How to Putt Better

Correct putting technique is heavily dependent on your posture.

Improving your putting skill can help you achieve lower scores in golf and stay ahead of your competition. Putting in golf comes into play when the ball is on the green, within a short distance of the hole. Slopes and gradients on the green make the process of putting more difficult, and can throw off many amateur golfers. Your stance while taking your swing is vital to the direction of your putt, and ensuring you have full control of the putter can ensure that the ball goes in the direction you intended it to.

Instructions

1. Walk the distance from your ball to the hole. Mentally take note of any hills or slopes on the path between your ball and the hole. Adjust your aim according to the slopes and gradients on the green. Remember that the ball is always dragged to the bottom of the hill by the force of gravity. If the hole is up a hill which slopes upwards to the left, you need to strike the ball harder to give it the force to get up the hill and slightly to the left to account for the slope.

2. Look straight down to the ball. If your eyes are off-center, you will be looking at the ball from an angle and therefore be more likely to strike the ball incorrectly. Look down vertically to ensure that the head of the putter is going to strike the ball correctly.

3. Hold your hands down so they are directly underneath your shoulders. Imagine a straight line going down from your shoulders, and ensure that your arms hang on the same line. If your arms are too far out, they will naturally pull back to your shoulders as you swing and affect the trajectory of your stroke. Likewise, if they are too far in, the reverse will happen and mess up the trajectory of your stroke in the same way.

4. Balance your lower body so your hips are directly over your heels. The idea is to be as perfectly balanced as possible so nothing affects your stroking motion. Imagine a line from the outsides of your hips going directly downwards. This line should meet the outsides of your heels. If it doesn't, you are leaning either forwards or backwards, probably as a result of your position in relation to the ball. If your weight is too much on your heels and your hip-line falls behind them, take a small step backwards. If your weight is on your toes and your hip line is in front of your heels, take a small step forwards.

5. Point the corner of your lower thumb at the hole (or the direction you want the ball to travel in) as you take your stroke. If you have your right hand lower down on the club, the outer corner of your thumb can be used for aim, and if your left hand is lower, it will be the inner corner. Perform a few practice strokes and keep the corner of your thumb in line with the intended target as the club raises. This shifts your focus from the head of the club to your thumb, and should improve your control.

References

• You Tube: Golf Tips - How to Improve Long Putting
• Golf in Costa Rica: Improving Your Putting
• "Golf Instruction"; Improve your Putting with the Nick Faldo-Tested Thumb Pointing Drill; Eben Dennis; 2009

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish