Putting is the great equalizer in golf. Approximately 40 to 50 percent of all strokes recorded are created through the flat stick. This might seem like a high number, but keep track of the number of putts in your next round and you will find that I very close. I know for my game, I hover around 45%. I always try to improve that number and shoot for an under 30 putts per round average. This goal is very hard to achieve, but it is a goal that I think is reachable. Having said all this, understanding your putting technique is very important to lowering your golf scores.

There are many different styles of putting, but many have the same foundational traits needed to be considered a good putter. I wrote a 5 article process to develop this foundation a few years back and it is worth the read. It starts with ‘part one of my putting guide to success‘. Links to all parts of my guide are located at the bottom of the first page.

My putting foundation is very basic. It does not have many moving parts. Over the years, I have tweaked my putting style, however I kept the basic foundation the same. This solid foundational approach has produced some great putting rounds and low golf scores. There is one part of my golf swing that I changed over the years and still use today. It is my putting grip. I use a traditional grip with where my right hand (trail hand) wraps round my left hand (lead hand) by two fingers. I was taught this grip by my Dad and have never changed it.

As you can see, my putting grip is designed to lock my wrists during my putting stroke. I am using my big muscles in my shoulders to move the putter head. Also, I create a near straight line up the shaft of the putter through my arms. This last statement is very important because it allows me to easily repeat my putting stroke with confidence.

If you are wondering, I do practice my putting in my basement during my off season. Of all my strokes I can practice, this one is the easiest to use indoors. I do have a DIY driving net, however I focus more time on putting than anything else. My focus on my short game does pay off at the start of my golf season. I found this very good video about the fundamentals on choosing a putting grip. It is well worth the few minutes to watch:

Putting is the great equalizer. Understanding the fundamentals of how to putt and why will lower your golf scores. Since your putter is the most used club in your bag, I recommend you devote some time understanding the basics of putting, developing what works for you and allocate some time to practice.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!