If you’re struggling on the greens – whether you aren’t making enough or 3 -putting from long range – here are a few practice drills and key thoughts you should implement into your practice regimen.
I have stated this in a previous article, however, it’s worth repeating. Alignment is one of the most overlooked aspects of the setup, especially on the greens. And I’m not even referring to your feet. If your shoulders and putter face are aligned squarely to the target, you have a better chance of holing the putt if read correctly.
1. Buy a yard stick (flat, metal, with no grooves).
2. Place the yard stick on the line you wish to start the ball on (Pick a 6 – 10 footer to start).
3. Place the ball on the yard stick and setup squarely to your line.
4. Hit the putt with the objective being to keep the ball on the yard stick until it reaches the other end.
This drill will get you to pay attention more to your starting line, rather than thinking about the hole (which causes anxiety and a guided stroke, leading to mishit putts),
Here’s my first YouTube instructional video:
This video explains a drill I use, and have been using for a long time, concerning keeping your eyes quiet throughout the stroke. If you can do this drill, and picture the coin under the ball on the course, you will give yourself the best chance to hit a great putt.
These are just a couple drills to help you take your mind off of the hole when you’re out on the course. Focus on what you can control, not what is about to happen. Your setup, your starting line, and making a consistent stroke. If you can do those three things (be honest with yourself!), then you hit the best putt and there’s nothing you can do once the ball is gone.
Keep getting better at worrying about the things inside your control, and you will hit better putts, and shoot lower scores.
Michael Midgette, PGA
Golf Academy Tips
getbettergolfinstruction@gmail.com
www.gbgigolf.com