In golf to be able to score well you must learn how to putt effectively and in order to get there you need to be practicing golf putting drills that gets results. On the average roughly one third of the strokes in a round of golf are with your putter. In addition, the average golfer has thirteen other clubs in his bag. It would stand to reason then that we should allocate one third of our practice time to the putter and the remaining two thirds to the rest of the clubs. Therefore, if you want to lower your handicap then improving your putting game is essential.
The first thing you need to do is start a putting practice routine which incorporates golf putting drills that will improve both your accuracy and distance. In addition you want your golf putting drills to be able to build your self confidence which is absolutely critical in order to master the game of putting. And finally you want to be sure you are implementing the proper putting fundamentals. Here is a list of six fundamentals that every golfer need to incorporate into their putting stroke in order to putt effectively.
(1) Putt more with your shoulders and arms and not your wrist. Form a “V” shape with your shoulders and arms. Power for your putt should come from your shoulders. Point your elbows out away from the club shaft and do not keep your arms straight. This will force you to putt with your shoulders and arms and not your wrists.
(2) Control the speed with your stroke distance. Do not try to hit a 30 foot putt by taking the club back a few inches and then swinging hard. Control how hard you want to hit the ball based on the length of your stoke. Concentrate on keeping the speed of your stroke consistent, whether your making a short or a long putt.
(3) Lighten your grip. Tension and tight muscles reduce your ability to feel the stroke and get in the zone. You are less inclined to pull or push your putt.
(4) Feet, knees, hips, shoulders and eyes are all parallel to the target line. Eyes need to be directly over the ball.
(5) The putting stroke should flow at an even pace with a sense of rhythm. The swing should not have a jerky burst of speed or a sudden long pause. Putter club head should move along the target line.
(6) Visualize the putt in your head. Trusting yourself and being able to see the putt in your mind will go a long way in developing a consistent rhythm.
Incorporate these fundamentals into your game and make the most of your time on the practice green and develop a practice routine with a purpose. Each golf putting drill you practice should be designed to help you with various aspects of your game. Once you begin a putting practice routine you will soon develop confidence in your putting stroke which is absolutely critical. Learning to trust your putting stroke comes with hours of practice and patients and everyone has the capability of becoming a great putter.
