a few putting tips

Here are a few tips for improving your putting game:

When watching the PGA tour, most golfers have a routine before every shot. Especially when putting. You'll notice that most pros will look at the putt from behind the ball, then they will read their putt from halfway up the line, and finally, read the putt from behind the hole. By doing this, your able to see the line, slope, and speed of your putt. Next, take a few practice strokes, and hit your ball. DO NOTover think your putt. (You don't want to start questioning yourself before ANY type of shot.)
Practice short putts. I know its a blast to practice those long thirty footers, but don't waste your time. The majority of your putts will end up within fifteen feet of the hole. Practice those shots. I learned a putting exercise that I use every time I'm on the practice green.

First, take for balls and make a circle about five feet from the hole. When you get three out of four in the hole, move your circle outwards about two feet. Repeat this process until your about fifteen feet out from the hole. This exercise will help you read putts, control your speed, and gain confidence.

Follow this lesson for getting your alignment right. After reading your putt, step up to your ball. Now, place your putter directly in front of you, with your club touching the toes of your shoes. Read your putt again, this time using your putter as your line. This will show you whether your aligned properly. A good way to control the speed of your putt, is to line up for your shot, withoutyour putter. Pick up a golf ball, holding it in both hands, act like your taking a shot and throw the golf ball towards the hole. By doing this, you are showing yourself the speed your ball will go. Will it be too fast? Too slow, or just right?

Reading the grain of the green:

Look at the texture of the grass, to see whether your ball is going uphill, downhill, or sideways. If the grass is smooth and silky, then your looking at a downhill putt. On the other hand, if the green looks coarse or has a razor like edge, then your definitely looking at an uphill putt.

Lets discuss gripping the club. If your grip is not working for you, watch how a good putter grips the club and try that. (Even the pros switch it up sometimes!)

Ask your local pro to help with your putting. They love sharing their knowledge for the game. You can find thousands of golf lessons on-line, or in books at your local library or bookstore. Watch the pros play. Paying attention to how such greats as Woods, Mickelson, Weir and many others play will definitely help improve your putting game.

Finally, practice, practice, and more practice. Patience, persistence and practice will improve your game. See you on the links!