Mastering The Art Of Putting: Secrets To A Better Stroke

Golfers are always looking for ways to improve their putting stroke, and there is a lot of general advice available on the topic. However, focusing on the actual putting stroke and its mechanics can lead to quicker improvement. Here are some tips to help golfers perfect their putting stroke and lower their scores:

- Develop a consistent tempo: Smooth and quick takeaway can lead to a more stable putt. Maintaining a 2-1 ratio of backswing to downswing is a common technique used by professionals.

- Choose the right putter length: Matching the putter length to your natural stance can optimise performance and ensure comfort.

- Focus on grip and stance: A relaxed grip with loose arms and hands can improve feel and control. Finding a comfortable stance, whether square or slightly open, is also crucial.

- Emphasise alignment: Lining up the ball correctly and trusting your judgment are essential for a strong putting routine.

- Visualise the putt: Letting go of control and visualising the desired outcome can lead to a more fluid and successful putting stroke.

- Exaggerate the practice swing: Looking at the hole and executing the shot without hesitation can reduce nerves and increase confidence.

- Utilise audible feedback: Using a small target, such as a dime, can improve accuracy. The audible feedback provides valuable information without significantly altering the trajectory.

- Adopt a relaxed approach: Tension and rigidity can hinder performance. Embracing a looser and more instinctual routine can lead to better putting results.

- Limit wrist movement: While some wrist motion is natural and inevitable, limiting its range can help achieve a more consistent strike.

- Maintain a 2:1 tempo: Great putters often have different speeds for their backswing and through-swing, but the 2:1 ratio between them remains consistent.

- Control the putter face: The straight back, straight through technique is impractical and can lead to last-moment wrist adjustments. Accepting the natural arc of the putter can improve consistency.

- Ensure grip consistency: A consistent grip, regardless of the style chosen, is crucial for a repeatable putting stroke.

Develop a consistent tempo

Developing a consistent tempo is one of the most important aspects of achieving a better putting stroke. Tempo is critical, and all great putters maintain a consistent tempo, which is key to achieving putting success. Here are some tips to help you develop a consistent tempo:

• Maintain a 2-1 ratio of backswing to downswing. This can be practised by using a three-syllable phrase and assigning two syllables to the backswing and one to the downswing, such as "Tiger Woods". This simple technique will help you achieve the ideal ratio and develop a more stable and consistent putting stroke.
• Keep the same pace for your backswing and downswing. While the length of your stroke will vary depending on the distance of the putt, your tempo or rate should always remain consistent. This means that longer putts will require a longer stroke, but the speed of your backswing and downswing should stay the same.
• Tempo is crucial for consistency in distance control. Bad tempo can be detrimental to your putting performance, making it difficult to control the distance of your putts. By maintaining a consistent tempo, you will be able to repeat your putting stroke mechanics more easily, leading to improved accuracy and control.
• Use a metronome to test the speed of your putting stroke. Studies have shown that most great putters swing the club back and through at a pace of 72 to 80 beats per minute. Using a metronome can help you find the right pace and improve your timing.
• Exaggerate your practice swing. This technique, recommended by Brad Faxon, involves looking at the hole and executing the shot without hesitation. It helps to reduce nerves and increase confidence in your putting abilities. By adopting this approach, you will feel more relaxed and in control during your putting stroke.

Choose the right putter length

The right putter length is crucial to improving your putting game. While a standard putter length of 35 inches may work for some, it may not suit everyone. Your putting stance, swing style, and height all play a significant role in determining the ideal putter length for you. Here are some essential factors to consider when choosing the right putter length:

Height

Your height is one of the most critical factors in determining the right putter length. A putter that is too long or too short can negatively impact your putting performance. The following is a general guideline for putter length based on height:

• 33-inch putters: For individuals with a height between 5'2" and 5'4"
• 34-inch putters: For those between 5'6" and 5'8"
• 35-inch putters: For individuals with a height ranging from 6'0" to 6'2"

Putting Style

Your preferred putting style also plays a vital role in selecting the right putter length. Some golfers favour a more upright putting stance, while others opt for a bent-over posture. A longer putter tends to complement an upright stance, whereas a shorter putter is often ideal for those who prefer a bent-over posture.

Swing Path

The type of swing you use is another crucial consideration. Golfers with an arc-style swing may benefit from a longer putter, providing a smoother stroke. Conversely, those with a straight-back-straight-through stroke may find a shorter putter more suitable, as it allows for better control and accuracy.

Eye Position and Posture

The ideal putter length ensures that your eyes are positioned 1-2 inches inside the target line, enabling you to execute a proper arcing putting stroke while maintaining good posture and balance. If your putter is too long, your setup posture will be too upright, causing your eyes to be positioned too far inside the target line. Conversely, a putter that is too short will result in a hunched-over posture, with your eyes positioned too far outside the target line.

Custom Fitting

If you want to optimise your equipment, consider getting a custom-fitted putter. A professional club fitting can help determine the best putter length, head design, and grip size based on your unique game and preferences. They can also adjust your current putter by extending or cutting it down to the appropriate length.

Understand the importance of grip and stance

Grip and stance are fundamental to a successful putting stroke. A good grip and stance provide control, feel, and comfort, allowing for a fluid and relaxed putting motion.

Grip

The grip you take on the putter does not matter as much as the consistency with which you apply it. A consistent grip ensures a consistent putting stroke. A good grip should also allow you to feel the club head swing.

One popular grip is the reversed overlap grip, used by legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Nancy Lopez. This grip is primarily finger-based, with both thumbs kept down the shaft and the trigger finger just slightly down the grip. This provides control and feel while maintaining a relaxed grip.

Another tip for grip pressure is to keep your arms and hands loose. You can check for grip tension by ensuring your arms hang softly, as if they were made of rope. Lesser grip pressure also allows the putter head to swing more freely.

Stance

When it comes to stance, it's important to find a position that is comfortable and works for your individual preferences and visual preferences. Some players may have a square stance, while others may have a slightly open stance. The key is to find a stance that suits your needs and allows for optimal putting success.

For example, Brad Faxon, one of the best putters in golf history, has a slightly open stance, attributing his success to right-eye dominance and an open view of the line. Tiger Woods, on the other hand, is known for his square stance.

In conclusion, a consistent and comfortable grip and stance are key to a successful putting stroke. By mastering these fundamentals, you can improve your putting accuracy and overall performance on the green.

Focus on alignment

Alignment is a crucial aspect of putting. Here are some tips to improve your alignment and, consequently, your putting stroke:

Simplify Your Putting Routine:

Brad Faxon, one of the best putters in golf history, recommends simplifying your putting routine. Line up the ball and set up next to it. This allows you to focus on the hole and your line before executing the putt. By simplifying your routine, you can build a strong alignment and increase your chances of making the perfect putt.

Use Alignment Aids:

Consider using alignment aids such as alignment lines on your ball or a putting string training aid. Alignment lines on your ball can help you set the line, so you only need to worry about the speed of your putt. A putting string training aid can also help improve your alignment by guiding your putter along the correct line.

Use a Mirror:

Using a mirror can help you improve your alignment by providing visual feedback on your setup and stroke. It can help you identify if your eye line is correct and ensure that your putter is moving back and forth stably along the intended line.

Set Up Square to the Putter Line:

When setting up for your putt, ensure your hips and shoulders are open to the putter line. This will help you step into your putts and improve your alignment, resulting in a more ascending strike and better end-over-end roll.

Focus on the Hole, Not the Ball:

Instead of focusing on the ball, pick a spot on the line you want to hit and aim for it. This will help you roll the ball more smoothly and improve your alignment. Looking at the hole during your practice swings can also reduce hesitation and increase your confidence.

Practice, Practice, Practice:

Improving your alignment requires consistent practice. Set up drills and exercises to work on your alignment, such as putting between two tees or using a mirror to check your alignment. The more you practice, the better your alignment will become, and the more natural it will feel during your putting stroke.

Visualise the putt

Visualising the putt is a crucial aspect of improving your putting stroke. It is a skill that the best players in the world, like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, have mastered. Here are some detailed instructions to help you visualise the putt effectively:

Start by stepping back about 30 feet from the hole and crouching down low to the ground. This vantage point will allow you to observe the slope of the green and identify any subtle contours, breaks, or undulations. Take note of the overall shape of the green, the direction of the slope, and any noticeable tiers or plateaus.

Next, visualise the ball rolling into the hole. Get into your putting stance and align your body so that you are looking at the starting line straight down the target. Imagine the ball rolling along that line and falling into the hole. Make any necessary adjustments to your positioning until you are visualising the ideal putt in your mind's eye.

Now, mark your ball and take a few steps closer, moving about 10 feet behind the putt. Crouch down again and reaffirm the line you visualised from the previous step. This step ensures that your initial read was accurate and helps build confidence in your visualisation.

Finally, step up to your ball and set up for your putt. Keep your right hand on the putter and look down the target line, visualising the ball rolling into the hole. Make your putting stroke, maintaining that clear mental picture throughout.

By visualising the putt in this detailed and systematic way, you will develop a consistent and effective putting stroke. This technique will help you make more putts and improve your overall game.

Frequently asked questions