Ways to Better Putting

STATS CAN TEACH US HOW TO IMPROVE OUR GAMES.

Here’s a critical one: The putter accounts for approximately 40 percent of all golf shots. Two-putt every green during a round, and you’ll score in at least the low 80s.

To go even lower, consider how well the best players in the world putt. The average tour players make 99 percent of their threefoot putts, 70 percent of their six-footers and 40 percent of their 10-footers. To no surprise, amateur golfers make significantly fewer.

Consider this: You have a straight, five-foot putt with no break. If your clubface is two degrees open at impact, your ball will miss the target. From eight feet away, you won’t make a putt if your clubface is open or closed more than one degree to its intended line.

SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO TO BECOME A BETTER PUTTER?

Become a proficient lag/speed putter. Three-putts result from the first putt finishing too far from the hole, leaving a tough makable distance for the next one.

Aim correctly and control face angle. The putter’s lack of loft makes it the hardest club to aim straight and hit on line. You need to know how to align, aim and swing with a consistent path.

01. IT'S IN THE LAG

A SIMPLE LADDER DRILL WILL HELP YOUR SPEED CONTROL TO SPECIFIC DISTANCES.

• Set up lines or cones on a putting green by walking off four-step increments all the way to 16 steps away.

• Starting at the four-step mark, make practice swings looking at the target by swinging the putter back and forth at a consistent rhythm.

• Once you have the feel for that distance move back to the eight-step mark, maintain the swings rhythm but increase its size. Continue that to the 12 and 16-step targets by adjusting the swings size, not speed.

On the course, you’ll be amazed that if you walk off the distance of a putt, you’ll know what the size of the swing needs to be based off of this stepping drill.

02. RULE THE GREENS

A YARDSTICK IS A SIMPLE TOOL TO WORK ON ALIGNMENT AND FACE-ANGLE CONTROL.

• Lay the ruler down on the flattest part of the putting surface and place a golf ball on one end.

• Hit putts the entire length of the yardstick without them falling off.

• Once you have the feel for that distance move back to the eight-step mark, maintain the swings rhythm but increase its size. Continue that to the 12- and 16-step targets by adjusting the swings size, not speed.

If the ball makes it to the end of the yardstick, you’re in good shape. Struggle to keep it on and you’ll learn your tendencies with misalignment.

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THE CLUBFACE HAS THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON BALL DIRECTION, and the path of the putter head affects the position of the clubface. Whether you believe in straight back and through or a slight curve, make sure your path is consistent.

• Set up a “tee gate” just wide enough for the club head to get through either side of the head’s heel and toe.

• Place a ball between the tees and hit putts to a target making sure that the clubhead doesn’t touch either tee.

MOST GOLF BALLS COME WITH SOME SORT OF PRINTED ALIGNMENT MARK, but I believe in drawing one on as well.

• When placing your ball, point the line at a spot a couple of feet in front of you along your chosen line.