5 Simple Steps To Great Putting Today

Putting is often the most neglected shot in the game. Too many amateurs practice their golf swing in the hope of better scores but do not think to put time on the practice greens. There is a classic saying often repeated, drive for show, putt for dough. Its all well and good getting yourself to the green but if you're not sinking your putts then your scores are never going to improve. Its time to start adding in some quality time with your putter. Before long you will reap the benefits and start to see your scores dramatically improve. Lets have a look at what you can do to putt better today.

1) You've got yourself to near or on the green. Its time to start thinking about the putt. As you approach check out the land around the green. This will give you some good reference points when trying to figure out the line of your putt. What is the general slope of the green? Are there any features such as water nearby - greens tend to slope off into the direction of water.

2) When you are on the green take the time out to really read your putt. Too many amateurs rush through this part and wonder why the ball gets nowhere near. Walk all the way round the putt to get a complete perspective. As you go past the hole take extra care to look at it and see if there are any cheeky breaks there. Take a look at your putt from a couple of feet behind. Cup your hands over your eyes to cut out any distractions if necessary. The path of the ball is determined by gravity so aim in accordance with the slopes ahead of you. Bear in mind that the harder you hit it the less effect a mild slope will have.

3) Grip the club with as much pressure as you would if you were holding a small bird i.e. don't choke it. Take your glove off to get a better feel for the stroke. Your right (left hand if left handed) should be parallel to your target line. Favour the right hand in terms of grip pressure - this is the guide for your putter.

4) Stand so that your eyes are directly over the golf ball. Be comfortable and balanced in your stance. The golf ball should be toward your front heel. If it's too far back then your putting stroke will be too steep - this often results in a mis-hit.

5) Create a triangle with your arms and shoulders. The technique of your stroke should be pendulum like. This promotes a smooth strike through the golf ball. Aim to accelerate through the ball to get solid contact and keep your head still throughout. Head movement can be deadly and will see the ball spin off line. Putt as if the hole is a further 10 - 15 inches further on - this should give you the right pace.

The putting stroke is the least physically demanding aspect of golf but is probably the toughest shot to make in your mind. Believe you can make it and commit to the putt. If you are negative going into the putt then your body will follow your command and sabotage your shot. It doesn't cost anything to be positive so block out those bad feelings. Go ahead and use these tips at your next round to improve your technique and watch those putts fall in one after the other.

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Odyssey White Ice #1 Putter

Odyssey White Ice 2 Ball Putter