Whether you’re looking to eliminate three-putts or sink more birdie chances, learning how to fine-tune your putting game can transform your entire round.

Let’s explore some key strategies to help you improve your putting and shoot lower scores.

The fundamentals of putting

Putting is a critical aspect of golf, and mastering the fundamentals is essential for success on the course. 

Grip

The grip is the foundation of your putting stroke. A proper grip provides stability and control, which are crucial for accuracy and distance control.

The most common grip used in putting is the reverse overlap grip, which involves placing your left hand on top of your right hand (for right-handed golfers) and overlapping your pinky finger on your right hand with the index finger on your left hand.

Other grips, such as the cross-handed grip or the claw grip, are also used by some golfers.

Regardless of the grip you choose, the key is to have your hands working together as one unit.

A good grip allows you to control the putter face and achieve a consistent stroke.

Stance

A proper stance is essential for a consistent putting stroke.

The stance should be shoulder-width apart, with your feet and knees slightly bent.

Your weight should be balanced and centered over your feet.

The ball should be positioned in the centre of your stance.

Maintaining a stable stance throughout your stroke is critical.

Avoid excessive movement, such as swaying or rocking, which can lead to inconsistency in your stroke.

Alignment

Proper alignment is critical for accurate putting.

The golfer’s body, putter, and target must all be aligned correctly for a successful putt.

Start by standing behind the ball and aligning your putter face with your target.

Then, take your stance so that your feet, knees, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the target line.

Some golfers use alignment aids, such as a putter alignment tool or a chalk line, to ensure proper alignment.

Regardless of the method used, consistently aligning yourself correctly is essential for success on the green.

Distance Control

Distance control is a critical aspect of putting.

The goal is to get the ball to the hole with the right speed and distance, which requires a combination of a good stroke and proper feel.

Here are some tips to improve your distance control:

• Practice putting from various distances to develop a feel for different lengths of putts.
• Focus on a consistent stroke and avoid decelerating or accelerating through the ball.
• Use your lower body to control the distance by rocking your shoulders and using your legs to vary the length of your backswing.
• Pay attention to the speed of the greens and adjust your stroke accordingly.

Reading Greens

If you’re serious about golf, you need to be able to understand how to read greens.

Understanding the Green

Several factors affect how a ball rolls on the green, including the slope, speed, and grain of the grass.

Slope refers to the angle of the green, and the direction in which it slopes.

A downhill slope will make the ball roll faster, while an uphill slope will slow it down. The speed of the green is influenced by factors such as weather conditions, grass type, and maintenance.

The grain of the grass refers to the direction in which the grass blades grow and can impact how the ball rolls.

Green Reading Techniques

There are several techniques for reading greens, and each golfer may find one or a combination of techniques that work best for them.

Here are some common techniques:

• Walk around the green and observe the slope and contours of the land.
• Look for clues, such as the way the grass is mowed or divots made by previous golfers.
• Use your feet to feel the slope by walking the path of the ball towards the hole.
• Aim for the high side of the hole when putting downhill and the low side when putting uphill.
• Look for shadows and visualise the ball’s path.

To apply these techniques effectively, take your time to read the green before making your putt.

Walk around the green, look for clues, and use your feet to feel the slope. Then, visualise the ball’s path and use the green reading technique that works best for you.

Practice Drills

Like any other skill, green reading can be improved with practice.

Here are some practice drills to help you improve your green reading skills:

• Set up a series of putts with different slopes and distances and practice reading the green before each putt.
• Practice putting with your eyes closed to improve your feel and develop a better understanding of the green.
• Use a training aid, such as a putting mirror or an alignment stick, to help you read the green more accurately.
• Play games with other golfers where you take turns reading the green and predicting the ball’s path.

Green reading is a critical skill for successful putting. Understanding the green, using effective green reading techniques, and practising regularly can help you become a more skilled and confident putter.

By focusing on these aspects of green reading and honing your skills, you can improve your putting game and ultimately become a better golfer.

Improving Putting Technique

Improving the putting technique is a crucial aspect of the game of golf.

Even the slightest adjustment in technique can significantly improve a player’s putting performance. 

Pendulum Motion

The pendulum motion is a crucial aspect of putting, as it helps to create a smooth and consistent stroke.

To perform a pendulum motion, the arms and shoulders should work together as one unit, with the putter swinging back and forth like a pendulum.

The motion should be smooth and controlled, with a constant tempo throughout the stroke.

To achieve the pendulum motion, players should grip the putter lightly and focus on keeping their arms and shoulders relaxed.

They should also keep their eyes on the ball throughout the stroke, and maintain a consistent tempo and rhythm.

Stroke Mechanics

Stroke mechanics refer to the technical aspects of putting, such as the grip, stance, and alignment.

To develop the correct stroke mechanics, players should focus on the following:

• Grip the putter with light grip pressure and a comfortable hand position.
• Maintain a square stance with the feet shoulder-width apart and the toes pointed towards the target.
• Align the putter face square to the target line.
• Keep the eyes over the ball throughout the stroke.

Developing these stroke mechanics takes practice and repetition, but with consistent effort, players can improve their putting technique and become more accurate and consistent on the greens.

• Putting Styles: Discuss different putting styles and their advantages and disadvantages.
  There are several different putting styles, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common putting styles include:
• Conventional grip: This involves gripping the putter with both hands placed together on the grip. The advantage is that it provides stability, but the disadvantage is that it can be less comfortable for some players.
• Cross-handed grip: This involves gripping the putter with the left hand below the right hand. The advantage is that it promotes a square clubface, but the disadvantage is that it can be less stable for some players.
• Claw grip: This involves gripping the putter with the right hand in a claw-like position. The advantage is that it can reduce wrist movement, but the disadvantage is that it can be less comfortable for some players.

Choosing the right putting style is a matter of personal preference, and players should experiment with different styles to find the one that works best for them.

Video Analysis

Video analysis is an effective tool for improving the putting technique, as it allows players to see their strokes from different angles and identify areas that need improvement.

By recording their putting stroke and analysing the footage, players can gain a better understanding of their stroke mechanics, alignment, and tempo.

Players can also use video analysis to compare their strokes to that of professional golfers or other players with similar styles.

This can help them identify areas where they can make improvements and refine their technique.

Mental Aspects of Putting: Mastering the Mental Game

Putting is not just about physical technique, but also about mental fortitude. 

Confidence: The Key to Successful Putting

Confidence is crucial to success in putting.

When a player lacks confidence, they may second-guess their decisions and hesitate during their stroke.

This can lead to missed putts and a decrease in overall performance.

Here are some tips for developing confidence in putting:

• Practice, practice, practice: The more practice a player has, the more confident they will be in their ability to make putts.
• Visualisation: Before taking a putt, visualise the ball rolling into the hole. This can help build confidence and increase the chances of success.
• Positive self-talk: Encourage yourself with positive self-talk. Tell yourself that you are capable of making the putt and believe in your abilities.
• Focus: Staying in the Moment

Staying focused while putting can be a challenge, especially if there are distractions on the course.

Here are some tips for maintaining focus during putting:

• Block out distractions: Concentrate on the task at hand and tune out any distractions on the course.
• Develop a routine: A pre-shot routine can help players stay focused and maintain their concentration.
• Breathe: Take deep breaths to calm the mind and focus on the present moment.
• Pre-shot Routine: Establishing Consistency

Establishing a pre-shot routine can help players develop consistency in their putting.

Here are some steps to consider when developing a pre-shot routine:

• Assess the green: Take a moment to examine the green and consider the slope, speed, and any obstacles.
• Choose a line: Determine the line that the ball needs to travel to reach the hole.
• Visualise the putt: Imagine the ball rolling along the chosen line and into the hole.
• Address the ball: Take your stance and align the putter face with the chosen line.
• Visualisation: Seeing Success

Visualisation is a powerful tool that can help players improve their putting.

Here are some tips for using visualisation to improve your mental game:

• Use imagery: Imagine the ball rolling along the line you have chosen and into the hole.
• Practice visualisation: Incorporate visualisation into your practice routine to improve your mental game.
• Believe in your abilities: Use visualisation to build confidence and trust in your putting abilities.

Equipment and Technology in Putting: How They Can Help You Improve

Putting is an essential part of golf, and having the right equipment and technology can make a significant difference in improving your skills. 

Putters

Putters come in different styles, shapes, and sizes.

The most common types of putters are blade, mallet, and counterbalanced putters.

Blade putters have a simple design and a smaller head, making them suitable for golfers who prefer a traditional style of putting.

Mallet putters have a larger head and a more complex design that provides more stability and forgiveness on off-center hits.

Counterbalanced putters have extra weight in the grip, which helps golfers create a more consistent and stable putting stroke.

Choosing the right putter depends on personal preference, skill level, and style of putting.

It is recommended to get fitted for a putter to ensure that it matches your height, stance, and putting stroke.

Golf Balls

Golf balls also play a significant role in putting.

Different golf balls have different characteristics that can affect distance, speed, and spin.

Generally, softer balls have better feel and control, while harder balls provide more distance and speed.

Choosing the right golf ball for putting depends on personal preference, course conditions, and playing style.

It is recommended to experiment with different types of golf balls to find the one that suits your game.

Training Aids

Training aids are tools that can help golfers improve their putting skills.

There are many different types of training aids, including putting mats, alignment aids, and training putters.

Putting mats simulate putting greens and help golfers practice their putting stroke and accuracy.

Alignment aids, such as laser pointers and chalk lines, can help golfers aim and align their putts better.

Training putters have unique designs and weights that provide feedback and help golfers develop a more consistent putting stroke.

Technology

Technology has revolutionised the game of golf, and there are now many high-tech tools that can help golfers improve their putting skills.

One of the most popular technology tools is the launch monitor.

A launch monitor uses radar or camera technology to measure ball speed, launch angle, and spin rate, providing golfers with valuable data about their putting stroke.

Another popular technology tool is the putting analyser, which uses sensors and software to analyse putting strokes and provide feedback on areas that need improvement.

Here at The Golf School, we use Sam Puttlab to help identify flaws in your putting. It’s a great piece of equipment that will help you as a golfer develop a deeper understanding of why you’re putting like you are.

Having the right equipment and technology can make a significant difference in improving your putting game.

Whether it is choosing the right putter and golf ball, using training aids, or utilising technology tools, golfers can enhance their skills and take their putting game to the next level.

Practice Strategies for improving putting

Putting is a vital part of golf, and improving your putting skills requires consistent practice and training. 

Practice Plan

A well-designed practice plan can help golfers focus on specific aspects of their putting game and track their progress over time.

Here is a sample practice plan for improving putting:

• Warm-up: Start with some basic putting strokes to warm up your muscles and get a feel for the green.
• Distance control: Set up a series of putts at different distances and practice controlling your speed and distance.
• Alignment: Use alignment aids, such as chalk lines or putting mirrors, to practice aiming and aligning your putts.
• Breaks and slopes: Practice reading the green and adjusting your putting stroke to account for breaks and slopes.
• Pressure putting: Set up some pressure putting drills, such as sinking a series of putts in a row or putting from different angles.
• Cool-down: Finish your practice session with some basic putting strokes to cool down your muscles.

Drills

Effective putting drills can help golfers improve their putting skills and develop a more consistent putting stroke. Here are some putting drills that golfers can try:

Gate drill

Set up two tees or alignment rods on either side of the hole, creating a “gate” for the ball to pass through. Practice putting through the gate from different distances and angles.

Clock drill

Set up tees or alignment rods at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions around the hole. Practice putting from each position and focusing on distance control and accuracy.

One-handed putting

Practice putting with one hand to develop a more stable and consistent putting stroke.

Lag putting

Practice controlling your speed and distance on longer putts by putting from a distance and trying to get the ball within a specific range.

Training Schedule

Incorporating putting practice into a training schedule requires planning and consistency. Here are some tips on how to incorporate putting practice into a training schedule:

• Set aside dedicated putting practice time: Make putting practice a regular part of your training schedule and set aside dedicated time to work on your putting skills.
• Vary your practice routine: Mix up your practice routine to keep it fresh and engaging. Incorporate different drills and practice different aspects of your putting game.
• Practice before rounds: Warm up your putting stroke before a round of golf by practising on the putting green or using a putting mat.
• Track your progress: Keep track of your putting stats, such as the number of putts per round or the percentage of putts made from different distances. This can help you identify areas that need improvement and track your progress over time.

Improving your putting game requires consistent practice and training. By following a well-designed practice plan, incorporating effective putting drills, and incorporating putting practice into a regular training schedule, golfers can enhance their putting skills and take their game to the next level.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Putting is a critical aspect of golf, and golfers may encounter common problems that affect their putting performance.

Yips

The yips is a putting problem characterised by involuntary movements or jerks that cause the putter to miss the intended target.

The yips can be caused by a lack of confidence, anxiety, or overthinking. Here are some tips for overcoming the yips:

Simplify your putting routine

Develop a simple and repeatable putting routine that you can rely on. This can help reduce anxiety and overthinking.

Focus on the target: Instead of focusing on your putting stroke, focus on the target and visualise the ball going into the hole.

Practice with distraction

Practice putting with distractions, such as noise or movement, to simulate the pressure of a real golf game.

Seek professional help

A coach or sports psychologist can provide guidance and support to help you overcome the yips.

Pulling and Pushing Putts

Pulling putts refers to when the ball starts left of the target line, and pushing putts refers to when the ball starts right of the target line. These problems are usually caused by an incorrect alignment or stroke. Here are some tips for correcting pulling and pushing putts:

• Check your alignment: Make sure that your feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned with the target line.
• Adjust your grip: Try adjusting your grip to promote a straighter putting stroke.
• Focus on the stroke: Practice hitting putts with a straight back-and-forth stroke, focusing on a smooth acceleration through the ball.
• Use alignment aids: Utilise alignment aids, such as chalk lines or putting mirrors, to help align your putter and develop a more consistent putting stroke.

Poor Distance Control

Poor distance control refers to when a golfer struggles to get the ball to the right distance from the hole.

This problem is usually caused by an inconsistent putting stroke or a lack of feel. Here are some tips for improving distance control:

• Practice lag putting: Practice putting from a distance and focusing on getting the ball within a specific range.
• Develop feel: Spend time on the putting green and practice hitting putts with different distances and slopes to develop feel and touch.
• Adjust your stroke: Adjust your putting stroke to control your speed and distance. A longer backstroke can result in a longer putt, while a shorter backstroke can result in a shorter putt.
• Use a consistent stroke: Develop a consistent putting stroke that you can rely on, focusing on a smooth acceleration through the ball.

Putting problems can affect any golfer, but with practice, consistency, and focus, these problems can be overcome.

By understanding the causes of common putting problems and utilising the tips provided, golfers can improve their putting skills and enhance their overall game.