Most studies have shown that putting will comprise 40% or more of your score. Golf tournaments are normally won by the person with the hot putter. And everyone has heard the old adage, “drive for show, putt for dough.” The good news is, whatever your level, everyone an improve their putting performance. The best investment you can make to improve your scores is in your short game! And trust me, the investment of your time will far exceed the relatively small investment of money.

The primary message I receive from student feedback is how easily understandable my sessions are. In its simplest form, putting is comprised of two integral parts; distance control (or speed) and accuracy. With distance control the most important element of the two. The quickest way to eliminate three putts is to gain control of your sense for distance. And, the only way to build your sense of distance is through practice. If you are not committed to some measure of practice, don’t expect your performance to improve.

The Element of Accuracy

You can achieve accuracy by identifying and correcting the many variables that affect accuracy.

Alignment – most people (up to 80%) misalign their putter at least 2 inches left or right of their target from just ten feet. Surprisingly, over 20-25% will align their putter over nine inches left or right of the target. You can imrpove your alignment!

Identify Your Start Line – the start line is the immediate line the rolls straight before slope, gravity, and friction affect it.
 

Proper Set Up to the Start Line – learn how to properly set up to your start line, which will greatly improve your ability to accurately roll the ball down that line.

Stroke Consistency and Mechanics– the logical secret to accuracy is to make a consistent motion with your putter. Learning the proper mechanics can simplify this motion, which will lead to consistent stroke.

Custom Fit Putter – there is no such thing as a magic putter. Putting is all about the Indian and not the arrow. However, a properly fit putter for length, lie angle, loft angle, alignment aids, balance and weight can have a significant impact on how the Indian uses it. There are more than enough marketing stories out there promoting magic grooves, magic materials, Moment of Inertia (MOI) putters, all designed to compensate for mis-hits and create better ball roll. However, nothing is more effective than a good stroke. As Ray Folyd once told me, "when I'm putting well, I can putt with a string attached to a feather".

Identify the Constants – by identifying the constants in a stroke, we can become more consistent. By constants I mean; a set routine, a consistent setup (proper length, lie angle, and loft angle), constant ball position, and the use of constant simple mechanics.

 The Element of Distance Control

You can gain control of your distance and speed control by developing good stroke mechanics, constant tempo, stroke balance, and honing your sense of distance.

Good Stroke Mechanics – it just makes good sense that stroking the putter consistently and impacting the ball on the sweet spot each time will lead to better distance control. Learn how to eliminate mis-hits.

Constant Tempo and Balance – learning to putt with constant tempo and balance in your backstroke and forward stroke will lead to better distance control.

Sense of Distance – learning the relationship of stroke lengths and the distance it creates, measuring or pacing off your putts, and actually learning to accurately recognize distances will lead to better distance control and hone your sense of distances.


Left Brain vs. Right Brain

It is widely accepted that the brain is a powerful tool divided into two hemispheres. The left brain processes information in a linear, analytical, and logical manner. It looks at sequential parts and puts them together. The right brain processes information in an intuitive, holistic, and subjective manner. It looks at the big picture. Simply, the left brain learns the proper putting mechanics, the right brain makes the putt. The more we instill proper putting mechanics into the left brain, the more the right brain will excel.

There is a correct way to putt. And it certainly involves a dose of instruction, a dose of equipment fitting, and reinforcement through practice. That does not necessarily mean you need a new putter. To learn more about my process or to book an appointment, please navigate your way through my website.