Putting Problem

[HomerJSimpson]

I am struggling with an annoying habit on my putts. I seem to be closing the face after impact so that the face of the putter temds to be pointing left in a shut position. I have been using an eyeline putting mirror so I know my head is over the ball and I have worked on making sure the shoulders are aligned.

I have tried to keep the face open and facing the target line for as long as possible but feel that I am manipulating the shot and has led to a couple of pushes on short to intermediate putts.

The problem isn't too much of a problem on loner putts where I am trying to hole it but would be happy to lag it to the hole side. It is with the 2-5 footers that are causing a problem

I know we have some putting experts on here so any comments and suggestions appreciated

 

[Wildrover]

Homer

Normally when a putt is pulled it means you've probably looked up to see where it's going, this in turn drags the shoulders round a touch, just enough to cause a miss. Maybe a session on the practice green where you keep focused on where the ball was and listen for it dropping into the cup might help, hope so. Good Luck.

 

[MVP]

widen your stance a fraction Homer it might let your shoulders rock better without turning. i have the same problem sometimes

 

[benny]

I'm a puller to Homer. Heres my two surefire fixes and they have absolutely worked for me.
One is a one off fix the other must be worked at constantly but it does work.

The one off fix is try a thicker putter grip - worked absolute miracles for me. I felt like I could just swing the club at a steady pace and roll the ball. With the thin grip I was pulling every short putt and not doing myself justice. An eagle or birdie putt would result in a bogey and thats just a killer. You might even want to try a flashy coloured grip and get yourself excited about your putter again - a little confidence goes a long way.

The second as our friend in the previous post confirmed, you're probably looking too early. Now that summers here and there plenty of sunny days for golf, try this trick which works best in the bright sunlight - it is hard to explain but it works for me. Focus intently on your ball as you swing the putter and through impact as its swept away the image of the ball will remain on the spot you putted it from for a split second. You know when its so bright, that funny effect where it takes your eyes a second to adjust. Wait till the outline of the ball dissapears (only takes a mili second) and only then look. It'll seem like ten minutes waiting but its an effective way for me atleast to make sure I'm not peeking!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Thanks for the input and tips.

Benny it is a new putter so the grip is still nice and tacky and so not too keen on changing it. It is actually a Winn putter grip and does sit nicely in my hand but I do like the idea of keeping my eyes focussed. I'm off to the putting green later so will definitely give it a go.

MVP
I know what you mean about stance. When I had a putting lesson last year the pro had me standing very wide and leaning right over with my back as parallel to the ground as possible (think Harrington's putting stance). Think I am gradually getting more upright and narrower again

 

[Ken_A]

My putting has improved a LOT from not peeking - I just wait a second after impact then look at the ball.

Its just like chipping keep your head down then look after you strike the ball. As benny said sometimes it feels like forevor but just keep head down for 1 second.

When I was looking I was pulling all my short puts left.

 

[The23rdman]

Homer, the most important fundamental with putting, and one thats often overlooked, is to make sure the forarms are properly aligned.

 

[USER1999]

Try putting with your eyes closed. Just trust the swing, and listen for the rattle.

 

[USER1999]

Another one is to try putting looking at the hole, not the ball.

If you are watching the club head close, isn't this part of the problem? Stop watching it, and watch where the ball was!

 

[rgs]

Homer you appear to have return to a previous stance subconsciously, try thr pros tip again and maybe exaggerate the stance just to ensure you widen the stance.

Harrington and Howell are two great putters who have a very wide stance.

 

[Basher]

Not my thread but have poached some good tips from it.
I've been struggling with my putting too, I feel I may be guilty of the eager to see the ball moving syndrome. ie moving my head.
Will take the tips on board next time I'm practising on the putting green.

Thanks guys!

 

[RGuk]

I don't agree with all of the posts.....but hey, that's ok.

When I'm way off track I work on a few "old chestnut" drills and then on my long-range pace, to lighten the ever-increasing pressure of making nasty length ones on the course.

My favourites are;
2 footers with no backswing. (6-8 balls around the hole)
4 footers with minimal backswing keeping the face at the hole.
Lots of cack-handed ones to calm down my right hand (sometimes I take this one out on the course).
Sometimes 4 footers choking down (makes the head light...fine for short ONLY)
and, my favourite, 2 shafts laid on the ground either side of the ball, making a "run" for the swing....

there's others in the back of my mind....some good, some worth a try.

 

[sbrandon]

I ssem to put better when i just step up hit it. I start getting problems when i over analyse and give myself time to fret over the putt.

 

[Marko77]

Homer, my putting has been woeful for the past few weeks but a read of the GM private lessons supplement certainly made a difference, no 3 putts today

I had been reading Dave Pelz and trying the rocking shoulders method be teaches however don't think its something I'm going to adapt to in this lifetime. Letting the forearms control the stroke seems to work better for me.

My problem was like yours. pulling everything left or mentally trying to compensate and ended up pushing the darn thing.

 

[RGuk]

I seem to put better when i just step up hit it. I start getting problems when i over analyse and give myself time to fret over the putt.

It's a good point.....all the best putters do it on good feel and trusting the technique more than thinking about it. Look at Tiger on the 10th yesterday, spent 6 minutes over the first putt and almost anyone could have done as good or better. Silly boy.....personaly I'd put him on the clock.....
Nice 3 putt Tiger, don't get all "I'm the best player on the world" about it next time and you might not look such a fool!!!

 

[TonyN]

Get board waiting for tiger to putt, And he has been a bit bland with it too last few days.

Good old leftie though, has anyone else noticed he uses a forward push to start his putting stroke, how bizzare, mind you it looks solid. I enjoy watching Mickleson putt, i dont really anyone else!