The saying that 100% of short putts never go in is a complete truth. Of course, this is a tongue in cheek statement to over simplify the need to get the ball to the hole (at least) while putting. I am strong believer in putting the ball past the hole between 8 to 17 inches. My research and experience tells me that this distance past the hole offers the greatest chance to sink the putt. Using this knowledge, I have developed my putting style such that putting past the hole is a key component of my short game. To be honest, I do not always accomplish this feat 😦 , but the intent is always there. Fortunately, there are thousands of drills/games to use to improve your short game and I found a video with three that you might light.
Continue readingPutting Tips
Changing Your Grip While Putting
Putting is the most import stoke in golf. During any round, about half our strokes are eaten by strokes gained on the greens. This is a universal trait and as such should be addressed by every player. The challenge many amateurs have (at least in the early stages of they game) is how to properly hold the putter to gain the most advantage while putting. It is a skill that everyone should work on religiously, but alas many players would rather hit their driver on the range and practice on the putting green. Knowing this, the following information is for those wanting to understand why changing our grip while putting will improve their overall game.
Continue readingPutting Pre-Shot Routine
If you do not have a pre-shot routine, I strongly recommend that you develop one sooner than later. It is a technique used by every professional golfer, although they vary greatly, to ensure they are prepared to hit their next golf shot. More importantly, developing a pre-shot routine for putting is the most important skill you will create in order to reduce the most strokes. Personally, I have used the same basic pre-shot routine for most of my golfing career and I think it works very well. It has saved me many strokes over the years compared to lost strokes. And I think you can as well.
Continue readingI Forgot My Putter!
Many amateurs do not check their bag before heading to the first tee. We generally have one set of clubs and they usually reside in one location around our house. In my case, my clubs stay in my vehicle for the summer and rarely come our for non golf related activities. Having said that, there are times when I remove certain clubs for practice and as a result playing around of golf with out a putter is entirely possible. Well, actually, over the years I have played a few rounds without a putter, PW, SW, 3 wood and Driver. Leaving these clubs behind generated some interesting and colourful conversation. Additionally, I had to wait for at least 9 holes before I could retrieve my wayward clubs from my car. With important clubs taking a rest, I had to be inventive on how I replaced them during the round.
Continue readingHitting A Close Approach Shot – Then What?
Nothing lifts a golfer’s spirits than hitting a golf shot close to the pin from 150 yards. I specifically chose that distance because most of us are hitting from that distance more often than not for approach shots. Regardless, the premise is good and solid. All I know is that our emotions rise when we see we have an opportunity for an up and down from that distance (usually for birdie). After making such a great shot, what do you do next? Are your actions as you reach the green hurting or helping your chances to sink the putt?
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The Grateful Golfer 