My golf scores have dropped 6 strokes since I learned a new strategy. Amazingly, it all comes down to putting. I used to make an average of 38 put per round. Now I do 32.
Since I was a child, I’ve been trying to improve my putting skills. I took lessons and tried out different methods. While all of this helped me to some extent, it was not enough to keep me from my 38 putt rounds.
You may have ever tried out a new tool in a shop and found it to be very reliable. When you finally got there, the new putter didn’t work as well as your previous one. It is not random. This expression is familiar to you. “this putter fits my eye”. For some reason, the line between the hole and the putter blade looks more clear when you view it from below. You feel more confident and can hit the ball better. This is a temporary effect that fades over time. It is possible to continue buying new putters but it will become more expensive.
I discovered a new putting stroke. Actually, it is actually three new strokes of putting. Three putting strokes are what I bring to the green. Before I get to the practice area, I don’t know which one I will use. The stroke that suits my eyes is what I am looking for. There are many styles you can use to make your putting strokes more effective, as you’ve seen from watching pro’s. Below are some of my putting strokes.
#1 TRADITIONAL
The stroke should be fluid and relaxed. You should square your body. Then, rotate your shoulders and stroke down the line through the ball. You should feel free. You should keep your head down, but not jerk. A good tip for this stroke is to keep your head above the ball.
#1 CLOSED FACE
This is what I discovered and it works. Here’s the theory: You need to approach the ball and align your putt. Next, position your putter blade 6-8 inches away from the target. You will need to have a slightly firmer grip than usual. Move your body up to the right nine (don’t let your feet move) and rotate the blade until it is in line again with the target. The line will change dramatically as a result.
#3 TOP SPIN
This is a common stroke I use on uneven or bumpy greens. Lower your head to the ground by bending your knees. You can take a quick back swing, then accelerate the ball forward with an upward stroke. The ball will spin more and keep its true track.
Most teachers prefer the traditional style. This style is great because it forces you to use large muscles (your shoulders). Your small muscles can fail you if your nerves get too stimulated. It is crucial to maintain your hands and wrists still during putting strokes. You must keep your back straight and accelerate towards the ball when putting.
The Closed Face look is my favorite. This style has two advantages. The first is that it gives you a completely different perspective of the line. And the second one is that it is easier to maintain your back swinging on the line. This can be a fantastic remedy for your yips.
Top Spin is the best choice for rough and sanded leaves. As you can see, I am located in the Northwest. Our greens receive a lot rain during winter. It’s not a bad stroke, but I have used it on fast greens.
It is possible to wonder whether one stroke is better for short and another for longer putts. The answer to that question is “no”, but in middle rounds I’ve changed strokes. It’s all about confidence. If I see that line I must believe the putt will follow to the hole.
Let’s get to the bottom of the yips. They are the inability of your body or mind to do a particular task. Everybody has had that experience with a 5-foot putt, and then our nerves did the rest. It becomes worse as we age. This is why confidence is the best protection against it. A putting stroke is not something you can think about. It’s impossible to tell how far you need to put your putter back or how long it should be hit, in order to putt 6 feet. Feeling and being confident is everything.
What can you do to build confidence? Did you ever go to the driving range, count the golfers who hit their drivers? They are curious to find out how far they can get it. This drill is what I do when I’m at the range. At 115 yards, I choose a flag or green. On that green, I have to hit at least 10 balls consecutively. I cannot hit nine balls and miss the next one. I have to start again. Once I’ve hit 10, I will be able to graduate to the next level. This same technique can be used in putting. Begin with 4 balls at four feet, then move to 5 feet. This will help you to be consistent and confident in your putting.
Analyze your golf game. Before you improve, it is important to know your current position. If you ask my group of guys about their hole score, they will most likely respond with a number like 41 or 31. This is the hole’s score. The second number refers to the putts made on that hole. Take a look at your cards, and then take the average of the last 10 rounds. This will give you an idea of how many putts each round.