Basic Golfing Tips For Beginners: 2

"Drive for show, putt for dough" is the lesson we've all seen and learned from watching the professional golfers in every tournament and championship either live or on TV.

The masters of golf can drive a ball from here to eternity, but it all boils down to how many strikes of the ball it takes to put the ball in the hole. The long accurate drives don't amount to anything if you're unable to putt the ball accurately.

Choosing a putter is very important, but using whatever putter you have consistently is even more so. I've had the same putter for fifteen years: I know what it feels like in my hand; I know it's weight; I know how that plays into my putts.

Putting takes a great deal of practice. For example, typically, we drive the ball eighteen times during a game, but putt at least twice that amount. So doesn't it make sense that we should practice our putting at least twice as much as our driving? So, if you can't get to the practice green often enough, just practice on your carpet at home.

Keep in mind that no ball can make it into the hole, if it doesn't have enough power behind it to get it there. Take the time to get down on the grass and look at the path from your ball to the hole. Does it slant one way or the other? Is it uphill or downhill?

So, stand with your feet spread apart for balance and line up the putt. Keep you hands, arms and shoulders completely still. Imagine that you are a "bobble head" but that you move from just below your chest. Keep your head directly over the ball. Pull your club back; keep your hands, wrists, arms and shoulders steady - the movement comes from your chest. Hit the ball, following the ball through with your club.

Try to learn from each putt and remember the lesson. Practice, practice, practice!