Master the Art of Putting with Expert Tips

Putting is often regarded as the most critical and yet the most underrated skill in golf. Many players emphasise their long game and driving distance, neglecting the delicate art of putting. However, it's important to recognise that putting can make the difference between lowering your handicap or winning the club championship. In this blog post, we will explore expert putting tips that will help you sharpen your skills on the green.

Expert Putting Tips

To putt effectively, you must focus on various aspects such as grip, stance, alignment, and consistent practice. Let's break down these aspects and provide actionable recommendations that you can apply during your next round of golf.

Grip: Finding Your Perfect Hold

The way you grip the putter can significantly influence your putting performance. A poor grip can lead to inconsistent strokes and missed putts. The most common grips include the standard grip, the lead hand low grip, and the claw grip.

• Standard Grip: This grip is similar to how you hold a club during your full swing with your lead hand higher and trail hand lower. Make sure the putter is in the palm of your hand, not your fingers and ensure that the putter feels comfortable in your hands.

  
  

• Lead Hand Low Grip: In this grip, you put your lead hand lower than your trail hand. Once again make sure the putter grip is in the palm and work on keeping the shoulders square. This grip can help people that have issues with the lead wrist breaking down through impact and flicking at the ball.

  
  

• Claw Grip: This unconventional grip is gaining in popularity and involves holding the putter with your dominant hand in a "claw" position while your fingers point upward. It can help reduce wrist movement, aiding in consistency.

  
  

Experiment with these grips to find the one that feels most comfortable and allows you to maintain control.

Michael Kunman putting in his putting studio

Stance: Positioning Matters

Your stance plays a crucial role in how effectively you can putt. Strive for a balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart. Here are some pointers to consider:

• Weight Distribution: Keep your weight evenly balanced between your feet. A steady base will allow you to make a fluid stroke.

  
  

• Posture: Bend slightly from your hips, and try not to keep your back too straight like a golf swing setup. Allow a slightly more relaxed posture.

  
  

• Ball Position: Depending on your individual putting style, place the ball slightly forward in your stance for a more natural strike.

  
  

A solid stance sets the foundation for a successful putt, so take the time to practice and master this step.

A close-up of a putter resting on the putting green.

Alignment: The Key to Accuracy

Alignment is one of the most overlooked aspects of putting. Proper alignment can lead to more consistent putts and lower scores. Here are some strategies:

• Aim Your Body: Ensure your body, feet, and shoulders align parallel to the target line. You can practice this alignment by placing an alignment stick or club on the ground to guide your stance.

  
  

• Visualising the Line: Before putting, visualise the line you want the ball to take. This mental image can help you focus better and execute your stroke.

  
  

• Practice Your Aim: Regularly practice on the putting green with a string line. Set up a few balls on a straight putt, setup the string line and see where your putter face is pointing plus what is your perception of straight is.

  
  

Remember, the goal is to have the ball roll in a straight line toward the target. Fine-tune your alignment for better accuracy.

Pace and Rhythm: Timing is Everything

Having the right pace and rhythm in your putting stroke can enhance your performance significantly. Here are tips to help with this essential skill:

• Practice Your Stroke: Use a metronome or count in your head to establish a consistent rhythm. A smooth and controlled stroke is often more effective than a rushed motion. We are looking for a 2-1 ratio with the backstroke taking twice as long as the downstroke.

  
  

• Distance Control: Spend time practicing different lengths of putts. Work on getting the ball to stop within 0.5m after the hole. This skill is key in avoiding three-putts.

  
  

• Focus on Breathing: In moments of pressure, your breathing can affect your stroke. Practice deep breathing to calm your nerves, promoting a smooth stroke instead of a jerky movement.

  
  

Developing a good sense of pace and rhythm can make a significant impact on your scores.

A high angle view of a tranquil putting green.

Consistent Practice: The Path to Improvement

The road to becoming an exceptional putter involves dedicated practice. Consistency is crucial as you strive to improve your putting skills. Here are ways to cultivate a successful practice routine:

• Set Specific Goals: Establish measurable goals for your practice. For example, aim to land a certain percentage of your putts within a specific distance from the hole.

  
  

• Drills for Improvement: Incorporate drills into your practice sessions, such as the "clock drill" where you place balls at various distances around the hole and attempt to sink each one.

  
  

• Record Your Progress: Keeping track of your practice sessions can help you pinpoint areas for improvement. Note the number of successful putts and what you worked on during each session.

  
  

Regular practice not only improves your physical skills but also builds confidence, enabling you to handle pressure during real rounds.

Final Tips for Mastering Putting

To fully master the art of putting, here are some additional tips you can use:

1. Analyze Your Misses: Take note of the direction and distance of your missed putts. Understanding where you commonly miss can guide you toward improvement.

   
   

2. Use Technology: Consider using putting aids or apps that analyze your stroke mechanics. These tools can help provide feedback on areas to work on.

   
   

3. Stay Positive: Golf can be frustrating, but maintaining a positive attitude can help alleviate pressure and enhance focus. Celebrate small victories, like sinking a tough putt!

   
   

By incorporating these expert tips into your practice routine, you can dramatically enhance your putting game. Remember, the key is to remain patient and persistent as you work to improve your skills on the green. If you're looking to really hone in on your putting abilities, consider visiting Michael Kunman Golf for more resources.

It's time to hit the greens with confidence and make those crucial putts count!