“Drive for show, putt for dough” is the lesson we’ve
all seen and learned from watching professional
golfers in every tournament and championship.
The masters of golf can drive a ball from here to
eternity, but it all boils down to how many strikes of
the ball it takes to put the ball in the hole. The
long accurate drives don’t amount to anything if
you’re unable to putt accurately.
Choosing a putter is important, but using whatever
putter you have consistently is more so. I’ve had the
same putter for fifteen years; I know what it feels
like in my hand, I know its weight and how that plays
into my putts.
Putting takes lots of practice. Typically, we drive
the ball eighteen times in a game, but putt at least
double that number. Doesn’t it stand that we should
practice our putting at least twice as much as
driving? If you can’t get to the practice green
regularly, practice on your carpet at home.
Keep in mind that no ball can make it into the hole if
it doesn’t have enough power behind the ball to get
there. Take the time to get down and look at the path
from your ball to the hole; does it slant one way or
the other? Is it uphill or downhill?
Stand with your feet spread for balance and line up
the putt. Keep you hands, arms and shoulders
completely still; imagine that you are a “bobble head”
but you move from just below your chest. Keep your
head directly over the ball. Pull your club back; keep
your hands, wrists, arms and shoulders steady-the
movement comes from your chest. Hit the ball,
following it with your club.
Learn from each putt and remember the lesson.
Practice, practice, practice!
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