Putting advice

[john0]

Right all you good putters out there im after your advice - all the bad putters need to reply as I already know how to putt poorly

What im wanting to know is on your backswing and downswing do you lead with your right or left arm/hand or both? Im constantly swapping between different strokes trying to find some consistency but so far am unable to do so

 

[JT77]

You will never find consistancy if you keep swapping!

What do you consider bad putting?

I used to put poorly mate, at least I thought it was poor as I rarely made 1 putts, but I also rarely had a 3 putt either and when adding my stats it was usually less than 36 putts per round.
I am a better putter now, mainly because I feel more confident, I have used the same stroke for 18 months, left hand high, overlap grip, very small forward press, and swing in a very gentle arc which goes in out in if that makes sense?
I had my Scotty cut to 33" but I grip a little off the top about an inch further dowm the handle. I dont hit the ball anymore either, just try and make a good stroke, and I always try to make the putt.

 

[Cookiesdaughtersdad]

I don’t think the hands should lead the stroke in any way, let the rocking motion of your shoulders do the work with the ball just getting in the way of the stroke.
By controlling the stroke with the bigger muscles you will develop more feel and consistency and don’t forget to practice, practice and practice.
Remember to catch the ball on the upswing to develop a good roll.

Cookie

 

[cm_qs]

I wouldn't know where to begin to offer advice on the mechanics of the putting stroke but I will offer the best piece of putting advice that I was ever given

The one key to good putting is .....responsibility!

We always hear people saying that their putters are to blame and that they absolutely need the latest custom fitted, NASA designed, precision milled , titanium putter with platinum inserts, go faster stripes and wings for added protection. Only then will they become good putters.

or if it's not the putters fault then it's the ball......or the greens......or the yips ....or their chakras are misaligned.......etc, etc etc.

Get a proven design of putter that you like the look and feel of.......I'm a Ping Anser fan for example but whatever floats your boat.

Get a golf ball.


Get on a green.


The only possible source of failure after this point is pilot error.

Ain't nobody to blame if it goes wrong but yourself. If you want to get better then you need practice.

Am I good putter? Usually, but when it all goes "breasts ascending" I know where the responsibility lies.

 

[JustOne]

cm_qs,
I think I'm totally the opposite. If I've swung how I wanted to, at the right pace on the right line and it misses then it was nothing to do with me. If it's something apparent like my eagle putt that jumped an inch off the floor half way to the hole then I blame that, if not then it just wasn't destined to go in. I know when I've put a bad stroke on a putt, I'm pretty good at accepting that too and move on.

I don't expect to putt like that one guy who is on the tele who has been on the tour for 18 years and this is the first time it's all come together and he's about to win his first tournament just because for the past 4 days something has 'clicked' in his swing and he's holing everything on those perfect greens, until next week when he can't hit a cows arse with a banjo...

...I just try and hole my fair share.

To answer the question I hold the grip lightly and use both arms and shoulders at the same time. Slow and smooth on the line I choose....... well that's what it is this week!

 

[bobmac]

I hold the grip lightly and use both arms and shoulders at the same time. Slow and smooth on the line I choose....... :

I agree.


Now how can we help you?

 

[JustOne]

I need a Wheezy... or whatever they're called

 

[richart]

Have a putting lesson it will be money well spent.

When i bought a new putter, our pro gave me a quick lesson out of sympathy. Left wrist was breaking down, and a good tip was to hold the end of the stroke with hands opposite crease in left trouser leg.(assuming right handed golfer !)

 

[bobmac]

I need a Wheezy... or whatever they're called

We always agree................when you're right

 

[JustOne]

I'd buy one if I thought I needed one. I'm in a happy place with my putting right now. When they go in I'm in a REALLY happy place

I have a nice new tempo and a grip I invented myself, probably putting better than I ever have. If I felt like it was getting away from me then I'd come up for a putting lesson, my only issue is that if I practice for more than 30 minutes I can hardly stand up straight afterwards.... any advice apart from plenty of stretching first?
(might start doing 50 sit-ups per day to strengthen the stomach muscles for a bit more support... but that's only if I decide I like the game.....

 

[bobmac]

Don't spend 30 mins just putting.
If you have a good short game practice area, alternate between chipping, putting, bunkers, lob shots, low runners etc etc.
After all, who amongst us thinks their short game doesn't need improving?

 

[AliB]

Yep - short game is key to confident putting.
good putting stroke helps too for when confidence runs out.

AliB

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Short game confidence will lead to putting confidence but I do recommend getting aputting lesson to check the fundamentals. Before mine I was closed with the hips and shoulders and my grip was too strong. A thirty minute later got me in a more neutal position with my grip and my alignment was much better. Cue more putts holes throughout the summer. Once you've got a grip and stroke that works you need to work at it especially on those pesky three footers