Harper Lin
Golf putting is a precise test of skill, patience, and focus. It involves propelling the ball into the hole using a putter, usually on the putting green, the flattest and smoothest part of the course. There is no single correct way to putt, and golfers can develop their own style, but there are some key techniques to master. These include reading the green, maintaining a steady posture, aligning your shot, and gripping the putter correctly. Practicing these techniques can help golfers improve their consistency and accuracy when putting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stance | Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, lean forward from the hips so eyes are over the ball, elbows tucked into the rib cage |
| Alignment | Align your mind's eye to the path you want the ball to take, point the putter face along this imagined line |
| Grip | Comfortable yet firm, with fingers of the strong hand lower on the club |
| Speed | Critical to how far the ball travels and how much it is affected by the slope |
| Aim | Choose a target close to the ball that is in line with the path you want the ball to follow |
| Stroke | A precise balance of form, rhythm, and contact |
| Head movement | Should be kept still, especially on putts inside 10 feet |
| Wrist movement | Should be kept to a minimum |
| Leg movement | Should be kept still |
| Weight transfer | Minimal |
| Practice | Use a putting mat or a cup to practice |
| Reading the green | Use the Plumb Bob Method, Visual Inspection, or The Book Method |
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What You'll Learn
Reading the green
Start Early
Begin reading the green as early as possible, even before you get there. As you approach the green, try to spot the high points and low points, and get a sense of the predominant tilt. Greens often tilt towards the fairway, so you can detect these elements from a vantage point on the fairway.
Use Your Feet
A relatively new technique in the game is to use your feet to read the green. Walk around the putt and view it from different angles and directions. This will help you get a feel for the slope and determine the direction in which the ball will break.
Visualise the Path
Before taking your putt, visualise the path the ball should take to reach the hole. Pick a specific spot or line on the green to aim for and commit to it. This mental picture will help you stay focused and execute your putt with confidence.
Understand the Terrain
Take into account the position of the sun and the presence of shadows, as these can impact your perception of the green. Shadows can make breaks appear more significant than they are. Also, consider the grass grain and the way it is growing. The direction of the grain can indicate the direction of the slope.
Break it Down
On longer putts, break the putt into two or three sections. Determine if each section is uphill, downhill, or flat. This will help you adjust your aim accordingly.
Feel the Slope
Use the plumb-bob method to gauge the slope of the green. Hold your putter by the grip and let the head dangle. Align the shaft with your target line and observe how the putter head hangs. If it points left, the green slopes left, and if it points right, the green slopes right.
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Choosing a target
Firstly, it's essential to assess the risks and rewards of different targets. Avoid taking risky shots that may penalize you if not executed perfectly. Instead, opt for shots that offer the most reward, especially if you're a beginner or a mid-handicapper. In most cases, aiming for the fat part of the green is a safer choice as it provides a larger target area and allows for errors on either side.
Secondly, understand your capabilities and select a target that aligns with your skill level. If you're a seasoned golfer, you may opt for more aggressive targets, but it's crucial to avoid sucker pins, which are pins located near bunkers, hazards, or out-of-bounds areas. Knowing your natural shot shape is also essential in target selection. For instance, if your natural shot is a draw and the pin is tucked away to the left with bunkers nearby, you may reconsider shooting directly for the flag.
Additionally, pay attention to your pre-shot routine and aim accurately. Pick an intermediate target just a few inches from your ball, and practice aligning your clubface, body, feet, and shoulders with your chosen target. This step is crucial, as even tour players sometimes struggle with aiming and may require assistance from caddies.
Lastly, maintain a positive mindset and focus solely on your target. Negative thoughts or distractions can hinder your performance. Visualize the ball's path and bounce, similar to how golfing greats like Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller approached their shots.
Remember, choosing the right target is a strategic aspect of golfing, and it requires a clear mind, an honest assessment of your skills, and a well-practiced pre-shot routine.
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Stance and posture
The stance and posture you adopt when addressing the ball are crucial to a successful putt. The most commonly taught putting stance is one where your body and feet are aligned parallel to the intended line of the putt. The width of your stance should be roughly hip-width with the feet pointing forward (not splayed out). Some players flare their feet, some like them toed in—it's a matter of personal preference. The important thing is to feel relaxed and coordinated.
The ball should be positioned just forward of the middle of your stance. This can be complicated by the length of your putter, which may force your eyes too far back, so be sure to use a putter length that allows you to make the proper putting stance. If your eyes are positioned directly over the ball, you can easily rotate your head to see down the intended line.
The low point of the putting stroke arc is where the putter has the correct amount of loft. You want to make contact with the ball at the bottom of that swing arc. To do this, put the back of the ball in the middle of your stance and draw an imaginary line through the middle of your stance, positioning the back of the ball on that line. If the ball is too far forward or back, you will either catch it on an ascending or descending blow.
Finally, check these four lines: the first is from the ball to the target (your intended line). The second is the eye line, which should be parallel to the first. The third is the shoulder line. To square your shoulders, set your head above your stance centre. The fourth is the line of your forearms, which should be parallel to the other lines.
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Alignment
Body Alignment
Proper body alignment involves more than just pointing your body and the putter face at the target. It requires aligning your mental focus with the intended path of the ball. Visualize the line you want the ball to travel along and position yourself accordingly. Ensure your body is lined up correctly, with your shoulders square to the target line.
Eye Alignment
Position your eyes directly over or slightly inside the ball. This alignment allows you to better visualize the line of the putt and make more accurate strokes.
Putter Alignment
To align your putter, use the putter alignment line on the flange and line it up with the stripe on the golf ball. This ensures that your putter is aimed correctly.
Reading the Green
Before executing your putt, it is crucial to read the green and understand the slope and undulations. Use methods like the Plumb Bob Method or the AimPoint Method to gauge the slope. The Plumb Bob Method involves holding your putter at a right angle to the hole and aligning it with the ball to determine the slope's direction. The AimPoint Method, developed by Mark Sweeney, uses your feet to feel the slope and a hand-based system to indicate the slope's steepness.
Grip and Posture
A proper grip and posture are essential for maintaining alignment during your putt. Grip the putter handle with your fingers, placing your strong hand lower on the club. For right-handed golfers, the left hand should be at the top, and for left-handed golfers, the right hand should be at the top. Ensure your grip is comfortable yet firm. Regarding posture, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, parallel to the target line. Bend your knees slightly and lean forward from your hips, keeping your elbows close to your rib cage.
Remember, alignment in golf putting is about coordinating your physical position, mental focus, and equipment to achieve the desired ball path.
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Grip
There are several different grips used in golf putting, and the right one for you will depend on your personal preference and what feels natural. Here is a description of some of the most common grips:
Reverse Overlap Grip
The reverse overlap grip is one of the most common putting grips and is often taught by golf instructors. In this grip, the left index finger (for right-handed golfers) rests on top of the right pinky finger, rather than the other way around, as in the normal overlap grip. The left thumb should rest flat on the top of the putter grip, and the right forefinger may be extended or rest parallel to the left index finger. This grip is favoured by Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson, and Tiger Woods, who says that it brings "unity" to both hands.
Claw Grip
The claw grip has become increasingly popular since the early 2000s. In this grip, the left hand is placed at the top in the conventional position, while the right hand holds the putter grip between the thumb and forefinger, with the palm facing the body. The left thumb rests flat on the top of the putter grip, and the right hand is held 2-4 inches away from the left. This grip can increase the grip pressure of the left hand and is said to be a good cure for the yips.
Cross-Handed Grip (Left-Hand Low)
The cross-handed grip, also known as the left-hand low grip, is a non-traditional way to grip the putter for right-handed golfers. In this grip, the left hand is placed below the right hand, which is the opposite of a normal grip. The left pinkie finger can rest below or on top of the right index finger, or the right index finger can point straight down and rest perpendicular to the fingers of the left hand. This grip is ideal for golfers who struggle with an overactive right hand.
Interlocking Grip
The interlocking grip is similar to the normal overlap grip used on full shots, and it helps to maintain a consistent feel. In this grip, the right pinkie finger is interlocked between the index and middle fingers of the left hand. The right index finger may rest against the putter grip. This grip is most comfortable for golfers with smaller hands and is used by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
Prayer Grip
The prayer grip is similar to the left-hand low grip. The palms face each other with both thumbs on the top of the putter shaft and the index fingers placed along opposing sides of the putter. This creates symmetry and allows the hands to hang straight down, with the shoulders remaining level.
It is important to note that these grip descriptions are written from the perspective of right-handed golfers. If you are left-handed, simply switch the hands mentioned in the directions.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no one "correct" way to putt in golf. However, there are several techniques you can use to improve your putting, such as the Plumb Bob Method, the Visual Inspection Method, the Book Method, and the AimPoint Method.
Developed by Mark Sweeney, the AimPoint Method uses the golfer’s feet to feel the slope of the green and a hand-based system to express the slope’s steepness. You stand over your putt, estimate the angle of the slope, and then stand behind the ball, facing the hole. You then extend your arm out in front of you and raise a number of fingers corresponding to the slope percentage. Your fingers should be held vertically, and the point at which they intersect with the hole is your 'AimPoint'.
Here are some general tips to improve your putting:
- Get a golf ball, a putter, and practice putting somewhere. Ideally, this would be on a real putting green, but an indoor putting mat or a makeshift practice mat with a cup can also work.
- Read the green by taking a look at the green as you approach the area to get a sense of what the green may be doing. When you approach the ball, squat down to help you see if the ball will be travelling uphill or downhill and if there are any left or right breaks in its path.
- Line the golf ball up by choosing a target that is close to your ball and in line with the path you want the ball to follow.
- Grip the putter with your fingers to give you greater feel and control. If you are right-handed, your left hand should be at the top of the club, and your right hand should be at the bottom with your thumb pointing down.
- Get in your stance by standing up straight with your arms extended forward, holding your putter. Draw your elbows into your rib cage, then bend over until your putter head rests right behind the ball.
- Keep your head and eyes still while putting, and maintain a steady posture.
