Putting Breakthrough (part 2)

[par_par_par_treble]

http://www.golf-monthly.co.uk/forums//sh...=true#Post36770

I'm glad to say that after a couple of weeks my training aid has really made a difference.

I noticed that I was putting better the day after I bought it, but couldn’t really put a figure on it. I played 2 practice rounds which seemed good. Then played a match against a 2 handicapper (I’m off 13) and out putted him. Hard to give any figures to confirm this though.

Today was my first comp since getting it, and I only took 28 putts with difficult pins. My average for the previous month has been in the mid 30s.

Just need something to sort my driving out now!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Thats a pretty good putting stat even for a low handicapper. I had 13 putts on my front nine today (17 on the back though). Good job my short game was hot because couldn't hit the proverbial barn door

 

[MVP]

I might need to get me something like that.. thing with me when i putt bad its mainly because i couldnt get the pace right my stroke is normally ok..he says!

 

[TonyN]

Played 9 holes the other day and only took 9 putts.

I completely changed my putting stance, grip and swing. Now i love putting because its so easy!

With the new technique i find it so easy to get close to the pin from anywhere on the green. Then tap in for a 2 putt.

Anything under 6ft is now easily sinkable for me, ofcourse i do miss the odd few but who doesnt!

My secrets anyone?

 

[Liam_Austin]

Secrets on putting, do tell me now please.

I need all the help I can get.

 

[TonyN]

I used to just concentrate on even swing back and forth, and trying to keep the putter straight. This isnt enough.

Firstly, I opened my stance by another foot. My legs are now just a little more than shoulder width apart. This gives me more stability on longer putts when i need to bring the club back further and follow through further. I also find with the feet wider apart, it is easier to draw a line through the feet and towards the hole making alignment alot easier.

Secondly, I now have a lighter grip but feel as though its my fingers on my right hand control the the swing rather than my palm. My hands are as close togther as possible and at the very bottom of the grip (just like a pencil, the further down you hold it, the more control you have over it) I always place my thumb on a little circle at the bottom of the grip.

Third, My swing speed when putting is about 50% slower, but longer.
I now draw the club back slowly and pause very very slightly at the top before starting back towards the ball. Just like a good wedge shot i accelarate through the shot and make a full finish before looking up.

I always take 2 or 3 practice strokes, 1 looking at the ball. 1 looking at the hole and 1 looking at the ball then picturing the ball on the way to the hole.

When i play the shot, the only thing i have to activly think about is commiting to the follow through. This eliminates a weak shot and stops me leaving anything short. Most of the time i leave the ball level with the hole or just past, but very rarely do i leave it short, and thats a good thing because no matter how good your line is, if its short, it will NEVER drop. You have to give it a chance.

Now, I in no way claim that this is the correct way to go about putting and i am not trying to give anyone coaching advice but this is what i am doing at the moment. In the space of 3-4 weeks my scores have dropped from high 90's to mid 80's and its all because of my putting.

There maybe something in here for someone to use and if it works for you then i am glad i could help, if not, sorry, see a pro.

 

[Basher]

Cracking post Tony, may try it myself. I always seem to struggle with my putting sometimes.

 

[brendy]

Tony not wanting to peehoo your routine (you know something is coming!).....BUT, lengthening your putting stroke only invites in more chance of returning to the ball out of line. Try a few putts with a very short backswing, ie for a 6 footer, draw the club back only maybe 8-10 inches and putt through the ball. It gives you no time to get out of line and the putts seem to drop more often.
I have been doing this for a few weeks now and my putting has improved greatly as has my confidence. Yesterday I was playing with a bit of a legend at our club who moved to california 10 years ago and I noticed his putting backstroke was very very short and rarely missed.

If your stroke works then stick with it matey, look at nicklaus, seve etc they had alternative putting strokes and they worked well.

 

[Basher]

One rule of thumb that I was taught.

Get on the green, pace out the length of putt. For every yard/putter length backswing 1 tee length.
Therefore, if you're faced with a 6 yard putt, mentally visualise 6 tee lengths back from the ball. Don't allow your backswing to go beyond this imaginary line. I've tried it and it does work quite well for straight putts.

 

[vig]

what size tee? (cue twenty footer back up hill, wish I hadn't packed the extra long tees)

 

[TonyN]

Brendy sorry, i didnt really point out that i very rarelly swing past my right leg, its not actually that long, just longer than it used to be.

I used to just swing faster for longer putts, now i dont i just swing longer, but not that long if you get me.

I have never putted so straight since i started playing.

Actually, that gives me an idea. We could all post clips of our putting strokes. We do it for drivers and irons, why not putters!

 

[Nico]

Tony.

Ignore criticism of your method and dont feel you need to defend it.

The main thing is that it works for you,and by sharing it you might help someone else.

Our Club Champ from 2 rs ago uses a very similar method and he is now a pro.

 

[brendy]

I had this image of you slapshotting the ball! haha.

 

[TonyN]

Haha,

Thanks Nico, wasnt trying to defend it just giving a clear picture.

I know it is unusual but it works, and i like it. As stated i now enjoy putting because its so much easier.

 

[Nico]

Keep holing them buddy,putting is the new black!