Putting is one of the most important aspects of golf and it is also the part of the game that can make the biggest difference to your scores regardless of whether you are a high or low or even scratch golfer. Here are a few tips to help you on your endeavor to make more putts and lower your handicap.
Tip 1: Do not get obsessed with putting mechanics
Putting is an interesting part of golf because it really is primarily a mental game. Putting mechanics are important so do not ignore them. Pick a putting style you feel comfortable with and then stick with it. Practice your mechanics regularly but do not spend hours on it thinking that developing perfect mechanics is the solution to making more putts.
Remember that putting is also more of an art than a science. You need to trust your feelings and intuitions about the reads on a green and many times you will make a good stroke and the ball will not go in for any number of factors you have no control over. If you get obsessed with the idea of developing the perfect roll or if you are always getting the latest putter in an effort to putt better then you risk developing the putting yips.
The putting yips usually results from thinking too much about mechanics and also caring too much about the result of a putt. You become obsessed with trying to make every putt and lose your ability to forget the misses. The best way to cure the yips is to simply get back the confidence you naturally have about putting. You need to think of yourself as a great putter and replay all the great putts you have made in the past and forget the misses.
Tip 2: Develop a selective memory
In putting learning to forget is very important in order to maintain confidence and be the best putter you can be. Every time you miss a putt you must simply shrug it off and believe the next putt will go in the hole.
If you misread a green then you again need to shrug that off and believe that the next time you will make a perfect read. Putting really is a game of confidence and your ability to maintain confidence will determine how well you putt and how good you can become as a putter.
Tip 3: Practice short putts
Short putts are critical to any round of golf as they can save you a significant number of shots so spend more time practicing them. Also by hitting a lot of short putts you will be boosting your confidence levels too since your eyes will see a lot putts going in the hole. This will program your subconscious mind for greater confidence each time you step on the green.
Tip 4: Focus on the target
At the moment of truth when you are about to hit the putt it is important to avoid mechanical thoughts. At this point your mind needs to be sharply focused on the target. This focus on the target will allow your body and mind to make the best stroke possible that will send the ball to the hole at the right speed. Trust that you have good touch and do not think about green speed when you are putting.
If you want to get used to speed of the greens then hit some long practice putts before the round until you feel you know the speeds and then when you are on the course trust your feel on each putt. Also when you are reading greens trust your first impression because it is usually right. Remember that even the pros misread greens so be gentle on yourself. Take action and apply some of these tips to help you become a better putter.
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