In 2018, 107 million people read about, watched, or played golf.
With that many people playing golf, you need to make sure that your golf game is the best that it can be.
Even though Tiger Woods makes it look easy, golf takes more technique and skill than just swinging and hoping the ball rolls into the hole. Making sure you get your technique down will take a lot of practice and patience, though.
Are you looking to improve your putting game? If so, check out this guide to learn the top putting tips you need to know.
Lead With Your Left
If you are right-handed, you will definitely want to use your left hand as guidance if you haven’t before.
The left hand is just as important as the right, and this one will tell the golf club which direction to go in.
When you’re practicing, make sure that you put your left hand is the leading one. It may feel awkward at first, but you will get used to it in time.
Get a Lower Perspective
There is a debate on whether or not you should read your putts from behind the ball or behind the hole.
However, it really just depends. One thing that makes golf unique is that no game will be like the other one. So you will need to get a new perspective for each putt.
In order for your eyes to accurately judge the distance and the slope is to get a different perspective.
If you are going to be looking at the spot behind the hole, you may want to find something that will help you focus on the hole. For example, a different piece of grass or a piece of paint that is on the hole can be a good focus point.
If your putt is going to go downhill, you should read it from behind the hole. If your putt is going to go uphill, then you should try and read it from behind the ball.
Think More About Rolling the Ball Rather Than Hitting It
When you are trying to control distance, you should think about rolling the ball rather than hitting it.
Open your stance and shift your weight to the left side. This stance will make it easier to feel that left hand as guidance.
When you hit the ball, keep the head of the putter low to the ground after you hit it. The putter will then start to raise a little bit, but you still don’t want to hit up the ball. You want to do everything you can to make sure the ball doesn’t go up into the air, but rather it should stay on the ground as it rolls.
Practice With One Hand
If you can put with one hand, then you’re doing something right. However, if you can’t do this, you may need to take some time to practice it.
You’ll probably find that it’s really difficult at first, but you should just keep practicing to make sure that your body and hands are moving with the right technique.
Use Your Fingers
In addition to only practicing with one hand, you should also do a drill where you focus on using your fingers.
Grip the putter in whichever way you’d like. Just make sure that your left hand is still the leader.
Hold the putter with your fingers. The shaft of the putter should run parallel with your left hand, but your fingers should be the ones holding the pole.
Don’t worry about what your palms are doing. Instead, focus more on how the putter feels in your hands.
If the putter still doesn’t feel right in your hands, you may need to start looking for some new golf putters.
Do Speed Drills
In addition to the fingertip drill, you can also do some speed drills.
To do this, you can get three or four balls and line them up, about two feet apart. Set them about 10 feet away from the hole. As you get better at this, you can start to increase the distance.
You should start to get a feel for each different putt, especially as you stagger out the distances.
Make Stroke Adjustments Beforehand
If you’re going to make any adjustments to your stance or your grip on the pole, you should make these adjustments before you start your stroke.
Because you aren’t trying to hit the ball as far, you won’t have as much time to adjust. This is why you should take your time before you commit to hitting the ball.
Make sure that you are set up properly, and this will significantly help you get the ball in the hole.
Don’t Stress and Trust Your Instinct
One of the most important rules when playing golf is to not stress and to just trust your instinct.
You should walk up to a putt like it doesn’t really matter. If you think about all the pressure that is put onto that stroke, chances are it can get to your head and cause you to mess up.
Try thinking positively rather than negatively. Even envisioning yourself hitting it into the hole can help.
You should also trust your instinct. If you think a shot isn’t going to make it, then don’t take it from that angle. Try not to overthink it, and you’ll be good to go.
Get More Putting Tips
These simple putting tips can really help change the way you think about golf.
Making sure you go out and practice some of these drills and techniques could really improve your game on the greens.
Another way to improve your golf game is by watching other athletes play as well.
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