How to Putt Better With an Easy Drill

Putting can be the most frustrating part of a golfer's game.

Many golfers struggle with their short game. While making the green in regulation is not a problem, sinking that little white ball into the cup can become a nightmare. If you watch the golf tour on television, you will frequently hear them refer to the "putting sweet spot." This is the center of your putter club face. Hitting the ball in this area is essential when it comes to sending the ball in the direction you want it to go. Keep your swing straight to make sure the club face comes in contact with the ball the way you want it to. Two simple drills can help you hit that sweet spot with every putt.

Things You'll Need

• Putter
• 2 rubber bands
• Golf ball
• Golf tees

Instructions

The Sweet Spot

1. Locate the sweet spot on your putter club face. Take a rubber band and wrap it around one side of the sweet spot and use the other rubber band to wrap the other side. Doing this leaves an opening on the club face that is directly in the sweet spot.

2. Practice putting over and over again with your rubber band-wrapped putter until you find you are routinely hitting the ball in between the rubber bands. You will know when you hit the rubber bands as your ball will veer well off course.

3. Remove the rubber bands and try putting once you are hitting the ball in the sweet spot on a regular basis and can feel the difference in your swing. If you find you are drifting back to hitting the ball with the wrong section of your butter, replace the rubber bands.

Back Stroke Drill

1. Set your ball up in the location from which you are going to putt. Determine what line you want to putt on in order to sink the shot.

2. Take two golf tees and place them eight to ten inches behind the ball, just slightly farther apart than the size of your club face. Make sure they are lined up directly in the path which you plan to swing your club.

3. Make your putt. If you hit either tee, you are not swinging your club in a straight line and are not getting optimal contact with the club face. Continue to practice until you can make the putt without hitting the tees.

Tips & Warnings

• Putting can be a frustrating part of golf and not all putters are designed for everyone. Find a putter that you feel comfortable with delivers a natural swing.

References

• Golf Instruction; Putt for the Fun of it: Three "Keys" to Better Putting; Les Miller
• Golf Tips; No-Frills Putting Drills; Jeff Ritter; February 16, 2007