Are you a high handicapper struggling to improve your putting skills on the golf course?
Look no further!
In this post, we will share the best putting tips specifically tailored for players like you. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned golfer, these tips will help you increase your accuracy and confidence on the greens.
The Importance of Putting in Golf
Putting is often considered the most crucial aspect of the game. It doesn’t matter how well you can hit the ball off the tee or navigate hazards if you can’t finish with a solid putt. Mastering the art of putting is essential in lowering your score and gaining a competitive edge.
High handicappers, in particular, can greatly benefit from focusing on their putting game.
Our Experience: The quickest way to lower your handicap is to get better around the green. This include chipping and putting. Hit the chips closer and make more scores and watch your scores and handicap plummet!
Common Putting Mistakes Made by High Handicappers
Before diving into the tips, let’s address some of the common mistakes high handicappers tend to make when it comes to putting. One of the most prevalent errors is improper alignment. Many players fail to align their body and putter correctly, leading to inconsistent strokes and missed putts.
Additionally, high handicappers often struggle with distance control and reading greens. Misjudging the speed of the greens can result in putts falling short or racing past the hole.
Lastly, poor mental focus or lack of green reading ability can lead to some poor results. Understanding these mistakes is the first step towards improving your putting game.
5 Putting Tips For High Handicappers
#1: It’s all starts with speed!
The best golfers are able to control their intended speed on the greens. This helps more putts fall in the hole and avoids 3 putts. If high handicappers just simply eliminated the 3 putts, their score would drop. Our best tip related to speed is your intention should be to putt it within a 3 foot circle on those putts in the 10-40 foot range!
#2: Learn to read the greens!
The best way to learn to read greens is to hit plenty of putts on various practice greens to start to get an idea of what way putts break. This comes from experience and reptitions. There are systems like Aim Point, which can help as well!
#3: Use a line on the ball to aim your putt!
Too many golfers just simply walk up to their ball and hit it. Instead, mark every putt, clean the golf ball and line up the ball where you want the putt to start. Prior to the round, you should draw a line on your golf ball to help you align your putt in the actual round. Go ahead and practice this on a putting green to help you improve your aim and alignment.
#4: Practice your 3-10 footers and 30 plus footers
The key distance for golfers is the 30 plus range and the 3-10 foot range. The longer deistance helps you avoid 3 putts and the shorter distance helps you save par when you miss a green or hit a poor lag putt.
Resource: How to make more short putts!
#5: Find a grip and setup that allows you to hit your start line
If you watch any professional golf tournament you will see various grips, putters, stances and even styles. Find your best setup to allow you hit your start line with the right speed. Putting is pretty simple, hit the ball the right speed on the right line. Whatever it takes to make this happen, let’s make that happen! Is an open stance right for you?
Need more tips?: Check out this link!
Understanding the Basics of a Good Putting Stroke
To improve your putting, it’s crucial to understand the fundamentals of a good stroke. First and foremost, a solid putting stroke should have a smooth and consistent tempo. Avoid jerky or rushed movements that can throw off your alignment and rhythm. Instead, focus on maintaining a pendulum-like motion with your arms and shoulders.
Another key aspect is keeping your head still throughout the stroke. Moving your head prematurely can lead to misalignment and poor contact with the ball. Keep your eyes fixed on the ball and resist the temptation to peek at the hole too early.
Quick Tip: Watch pros like Tiger Woods or Brad Faxon putt. Notice their tempo and smooth putting stroke. There are plenty of youtube videos where you can watch the best of the best!
Resource: Check out these online golf instructors to master the short game!
Choosing the Right Putter for Your Game
Finding the right putter for your game can make a significant difference in your putting performance. Putters come in various shapes, sizes, and weights, so it’s essential to choose one that suits your stroke and personal preference. Blade putters are generally more forgiving and suitable for players with an arc-style stroke, while mallet putters offer more stability and are better for straight-back-straight-through strokes.
Additionally, consider the putter’s length and grip. The length should be comfortable for your posture and allow for proper alignment. The grip should feel secure in your hands without causing tension or discomfort. Experiment with different putters to find the one that feels most natural for you.
Resource: Short putter vs Long putter
Practicing Putting Drills to Improve Consistency
Consistent practice is key to improving your putting skills. Incorporating putting drills into your training routine can help develop muscle memory and enhance your ability to make solid, repeatable strokes. Here are a few effective drills to try:
- Gate Drill: Set up two tees or alignment rods on either side of the hole, creating a narrow gate. Practice putting through the gate without touching the tees. This drill helps improve accuracy and alignment.
- Clock Drill: Place four tees around the hole at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions. Start from a short distance and attempt to make ten putts in a row, starting from each tee. This drill improves distance control and helps you become comfortable with different lengths of putts.
- One-Handed Drill: Practice putting with only your dominant hand or your non-dominant hand. This drill helps develop touch and feel, as well as improve hand-eye coordination.
Make sure to practice these drills regularly to ingrain the correct putting techniques into your muscle memory.
Resource: What golf putter should I buy?
Developing a Pre-Shot Routine for Putting
Having a consistent pre-shot routine is crucial for maintaining focus and confidence on the greens. A pre-shot routine helps you mentally prepare for each putt and eliminate unnecessary distractions. Here’s a simple pre-shot routine to follow:
- Read the Green: Assess the slope, grain, and any potential obstacles on the green to determine the break and speed of the putt.
- Visualize the Putt: Close your eyes and visualize the ball rolling along the intended line and dropping into the hole. This mental imagery helps build confidence and improves your ability to execute the putt.
- Address the Ball: Position yourself behind the ball, aligning your putter face with the intended target line. Take a comfortable stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and your eyes directly over the ball.
- Take Practice Strokes: Take a few practice strokes to get a feel for the distance and pace of the putt. Focus on maintaining a smooth, pendulum-like motion.
- Execute the Putt: Once you feel confident and ready, take a final look at the target line, and smoothly stroke the ball using the techniques you’ve learned.
Resource: Mallet vs Blade Putter
Reading Greens and Understanding Break
Reading greens is an art that takes time and practice to master. Understanding how the slope and grain of the green affect the roll of the ball is essential for accurate putting. Here are some tips to help you read greens effectively:
- Observe the Surroundings: Look for any obvious slopes or ridges on the green that may influence the break. Also, pay attention to the general slope of the entire hole, as this can affect the overall break.
- Use Your Feet: Walk around the hole and feel the slope with your feet. This tactile feedback can provide valuable information about the undulations and break.
- Look for Clues: Notice the direction in which the grass is growing, as the grain can influence the roll of the ball. Additionally, watch other players’ putts and observe how the ball reacts to the slope. This can give you valuable insights into the break.
Remember, reading greens is not an exact science, and it often requires intuition and experience. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at accurately assessing the break and speed of putts.
Utilizing Technology to Improve Your Putting
In today’s digital age, technology can be a valuable tool for improving your putting. Many golf training aids and smartphone apps are specifically designed to help golfers enhance their putting skills. Here are a few popular options:
- Putting Mat: Invest in a high-quality putting mat that simulates the feel and speed of real greens. Practicing on a consistent surface can improve your feel for distance and help you develop a consistent stroke.
- Putting Alignment Devices: Various alignment aids are available to help you position your body and putter correctly. These devices can provide instant feedback and help you develop proper alignment habits.
- Putting Apps: There are several smartphone apps available that offer putting drills, green reading tips, and even virtual putting simulations. These apps can be a convenient and effective way to practice your putting skills, even when you’re away from the course.
While technology can be beneficial, remember that it’s essential to use these tools in conjunction with proper technique and fundamentals. They should complement your practice routine, not replace it.
Mental Tips for Better Putting Performance
The mental aspect of putting is often underestimated, yet it plays a significant role in your overall performance on the greens. Here are some mental tips to elevate your putting game:
- Stay in the Present: Avoid dwelling on past missed putts or worrying about future ones. Focus on the present moment and give each putt your full attention.
- Visualize Success: Before each putt, visualize a successful stroke and the ball rolling into the hole. Positive visualization can help build confidence and create a mental image of the desired outcome.
- Breathe and Relax: Take deep breaths and consciously relax your body before each putt. Tension can negatively impact your stroke, so it’s crucial to stay calm and composed.
- Trust Your Instincts: Once you’ve read the green and assessed the break, trust your instincts and commit to your chosen line and speed. Doubt and indecision can lead to tentative strokes and missed putts.
Remember that everyone’s mental game is unique, so experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. The more you practice, the more confident and mentally resilient you’ll become on the greens.
Conclusion: Putting It All Together for Better Scores
Putting is an art that requires a combination of technical skill, practice, and mental focus. By implementing the best putting tips for high handicappers, you can elevate your putting game and watch your scores improve. Remember to focus on the fundamentals of a good stroke, choose the right putter for your game, and practice consistently using effective drills. Develop a pre-shot routine that instills confidence and learn to read greens with precision. Utilize technology and embrace the mental aspect of putting to enhance your overall performance.
Don’t let your high handicap discourage you from enjoying one of the most critical aspects of the game. With our best putting tips, you’ll be sinking more putts and watching your scores drop in no time. Start implementing these strategies today and witness a significant improvement in your putting game on the golf course. Get ready to amaze your friends and competitors with your newfound putting skills!
Remember, practice makes perfect, so dedicate time to improving your putting regularly. With patience, perseverance, and these best putting tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient putter and seeing a noticeable improvement in your game. Happy putting!