Putting question

[Farneyman]

I have noticed that I am a "to the hole" as opposed to "by the hole" putter. I leave many putts short but on the otherhand dont tend to 3 putt many.

I had some time yesterday on the putting green so I tried something. The putting green has nine holes so I went round it forward then backwards 4 times to make 72 "hole" I putted everything out.

For the first 36 I didnt use a practice stroke just looked at the hole at pulled the trigger. I only made 5 and 3 putted 2 of the 36.

For the second 36 I took my time taking a couple of steps back and studying the putt. I also concentrated on getting the ball by the hole as a result I made 7 but 3 putted 5 of them.

I found as I was aiming by the hole my misses run further by and caused more 3 putts.

During on course games I take my time and take a couple of practice swings before putting but aim for the hole not by it.

My question is do you putt to the hole or by the hole or not even think about it???

Is there a right or wrong way

 

[Stevenc]

The old adage never up never in kinda applies here I suppose.

I prefer to be 2 feet by than 2 feet short as its at least had a chance to drop and you get a preview of the line "on the way back"

I say I prefer because I seem to unconsciously be a to the hole putter as opposed to by the hole!

 

[Bratty]

I now practice putting by leaving the flag 18 inches behind the hole and putting to it. This encourages me to put the ball past the hole but not too far past.

But I ALWAYS line up!

 

[Losttheplot]

I don't think of trying to do anything apart from sinking it. Whether it's 6ft or 16ft I try to hole it. I do suffer from falling short though a little bit and not reach the hole and it's something I'm trying to rectify by trying to (obviously) hit it a little harder.

 

[bobmac]

I'm trying to rectify by trying to (obviously) hit it a little harder.

Is the wrong answer imho.
I would suggest you never try and hit a putt whether harder or softer.
You keep the same pace of stroke, you just vary the length of the swing.

 

[thecraw]

Putting is a personal thing. My putting stats are miles better this year yet Im not an aggressive putter. I tend to putt to the hole and leave myself as short a putt as possible.

If your positive then by all means have a run at it. I suggest you do what's comfortable for you. Try and keep the same rythm as the rest of your game.

 

[Losttheplot]

I'm trying to rectify by trying to (obviously) hit it a little harder.

Is the wrong answer imho.
I would suggest you never try and hit a putt whether harder or softer.
You keep the same pace of stroke, you just vary the length of the swing.

Didn't want to go too technical with it when it wasnt my 'post' but I agree with you. Vary the length of the swing is the way to do it not to just 'hit it harder' as I first stated.
Thanks for the kind advice though, much appreciated. You didn't have to correct me but chose to mention it which says a lot about you (it's a good thing) cheers

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I tended to be a dyer into the hole as I was always scared of the 2 footer back. However I've really worked hard on the shorter putts and so I'm more aggressive now to give the ball a chance. I don't hit it harder just swing back and through further.

 

[Farneyman]

Some great stuff here guys, I like the idea of changing the lenght of back swing rather than hitting it harder.

I suppose it something I havent thought much about but it makes perfect sense.

So from this I will continue to line up putts and take a couple of practice swings then adjust my backswing lenght to get the ball past the whole rather than trying to hit it harder to reach the hole. (hope that makes sense)

Will keep an eye on my putting this weekend when Im getting another 2 games in.

 

[thecraw]

Fabian,

just an observation from our game at Bogside last week. Sometimes we are our own harshest critics and don't see the wood for the trees. I didn't see anything in your putting that made me think "that's a dodgy stroke!". You putted nicely and your game in general was 1000 times better than the last time I saw you play. Both Andy and I commented on how well you were playing.

I appreciate that there were a few friendly gimmies in our match but I think your being a tad harsh on your self. Keep doing what your doing and I'm sure your handicap will continue to fall.

 

[Farneyman]

I didn't see anything in your putting that made me think "that's a dodgy stroke!". You putted nicely and your game in general was 1000 times better than the last time I saw you play.

I havent been thinking my putting is poor (stroke wise) its just I noticed I tend to leave a lot short. I am happy with my whole game in general, granted there is lots to work on in the future. If I could only get a few more putts to drop it could be the difference of a double and a bogey or even birdie/par which in turn will be getting in the buffer and eventually a cut/hopefully.

I know whenever I am happy with my putting it will be another part of my game which will annoy me...although this will be the first time in my short golfing career that I will be practicing at the range during the winter to try and keep my swing going along with a couple of lessons, so I will be working on it this year.

By the time "The Machrihanish Masters" starts in April I will probally be worse than ever