“Drive for show, putt for dough” is the lesson we’ve all seen and learned from watching the 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.
Your choice of putter is very important, but using the putter you have consistently, is even more so. 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 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.
But bear in mind that the ball will never make it to the hole, if it doesn’t have enough wallup behind it to get it in there. So, why not take the time to get down on the ground to look at the path your ball must run to the hole. Does it slope one way or the other? Does the path run 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.
Learn from each putt and remember the lesson. Practice, practice, practice!