On Becoming A Better Putter

Being a better putter, that's every player's goal who really understands the game. After all, the flat stick is the one we use the most during every round played. The problem with putting is that there are more styles, stances and systems than for any other part of golf. Just look at the range of putters available. It seems like every week another company comes out with the latest space age contraption. And of course you can get them in every length from your knees up to your chin. There's also been a proliferation of putting coaches and training aids to help you hone the perfect stroke. Many of today's top Tour players have coaches just for putting as this is what usually separates first place from everyone else.

So what's the secret of being a better putter? For one thing, you have to find the setup and stroke that's right for you. It's my belief that there is no one 'right' way to putt. Just look at the game's best putters and you'll find as many different putting styles as players. For instance, Jack Nicklaus was a great putter who had a very hunched over style. Tiger Woods, who many feel is the best putter in the game today, stands very tall. It's sort of like finding your soul mate, there's someone out there for everyone, you just have to find them.

How do you find the right setup? I've never come across any system that helps you determine this. I don't think there are any shortcuts, you just have to take the time and try different styles until you find one that feels comfortable, comfortable being the key word. Every golfer who has played much knows that you can be set over a putt and you almost know in advance it's going in, while other times it feels like you're holding a broomstick in your hands. For every golfer body type and mental outlook, there is a 'best' putting setup and stroke.

Remember, first and foremost you have got to be comfortable over the ball. Do what I did last winter. Find a place indoors to try different putting styles, being attentive to what feels right. Trust your body, it probably knows more about what's best for you than your brain does. Put at least 10 or 15 minutes every day. Slowly you'll start to find the setup characteristics that feel the best to you.

Here are some putting basics to think about that are almost universally accepted as true today. I say almost as there are exceptions to everything in putting. 1) Keep your head still. This is critical. I don't care what kind of putter or stroke you have, if you lift your head at impact or just after you aren't going to be a good putter. Here's a good benchmark: on anything shorter than 4 feet, you should hear the ball fall in the cup before you look up. 2) Use the big muscles to putt. This means rocking the shoulders to move the putter. The big muscles are more consistent and less prone to twitches. Keep the wrists stable through the entire stroke. 3) Make as smooth a stroke as possible and accelerate the putter head through the ball. 4) Keep your grip light, I mean really light, particularly on short putts. By doing this you let the mass of the putter head move like a pendulum which is the best way to make sure the putter strikes the ball squarely and online. If you grip tightly you are going to get the yips, no two ways about it. 5) Learn to read greens. You can have the best stroke in the world, but if you can't pick the right line you aren't going to putt well. 6) Lastly, practice. You have got to spend time on the putting green if you want to get better. Putting is all about feel and the only way to produce feel is to practice. And practice with a purpose. There are a lot of golf books and web sites that can give you a lot of excellent putting drills.

Here's one last tip that I got from Jack Nicklaus that has helped me tremendously. Once you have your line, pick out a spot a few inches ahead of the ball and make sure you putt over that. Think about it, if you've read the green correctly and have the right speed then the ball will go in the hole if you hit that spot. This also helps keep your mind from 'adjusting' your aim during the through stroke. David Pelz has documented this all to common occurrence among pros and amateurs. If your mind is focused on something a few inches in front, it will be more of a help than a hindrance.

If you're putting well, you'll be surprised at how many of your playing partners end up buying the same putter!