So, you want to be a Great Putter?
If you didn't already know Putting makes up around 40% of your golf game. So, it makes perfect sense to spend time practicing this important key element. We've all heard the saying practice makes perfect and this is certainly true for Putting. The key to becoming a Great Putter is practicing the right techniques and reinforcing these techniques using the right training tools. Yeah, we have them here on the website but let’s understand each other a little better first.
So, you want to be a Great Putter? Firstly you will need to ask yourself, what level are you at now and what level would you like to get to? It's a bit like ROI (Return on Investment)
Where are you now?
Beginner - Someone who is thinking of playing golf, plays a little or has had a couple of games and really struggles on the putting green.
Intermediate - Someone who has been playing for a while understands the game but most times struggles on the flat surface and finds it difficult to schedule time to practice improving their Putting.
Low Marker - Someone who has achieved a high standard of Putting but would like maintain or improve this standard on a regularly basis.
Moving forward
Whether you are a Beginner, Intermediate or Low Marker when it comes to Putting you really need to educate yourself as much as possible. There's a lot of information out there so read up big time. To get to the next level locate someone that spends the majority of their time teaching or specializing in putting tuition. Not too many around. Once you do, learn and understand the basics i.e. grip, stance, ball position, face alignment, type of stroke, stroke length, and tempo and of course develop your sense of speed. Speed is about 90% of being a good putter. You get the speed right and you'll never be to far away. Become acutely aware of each element and how each element affects the balls outcome. Establish your goals with your instructor. Look at scheduling a series of sessions with a couple of weeks in between each session.
Remember to always Practice with Purpose - Measure Your Results - Review Regularly
If you are a Low Marker then most of this should sound familiar to you. If you are looking for that edge then the key for you is all of the above plus a more focused mental approach to practice and playing. I believe most good putters will tend to loose touch at some stage and it's generally when they become too familiar with either their Putting Stroke or the Putter they are using. Most times this can be cured by a simple review and or a short ten minute session focusing on an unfamiliar Putter and a couple of key drills. The trick is to go back to your original Putter. This saves you having to spend out $100's of dollars every month or two on a new putter whenever you start to putt poorly. Although good equipment is important.
Dedicate time according to your goals either outdoors on a putting green or indoors using an Indoor Putting Green or Training Aids to develop the correct techniques for improving muscle memory. You've got to do this using a good quality surface if you want to develop a great sense of speed. Using simple practise drills will help keep the practice sessions interesting and fun as well.
The Last Word
Great putters don't think about the mechanics of the stroke when they are putting. They rely on the confidence built from having spent the time practicing the basics which they understand and perform easily. They've developed a sense of touch and visual awareness and a kind of knowing the outcome before it happens.
Some people believe that Good Putters are made and Great Putters are born. I tend to agree but also believe whether you're punching your fist in the air on the 18th at Augusta in the Masters or on the 18th green at the local golf club, the result is the same. It's always about competing with yourself and being the best Putter that you can be.
Glenn Palmer - January 2008
