10 Tips To Perfect Your Putting Stroke
Putting can make or break your golf game. Looks easy, but anyone who has spent time on the green knows that putting is a skill that takes time and practice. If you’re someone who has ever hit a great approach shot only to miss a short putt, you're not alone. In fact, putting accounts for nearly 43% of the total strokes in a round of golf, according to studies by the PGA Tour. So, mastering your putting stroke can truly improve your overall game.
In this article, let’s dive into how you can start improving your putting stroke. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting, these tips will help perfect your putting stroke.
1. Set up correctly
Your stance is the foundation of a good putting stroke. If your body alignment is off, it can affect your entire shot. To start, position yourself so that your feet are shoulder-width apart, knees slightly flexed, and your eyes directly over the ball. This setup will ensure that you are in the best position to putt consistently.
When you line up, ensure that your shoulders, hips, and feet are aligned toward the target. Most importantly, focus on the ball’s position—it should be just inside your left eye if you are right-handed, or just inside your right eye if you are left-handed. This helps you maintain proper eye alignment and stroke path.
2. Maintain a consistent grip
The grip you use for putting is subtle but has a big impact. A common mistake many golfers make is gripping the putter too tightly, which causes tension in the hands and arms, leading to inconsistent strokes. A relaxed grip will allow your wrists to move naturally and help you achieve a smooth, fluid motion.
A good way to check if your grip is too tight is to focus on how your hands feel. If there’s noticeable tension, lighten your grip. The goal is to feel like the putter is an extension of your arms, rather than something you are trying to control.
3. Focus on your putting stroke path
Many golfers struggle with inconsistency due to an improper stroke path. Ideally, your putter should move back and through on a straight line, with little to no wobble. To check this, you can practice with a chalk line or use a putting aid to ensure that your stroke path stays straight.
A simple drill to work on this is the "gate drill." Set up two tees slightly wider than the head of your putter, creating a gate through which you must pass the ball. This helps ensure that your stroke is straight and you’re not coming across the ball or opening the face at impact.
4. Work on your tempo
Tempo is the rhythm of your putting stroke. It’s important not to rush or slow down too much. A jerky stroke will throw off your accuracy, while a too-slow stroke can lead to mis-hits. Ideally, your backstroke and follow-through should be symmetrical, with a smooth, fluid motion from start to finish.
An excellent way to practice tempo is by using a metronome or listening to your own rhythm. Some golfers like to visualize a clock’s ticking sound as they practice, using the rhythm to guide the speed and flow of their strokes.
5. Practice distance control
Distance control is just as important as accuracy when it comes to putting. Many golfers miss putts because they either hit the ball too hard or too soft, making it difficult to sink the putt. Practicing distance control helps you gauge the perfect amount of force for each putt.
One of the best ways to work on this is by practicing putts from different distances. Focus on getting the ball to stop near the hole, even if it doesn't go in, so you can consistently leave yourself easy follow-up putts.
6. Use your core muscles
Many golfers rely too much on their hands or arms to make the putting stroke. However, it’s better to use your larger muscles to create a more stable and powerful stroke. Engage your core muscles—specifically, your torso and upper arms—while making the putting stroke. This will give you more control and stability.
Think of your putting stroke as a pendulum motion, with your shoulders being the pivot point and your arms and putter swinging back and through. This technique will give you a smooth, controlled stroke without too much wrist action.
7. Stay focused on the target
When you putt, it’s easy to get distracted by the hole or the ball, but focusing solely on these things can cause you to lose your alignment and stroke path. Instead, keep your attention on a small spot on the hole, just beyond the cup. This will help you visualize your putt and maintain a strong, consistent stroke.
It can also be helpful to pick a specific spot on the green, such as a blade of grass or a slight imperfection in the surface. Focus on that spot as you putt, and it will keep you from rushing or losing focus.
8. Visualize your putt
Visualization is a powerful tool in golf. Before you even step up to make a putt, take a moment to visualize the ball’s path. See the ball rolling smoothly toward the hole and imagine it sinking. This mental preparation will help you stay calm and focused.
The more you practice visualization, the better you’ll become at reading the green and picking the right line for your putts. If you can see it in your mind, you’ll be more likely to execute it on the course.
9. Read the green
Reading the green is an often overlooked but important skill. Subtle slopes, grain patterns, and the way the grass is cut can all influence the way your ball rolls. Always take the time to walk around the green before putting, looking for any nuances that could affect the ball’s path.
One of the most effective ways to read a green is by using the "high side" method. Stand behind the ball and look along the line of the putt. Then, visualize which direction the ball is likely to break based on the slope. This will help you make better decisions about how much break to account for.
10. Stay calm and confident
Confidence is key in putting. If you approach each putt with self-doubt, you’re already setting yourself up for failure. Stay calm, trust your practice, and have confidence in your abilities. It’s easy to get frustrated after missing a few putts, but remember that putting is a skill that improves over time with consistent practice.
FAQs
1. How do I improve my putting accuracy?
Improving accuracy starts with your setup and stroke path. Make sure you’re aligning your body correctly and keeping your stroke as straight as possible. Practicing with alignment aids, like chalk lines or putting gates, can help you develop a more accurate stroke.
2. How can I improve my distance control for putting?
The key to distance control is practice. Start by practicing short putts and gradually increase the distance. Focus on getting the ball to stop near the hole, even if it doesn’t go in. Try using drills like the "ladder drill," where you putt from various distances and try to control the distance of your putts.
3. What is the best way to handle pressure when putting?
Staying calm and focused is crucial when under pressure. Take deep breaths and visualize the ball going in the hole before making your stroke. Trust in your practice and stay confident in your abilities.
4. How often should I practice my putting?
Practice as much as you can, ideally several times a week. Even a short session of 15-30 minutes focusing solely on putting can significantly improve your skills. Consistency is key to making progress.
5. How do I read the green effectively?
Reading the green involves looking for subtle slopes and understanding the grain of the grass. Walk around the green and assess the path your putt will take. Use the high side method to get a good sense of where the ball will break based on the slope.
