Even if you’re not a golfer, you probably know someone what putting is. According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of Americans over the age of 18 have played at least one round of golf. That means there are plenty of people who like to hang out by the green. Even if you don’t hit the fairways or greens, you may still notice your friends struggling with their putts. After all, anyone who spends time outdoors knows that it can be incredibly difficult to make anything but smooth progress without having a few bumps in the road.
Fortunately, many people struggle as much as you do when it comes to their putting technique. It doesn’t matter how much practice or experience someone has; if they aren’t consistent with their routine, then their accuracy will remain subpar indefinitely. Read on for some helpful tips on improving your putting technique so that your ball stays straight and rolls in for an easy birdie break next time out!
Practice Makes Perfect
While it’s nice to feel confident when you step up to the putting green, it’s also important to remember that there’s no substitute for putting practice. While you don’t have to feel like a machine, you also can’t expect to feel comfortable with your new game the moment you step foot out on the course. There is a massive difference between being comfortable with your putting and being an expert.
The best way to bridge the gap between practicing and walking out on the course is to practice more. In other words, work on perfecting your putting routine as much as you can. This will not only make you feel more confident with your game, but it will also help to limit the number of mistakes you make.
Don’t rush your stroke
Just because you’re about to hit a putt doesn’t mean you should rush your stroke. The same goes for when you’re on the drive. If you’re worried about making a mistake or missing your birdie putt, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Whether you’re playing a practice round, or in a tournament, take the time to relax while you’re setting up.
If you’re feeling a little anxious, take a few deep breaths or focus on relaxing your hands and feet before you step up to the line. A rushed stroke can lead to a number of different mishaps, including poor alignment and missed putts. Don’t make the mistake of trying to rush your game out on the course; you’re going to have plenty of time once you’re actually in the swing.
Adjust your grip
A lot of golfers struggle with their grip on the golf club. A poor grip can have a number of negative effects on your putting, including inconsistent alignment and missed putts. If you’re having trouble getting a consistent alignment when you grab your club, then you may need to adjust your grip. Golfers with smaller hands often find that they have trouble gripping the club tightly enough to get consistent alignment.
If you’re having trouble gripping your putter, try making a few adjustments to your routine, including switching from a standard to a reverse grip or holding your putter a little lower. There is no one right way to grip your club, so if you’re having trouble getting consistent alignment, don’t be afraid to switch things up to find a better grip that works for you.
Shift your weight
If your putting technique is off, then there is a good chance that your alignment will be off as well. The best way to ensure that the ball stays straight is to always maintain consistent alignment from the moment you step up to the line until the moment the ball makes contact with the cup. If you’re off-line, then the ball is going to curve even if it’s rolling straight.
To ensure that your weight is consistently centered, shift your weight as you prepare to address the ball. This doesn’t mean that you need to backpedal while turning your shoulders, but you should be shifting your weight to the left or right so that you maintain consistent alignment.
Don’t swing too hard
Some golfers swing their clubs too hard when they’re putting. A heavy stroke is likely to lead to inconsistent alignment and missed putts, so make sure that you swing enough force to get the ball into the cup. It’s common for golfers to swing too hard out on the course, especially when they’re practicing.
This is because any time you swing an object, even a golf club, you’re putting pressure on it. When you swing hard, that pressure is magnified, which can lead to a number of different mishaps, including missed putts and inconsistent alignment. If you’re having trouble keeping your stroke light and hitting the ball hard enough so that it stays straight, make sure to keep a close eye on your club head speed as you address the ball. If your head speed is off, then you may be swinging too hard.
Final Tips
Keep in mind that there is no one right way to play golf. Once you’ve found a routine that works for you, stick with it. Your putting technique is just as important as your swing, and you can’t be effective if it isn’t up to snuff. Keep in mind these tips and you’ll be able to improve your putting style so that you can start making more putts on the green! When you’re practicing, keep the target straight ahead and make sure that you’re addressing the ball straight.
This will help to ensure that your alignment is consistent, and you will be less likely to miss the target when you’re actually on the course. Putting is all about consistency. Always make sure that you’re addressing the ball straight and shifting your weight so that your alignment is consistent. If you do these two things, you should be able to make every putt. If your putting isn’t improving as fast as you’d like, there may be a few problems happening underneath the surface. Make sure to keep an eye out for these problems and address them as soon as possible so that you can get back on the path to consistent putting.