Becoming a better putter

[HomerJSimpson]

It’s the worst part of my game by far I’m hitting it well enough to be in single figures but my putting is really poor if I tracked stats I’d imagine I’d be 15 handicap level

I very rarely threaten the hole from any length above 10 feet and my tendency is to leave them short if they do look like going in

And I’m wobbly with them 3-5 footers

It’s a grim existence on the greens sometimes

It is a boring answer but in my experience nothing beats practice. Distance control drills and I do the cross drill from 3-6 foot where I put tees into a cross to form a cross around the hole and then take 1 ball and start with the 3 footers. Can't move to the next distance until I get all four in. Frustrating yes, boring yes but if you do miss one and start again at least you are getting used to seeing a lot of the nervy distance putts going in. Of course everyone including pros miss so the option is to simply make one putt from each station and then move on and not begin again if you miss. Doing it in a cross fashion will give you varying breaks and idealy up and down hill as well

I also have one of these and will hit lots of 3 footers witht he outer ring in. Doesn't work as well the further out you go. If I am really struggling I put the smaller ring in. That is very tricky and so don't get frustrated https://www.amazon.co.uk/JL-Golf-reducer-practice-training/dp/B00MRZ7TAA

Once you take the outer ring out and start putting to the normal size hole it looks and feels so much bigger and is great for confidence

 

[BobbyA]

Think its time for an update,

Been spending as much time as possible practicing, been focusing mainly on short putts of say 4, 5 and 6 feet. Really trying to ensure I start these straight and hole them.

For longer putts I'm trying not to focus to much on the read and more on the length / speed. I don't take any practice swings on long putts any more, I just take a long look at the hole and let my brain decide how much pace to put on the putt. This seems to have had a good impact and my lag putting has been much better. Played 18 yesterday and had only 3 putt and I also made a long putt for Par which was nice.

Overall I think the combination of trying to get very good within 6 foot and not over thinking long putts has helped massively. Will continue with this as much as possible, I've dropped a couple of shots off my handicap over the last few weeks (23 to 21) so overall very pleased.

I'm dedicating most of my practice on short game this year, I chip at least 100 balls twice a week in my garden along with practice putting on the matt. Hoping to get under 18 index this year!

 

[eddie_1878]

Just to what I do and blame the greens.

 

[Robin Hood]

I haven’t read the whole thread so sorry if this is a repeat suggestion…..
A few years ago I was an awful putter so I went to my pro who got me to use a counterbalance putter.
Fantastic improvement, with respect to putter head stability and therefore aiming.
The other bit of great advice for me was to do a practice swing knowing it would be too short, followed by one knowing it would be too long.
It gives you a feel of the right sort of strength of putt required.