‘Drive for show, but putt for the dough’ is what we’ve all seen and understood from professional golfers in every tournament and championship either live or on TV.
The masters of golf can drive a ball from here to eternity, but it all boils down to how many strikes of the ball it takes to put the ball in the hole. The long accurate drives don’t amount to anything if you’re unable to putt the ball accurately.
The choice of putter is very important, but knowing how to use that putter consistently, is even more important. For example, I’ve had the same putter for fifteen years, so I know what it feels like in my hand, I know it’s weight and I know how all that plays into my putts.
Putting takes a lot of practice. Typically, we drive the ball eighteen times in a game, but putt at least double that number. So doesn’t it stand that we should practice our putting at least twice as much as driving? If you can’t get to the practice green regularly, just practice on your carpet at home.
Keep in mind that no ball can make it into the hole, if it doesn’t have enough power behind it to get it there. Take the time to get down on the grass and look at the path from your ball to the hole. Does it slant one way or the other? Is it uphill or downhill?
So, stand with your feet spread apart for balance and line up the putt. Keep you hands, arms and shoulders completely still. Imagine that you are a “bobble head” but that you move from just below your chest. Keep your head directly over the ball. Pull your club back; keep your hands, wrists, arms and shoulders steady – the movement comes from your chest. Hit the ball, following the ball through with your club.
Be sure to learn from each putt and remember the lesson. Practice, practice, practice!
Are you new to golf? We have some great our website at tips for the beginner golfer on our website at Golfing Tips for Beginners. This article, Golfing for Novices: Part Two is available for free reprint.