Pro's Tips

 IMPROVE YOUR PUTTING

I believe pace control is the problem with the majority of players putting. So many people tell me they cannot get the ball close enough to the hole with their first putt, to enable an easy tap in, or 2 putt.  It is my opinion that putting is a part of the game where on any given day, the best players in the world can be beaten by a local 32 handicapper, so long as they have practised.

Below I have listed 3 drills that will help you with your pace control, lead to much shorter 2nd putts and overall better putting.

DRILL ONE - Step out the length of your putt.

I often play with amateurs that never walk the full length of their putt, let alone line the putt up. Walking the length of the putt will give you some idea of the length and pace that the putt needs to be hit. Walking out your putts will also enable you to feel the slope beneath your feet, giving you a much clearer idea of the pace and line of the putt.  If you are able to develop a gauge from your steps, you will become more consistent with your putts.

DRILL TWO - The 2 tee drill

Place 2 tees in the ground a little wider than your putter head and 3 feet from the hole. This will give you minimal area to swing the putter head through when hitting the putt. When doing this drill try and set goals, this may be to hole 20 putts in a row, without the head of the putter touching the tees.

DRILL THREE - Mark your ball

That’s right mark your ball! I play in an abundance of Pro-Ams and club competitions where I see all different standards of golfers. The one part of the game which is generally the worst is the 3 to 6 feet putts.  They miss more than they make.  70% of the time it is because they say those famous last words I’ll finish that one off, or I’ll get that out of your way. These are the words I never like to hear, because I know what is coming next, a missed putt.

Watching golfers doing acrobatics over another player’s line, while trying to knock in putts, causes a lot more misses than makes.  Wouldn’t it just be easier to wait your turn. This will give you time to line your putt up and proceed to hole your putt with confidence.

Daniel Hyndman - Coaching Professional