Trevor Ng
Putting straight in golf can be challenging, and there are several techniques and practice drills that can help improve your game. One of the most important things to focus on is the initial direction of the ball, ensuring it goes straight in the first 2 feet of the putt. It's also crucial to keep your head and eyes still throughout the stroke, only listening for the rattle of the ball falling into the cup for putts inside 10 feet. Additionally, understanding the green by assessing whether it's uphill or downhill and the tier of your ball in relation to the pin can help you adjust your stroke accordingly. Practicing with drills, such as the gate drill, and using alignment tools can also improve your putting accuracy.
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What You'll Learn
Reading the greens
Start Early
As you approach the green, take a moment to observe and understand the terrain. Reading the green from a distance will give you a better overall picture and help you identify the undulations and slopes. Take note of the position of the sun and any shadows, as they can impact your perception of the slopes.
Feel the Slope
Once you reach the green, use your body to sense the slope. Walk along the line of your intended putt and feel the ground with your feet. You can also use the plumb-bob method by holding your putter by the grip and letting the head dangle. Align the shaft with your target line and observe how the putter head hangs. This will indicate the direction of the slope.
Identify the High Point
Every putt has a "high point," which is the spot where the ball begins to break toward the hole. Identify this point and visualize the ideal path the ball will take to reach the hole. Imagine the roll of the ball and the break it will take.
Practice and Patience
Reading greens is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. Spend time on the putting green, refining your skills and improving your green-reading abilities. Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and methods to find what works best for you.
Visualize and Execute
Uncertainty can lead to confusion during your putt. Visualize your intended putt path a few times to create a strong mind-body connection. Then, step into your putt and focus on a spot one inch in front of your golf ball. This process will help you execute your putt with confidence and accuracy.
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Using a putting mat to practice
Using a putting mat is a great way to practice your putting, especially if you can't get to a golf course or don't have access to a driving range. You can use a putting mat to work on your technique and improve your game, regardless of the weather or time of year.
Putting mats come in a variety of materials and sizes, with some replicating the speed and feel of real greens. You can choose from a range of mats, from the affordable Eyeline Golf Roll The Rock mat to the premium PrimePutt mat, made from tour-grade nylon turf. The Perfect Practice Putting Mat is another highly-rated option, with various lines providing clear visual feedback to help you improve your stroke.
When using a putting mat, it's important to have a plan. Decide what aspect of your game you want to work on, whether it's your stroke, distance control, or consistency off the tee. For example, if you want to focus on distance control, you can use a simulator to select different wedge combinations and practice hitting from various distances.
You can also use a putting mirror with your mat to work on your stroke maintenance, as it provides accurate feedback on your technique. Additionally, consider using a line on your golf ball to help with aiming. Many tour pros use this technique to ensure the ball starts on their intended line.
By regularly practicing with a putting mat, you can improve your game and become a better golfer, even when you're not on the course.
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Focusing on the line on the putter
The line on the putter is an important aspect of putting in golf, and there are a few considerations to keep in mind to ensure straight-line putting. Firstly, understanding the concept of linear vs. non-linear putting is essential. Linear putters tend to see the break of their putts in straight lines, while non-linear putters see the break in curved lines. Knowing which category you fall into can help you determine if lining up your putts is beneficial for you.
If you are a linear putter, focusing on the line on your putter can be advantageous. This involves using the line on the golf ball as a reference point to align your putter. Some golfers prefer to use a black line, while others suggest that a red line improves your ability to line up the putter face with the ball. You can experiment with both to determine which provides better results for you.
When aligning your putter, it is crucial to read the greens correctly. Misreading the greens can lead to lining up your ball in the wrong spot, resulting in awkward putting strokes and inaccurate putts. Take the time to analyze the green and determine the correct line before focusing on aligning your putter.
Additionally, it is important to practice lining up your putts frequently until it becomes second nature. The process should be natural and instinctive, without any conscious thought about the line during the putting stroke. This will help you maintain target awareness and ensure that the line serves as a confidence booster rather than a distraction.
Finally, remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to putting. Some golfers may find that using the line on the putter works for them, while others may prefer alternative methods. Experiment with different techniques, including trying out a putting mat to improve your weight control and straight lines, and find the approach that suits your game the best.
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Using a line on the golf ball
To use this method, golfers draw a straight line on their golf ball with a Sharpie, aiming that line at the target on the green. This line is used to help golfers visualise their putts and improve their aim. It is a simple yet effective way to make more putts.
However, it is important to note that this method may not work for everyone. Some golfers see in straight lines, while others see in curves. For those who see in curves, aiming their putter at a spot left or right of the cup may not be as effective as they may end up aiming further in that direction than intended. Therefore, it is important to understand your putting style and whether this method will work for you.
Additionally, it is crucial to be able to read the greens correctly. Misreading the green can lead to lining up the ball in the wrong spot and making timid putting strokes. To improve your ability to read greens, you can use tools such as the Putting Tutor, created by Dave Pelz, which is used by tour pros.
Practising your putting is also essential to improving your accuracy. You can use a putting mat to practice at home or work, focusing on controlling your speed and weight to improve your putting accuracy.
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Using an alignment device
To use alignment sticks effectively, try the following drill: Set up two alignment sticks on the ground, creating a "Target Line Gate". Swing the club down through the gate, ensuring the clubface passes through the opening between the sticks. Start with short swings and gradually increase to full swings. Focus on the clubface's position as you swing through the gate. This drill helps you achieve the desired inside-to-out swing path.
Another useful alignment device is a simple line drawn on your golf ball. This line should be parallel to your aim point, and you should align your putter to hit along this line. This method ensures your putter face is square to the target line, which is critical for accurate putting.
Additionally, you can use your putter as an alignment device by holding it vertically at arm's length and closing your non-dominant eye. Identify a spot about six inches in front of the ball, such as a discoloured piece of grass or a spike mark. Now, roll the ball over that spot to start it on the correct line towards the apex.
Remember, the key to mastering alignment is to develop a consistent pre-putting routine. Take slow, deep breaths to calm your nerves, visualise your desired outcome, and only make the putt when you feel centred and focused.
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