7 Putting Tips for Amateurs
Improving your putting game is one of the most effective ways to lower your golf scores and enjoy more birdies on the course. Since putting accounts for nearly 40–50% of your total strokes in a round, honing this skill can significantly impact your overall performance. This guide offers 7 actionable putting tips tailored for amateur golfers, incorporating expert advice, real-world insights, and practical drills to enhance your putting prowess.
Tip 1: Mastering Green Reading
Reading greens effectively is crucial for accurate putting. The subtle slopes and contours of the green influence the ball's path, and understanding these nuances can significantly improve your accuracy.
Techniques for Effective Green Reading:
Observe the Terrain: As you approach the green, note its overall slope and any visible undulations. Water drainage patterns and surrounding landscape features can provide clues about the green's contours.
Feel the Slope with Your Feet: Walking around the hole and sensing the incline can offer insights into the green's break. Many golfers find this "feel" approach enhances their reading accuracy.
Visualize the Path: Crouch behind your ball to get a low-angle view of the line to the hole. This perspective helps you visualize the intended path and anticipate how the ball will break.
Drill to Enhance Green Reading:
Practice the "Coin Drill" to improve your green reading skills. Place coins along your predicted putting line at intervals, then putt along this path to see how accurately you've read the green. This exercise reinforces your ability to anticipate the ball's movement and adjust your aim accordingly.
Tip 2: Perfecting Your Putting Stance
A consistent and stable stance lays the foundation for effective putting. Proper alignment and posture ensure that your stroke is both accurate and repeatable.
Key Elements of a Solid Putting Stance:
Foot Positioning: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart to maintain balance.
Weight Distribution: Slightly favor the balls of your feet, promoting stability and control.
Posture: Bend at the hips, keeping your back straight so your eyes are directly over the ball. This alignment aids in accurately perceiving the target line.
Grip: Hold the putter with a relaxed grip to encourage a smooth stroke.
Drill to Solidify Your Stance:
Use alignment sticks or place two clubs parallel on the ground to create a path for your stroke. This setup helps maintain proper alignment and encourages a consistent stroke path.
Tip 3: Selecting the Right Putter
Choosing a putter that complements your stroke style and preferences can significantly enhance your performance on the greens.
Considerations for Putter Selection:
Putter Head Design: Mallet putters offer greater forgiveness and are often recommended for high handicappers due to their larger sweet spots and alignment aids.
Length and Weight: Ensure the putter's length allows your eyes to be over the ball and that the weight feels comfortable throughout the stroke.
Grip Style: Choose a comfortable grip that promotes a stable stroke.
Expert Recommendation:
The Cleveland Huntington Beach line of putters is praised for its feel and affordability. It is a great starting point for those seeking a reliable putter without a hefty price tag.
Tip 4: Developing Distance Control
Effective distance control prevents three-putts and leaves you with manageable second putts. Understanding how to gauge and adjust your stroke length is key to mastering this aspect.
Strategies for Distance Control:
Consistent Tempo: Maintain a steady rhythm in your stroke to ensure predictable ball speed.
Swing Length Awareness: Adjust the length of your backswing and follow-through to control the distance the ball travels.
Pre-Round Practice: Before your round, spend time on the practice green to get a feel for the day's green speeds.
Drill for Distance Control:
Practice the "Ladder Drill" by placing tees at various distances and attempting to putt balls to stop as close to each tee as possible. This exercise enhances your ability to judge and control putting distances effectively.
Tip 5: Establishing a Pre-Putt Routine
A consistent pre-putt routine fosters confidence and reduces variability in your stroke.
Components of an Effective Routine:
Practice Strokes: Take a couple of practice strokes to gauge the necessary force.
Alignment Check: Use alignment aids on your putter or ball to ensure you're aimed correctly.
Visualization: Imagine the ball's path to the hole, including any breaks and the required pace.
Insight from the Pros:
A consistent routine helps manage on-course pressure and enhances focus during crucial putts.
Tip 6: Utilizing Visualization Techniques
Mental imagery can enhance your putting performance by creating a clear picture of the desired outcome.
Visualization Practices:
Imaginary Line: Envision a line from your ball to the hole, considering the break and speed.
Successful Outcome: Picture the ball dropping into the hole, reinforcing positive expectations.
Expert Advice:
Visualization primes your muscles and mind for the actual stroke, leading to more confident and accurate putts.
Tip 7: Practicing Under Pressure
Putting in practice is one thing — but making that same putt when you're staring down a birdie on 18 with your buddies watching? That's pressure. Tip 7 is about simulating real on-course tension so you can handle those high-stakes moments like a seasoned pro.
Why it matters:
Golfers often fold under pressure because their practice doesn't mirror their playing conditions. Most amateurs hit putts on the practice green without stakes, rhythm, or intent. To putt well under pressure, you have to train under it.
Try These Pressure-Building Drills:
The Must-Make Drill: Set a circle of tees around a hole from 3 to 5 feet out. Your goal? Sink 10 putts in a row. Miss one? Start over. The growing tension mimics tournament conditions and forces you to focus.
1-Ball Challenge: On the practice green, play nine holes using just one ball and score each attempt like you would on the course. You'll feel the nerves grow as your "round" progresses.
Compete With a Friend: Nothing ramps up pressure like bragging rights. Create putting contests with penalties—push-ups, money, or posting scores online. A little friendly rivalry can sharpen your mental edge.
Time Pressure Drill: Set a timer for five minutes. Try to make as many 4-foot putts in a row as possible. This conditions you to stay calm and focus under time constraints.
Mindset Shift:
Remind yourself that pressure is a privilege. You're only nervous because the putt matters. Even PGA Tour pros feel the same heat—your response sets you apart. As Phil Mickelson once said, "The more I practice under pressure, the more comfortable I become in the fire."
Pro Tip:
Practice these drills at the end of your putting session when you're mentally tired. If you can execute under fatigue, you'll thrive under pressure during your weekend rounds.