a secondary target in front of the ball to roll over on the way to the cup.
Once this is completed and you are at address, take time to make sure that you are standing a little taller; this will allow you to create a bigger arc so you can swing the putter head back and through at the same speed. The worst thing you can do is swing the putter head faster. That is how off center hits occur. A half-inch off center hit can cost you up to 10 feet of roll. How many 10-foot putts can you count on making?
When sizing up your putt make sure to study the last six to seven feet to the hole. Knowing how the ball will react will help in letting it slide towards the hole at the end. Like all putts over twenty feet, study it from all sides, you will learn quite a bit about how it will move on its way to the hole.
The thing that I find that helps me the most with long putts on the course is keeping my spine angle constant the entire time it takes the ball to roll towards the hole. All I do is swivel my head and watch the ball roll towards the hole.
When you are practicing, keep your spine angle constant until the ball reaches the hole. You’ll find that more balls will go into the hole with your head swiveled than standing straight up with your eyes level.
Don’t forget Eagle Ridge in now part of the Mini Rewards Program. When you join you receive substantial discounts not only at Eagle Ridge but Laguna Seca and Rancho Canada East and West.
Have any golf related questions? From rules to club fitting you can call me at 408-846-4531 or e-mail me at sk*****@ea**********.com.
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 instructor, we will help. Golf is more fun when you’re improving. Don’t be afraid to be good.
