Basics Of The Game – Putting
Edwin Shackleford
Putting is an essential, if not the most important, factor in
playing golf. This is where the game is decided. Nerves of
steel and lots of practice are needed to master the art of
putting. Even professional golfers feel the pressure when it’s
time to putt and the game is on the line. Here are some tips to
learn and improve on your putting.
First thing to do would be to take practice strokes next to the
golf ball. This would help you feel the needed rhythm in putting
the ball. You will need to do this as you don’t want your shot
to be too awkward or too strong.
Try to have some marker to help you focus and help you with
proper alignment of your putt. A marker is where you will aim
the ball as you putt. The position of this marker is dependent
on the terrain of the golf course.
When getting ready to putt, be sure that your eyes are focused
on the golf ball itself. It will help in lining up the putter
with the golf ball. You must remember not to focus on the
marker but more on how you will make your shot.
Proper putting stance is needed when putting. You don’t want
your balance disturbed by a sudden gust of wind. First thing to
remember is that you should be comfortable with your stance. One
way to do this is to separate your legs with about the same
width as your shoulders. This is a standard stance and it
should give you a comfortable and balanced posture for your
putt.
You could try a wider stance as it will be more balanced but
you would be less comfortable. Remember that the wider your
legs are apart, the more balanced it is and the less
comfortable you are. Just try to find your balance as you make
your shot. If you feel you have to sacrifice your comfort zone
to have more balance then do it.
You should also remember that your shoulders should be parallel
to the direction of the putt. Your arms should just be dropped
down straight from your shoulders. Your feet can be open or
closed, depending on where you are most comfortable. Remember
that the more comfortable you are, the more natural your shot
will be.
Remember that all putts are straight. It is your aim that will
change. When aiming at a flat green just aim straight to the
hole. You should practice so that all your putts just follow an
imaginary line. When aiming in an elevated green, you should
just putt the same. The difference is that you will aim
directly at a point above the hole. What you want to happen is
for the ball to stop at one point and to let gravity take your
ball directly to the putt.
Long putts are more complicated but if mastered will help
tremendously with your game. You should remember that a great
long putt will eliminate the need for you to do short putts.
The first thing to do is to sit down behind your ball and
facing the hole. From that point of view you’ll get to see the
low and high points of the green. If it’s a fairly straight
green, you can just shoot a straight putt like the way you’re
shooting for small putts. If it’s not, then try to evaluate
whether to divide your long putt to smaller putts and putt
accordingly.
Dividing a long putt depends on the terrain of the golf course.
If you see a combination of straight and elevated terrain,
dividing it would be better than trying to make your putt in
one try. Try to eliminate the elevated terrain so you will just
have to create a straight shot putt for your last shot.
Remember that nerves will always come into play when shooting
your putts. Just stay relaxed and focused on your shots and
you’ll do fine. Don’t blame anyone when you miss your putt,
stay focused and just prepare your next shot as if it’s your
first putt. Take a deep breath and don’t let your anger get the
best of you.
About The Author: Edwin Shackleford has been helping
individuals improve thier golf game for years. Try his Free
Online Training Today!
http://www.improve-your-golf-game.com
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