Newbie - Help with putting....

[Scottjd1]

Hi all, just joined up and enjoying reading some of the posts etc.
Been playing 4-5 years but not much in the last 2 - I have started playing again regularly this year - have joined a cluba nd ive managed to get down to 16 and have a target of 14 this year then 11-12 next before full on mission for single figures.

Have been playing quite well but have completely lost it putting, last 2 rounds I have played I have only 2 putted twice, the rest are 3+. Been scoring late 20's so if i can sink a few 4-5 footers can start scoring quite well!

I know they are no easy fixes just wondered whether any of you guys can recommend a drill or practice before playing - im looking for a 20 minute or so putting practice but rather that just stand there hitting putts,I need some sort of structure - particularly one you might use on a new course to get a feel for different greens.

Thanks in advance !

Scott

Callaway Hyper X Tour
Callaway Big Bertha Fusion 3 & 7 woods
Callaway Big Bertha Fusion Irons 3-AW
Callaway Forged 60 lob
Scotty Cameron red x2 putter

 

[sev112]

Welcome

What's the theme ? Hitting short and long ? Can't read slopes ? Can't seem to putt on the line you have in mind ?
Or a collection of all ?

I warm up with a few right hand only putts.

Before each real putt, i also use a right hand only practice stroke, to keep tension out of the stroke.

If it's distance control, then when i have days like that i revert to 3 backswings - short putt, medium length putt, and long putt, and then dont worry about anything more complex than that.

If it's alignment, have you got any tiled floors or lino in yoru kitchen. Easy to practice your alignhment by setting up with a ball in the lines in between the tiles - soon find out if you are hitting the ball squint .

Best of luck

 

[Scottjd1]

Thanks for that . its just a ;ack of confidence - i feel like i am striking the ball ok but one green ill miss on the high side just a touch then it will run thru 4-5 feet and ill miss on the low side coming back...then ill just not hit hard enough. just an allround mess i guess hahaa!

 

[haplesshacker]

It really depends on the 'why'.

Is it distance, green reading, alignment ..........

I'm no expert (far from it!!). But a few things have certainly helped me.

Firstly, I found a grip that worked better for me and takes the hinging wrists out of play. Secondly I placed my feet a little further apart and that has helped stabalised my body more. Lastly, a simple thick black line marked on the ball. This helps me line the ball up and only leaves me with pace to worry about when stood over the ball.

As i've said, I'm just a hacker, but my putting is by far from my worst aspect of my game, and is something that's improved just from those three aspects.

PS.

Though, I could always improve if I just had the time to practice and use what's in stock!!!!

 

[RGDave]

- I have started playing again regularly this year -

That'll be the problem then.

It'll come. Just keep practising.

If you have no talent for putting (like someone I know ) it's all about the speed really. The more I play, the less I worry about getting the speed right.
If you ask me, speed is more about experience, accuracy is more about technique. Being able to read the greens is another thing altogether.

A good grip/stroke will help a consistent strike, and speed does require a consistent strike, so a good grip and the right putter should speed up the process.
Maybe you should take your Scotty for a custom fit? (if all else fails)

 

[Region3]

If I have time before I play, I take 3 balls on to the practice green. Find a flat part and hit the 3 balls backwards and forwards with 3 different length backswings. Pace out the average distance with each backswing and take it to the course.

It helps if the practice green is running at the same pace as the greens on the course though

 

[Losttheplot]

This might sound obvious but it's just practise and confidence. There's no real quick fix in my opinion, just work on it and it will improve.

Welcome by the way

 

[drawboy]

Try a new putter for a bit, we all tail off with our putting from time to time and a new piece of kit can sometimes revitalise our game once again. It has happened to me recently but a new wand has made a massive difference and I am confident from anywhere at the moment.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I've said it before and stand by it but get a lesson. A pro will be able to see if you are addressing the putts correctly and more importantly your clubface on the way back, most importantly at impact and how you follow through. He'll also see if the wrists break down or there is any excessive body movement and whether you peek too early.

Once you get the basics sorted and can rely on the stroke then it makes judging speed and break a more natural process and you can rely more on your natural feel for a putt. ALternatively why not video your putting technique and speak to our resident putting guru Bob and for the cost of a v-easy (only joking) he'll put you right

 

[HRC99]

I can heartily recommend a lesson. I was in a very similar position to you and it has made a massive difference.

He checked over my stroke, made a couple of adjustments to it and then adjusted my putter so that the lie suited my stroke. I was instantly striking it much better.

My experience of Scotty Cameron's is that they are lovely putters but are not very forgiving to a poor stroke.

But, I'd head to a pro and he/she'll have you sorted out in a jiffy.

 

[Scottjd1]

Thank you all so much for your advice ... I decided to get to the putting green on sunday morning and worked on 2 things i found on you tube.

First one was to line up 4 balls from the hole..first one 6 inches, 2nd 12 3rd 18 etc. and you move the line around after each set of putts.

Nes=xt line 4 balls up and hit them one a little harder than the last so it rolls beyond, so u end up wth a diagonal line.

These plus ypur tips really helped to get some feel back, scored 33 points and only 3 putted twice and sunk a couple of 12-15 footers which was great.

I had been thinkin about the scotty, I love it and when you hit it pure it feels great but you are right and I might look at something that has a little more forgiveness.

Any suggestions?

Scott

 

[HRC99]

Tons of good putters out there: Odyssey, Yes, TM, Ping.....the list goes on and on.

Head down to a pro shop and try some out. It's also worth getting it looked at by the pro to make sure the length and lie match your putting stroke.

Glad to hear the putting's improving!

 

[Scottjd1]

Amazing this game - confidence back - decided to just use 3 wood as firmer fairways not much distance advantage with driver - just scored 39 points and putted like a dream