Putting Guides – Part 2 of 5

December 16, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Back 6 forward 12! Now that you have made solid contact on the ball, where are you putting it too? There are many ways to line up your putt, determine the slope, the grain, hole location, etc. and we will talk about that in later posts. Right now I want to talk about hitting your line.

How do we consistently keep the ball on line? At SirShanksAlot.com, they talk about the difference between spot putting and line putting. Spot putters do not have to look at the hole and only focus the spot they are putting too. Line putters focus on the hole and take the whole shot into account. I remember about 30 years ago when Jack Nicklaus gave an interview and he talked about putting. He said that he picked a spot about 3 feet in front of the ball and putted to that spot. I took his point to heart (and if it is good enough for Jack……), but added my own little twist.

First thing I do is determine my line. Then I pick a point three feet in front of the ball. This is the point I must hit first when putting. Right now you are saying sounds simple; well here is my twist.

I additionally want to determine the speed of the putt. Therefore, I pick another point on my line (past the 3 foot point) that the ball has to go over to make sure I have enough speed on the putt. Additionally, these two points help make sure your putter head follows through on the intended line. I have found that if I hit both points, I one putt quite often and rarely three putt. This style really works for me.

It is a simple way to ensure consistency when putting!

It is snowing right now….looks beautiful. Only 4 months to go before golf season! I am a grateful golfer. See you on the links!

Putting Guides – Part 1 of 5

December 14, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 19 Comments

I believe that improving your putting will reduce your overall score by 10% or more. I can make this bold statement because experience has proven that when a person scores extremely well, they usually have putted lights out. Take the pros for instance, anyone who scores really low credits their success to chipping and putting. Personally, all of my low rounds have resulted from 27 putts or less per round.

There are many websites dedicated to improving your putting. These sites include selling attachments for your putter, a gadget to make your stroke consistent, how to visualize your smooth stroke, being aggressive, lagging your putt, being confident…..well oh my! There are many things that can help with your putting; but only you can decide which method will work for you.

I figured that I should provide my tips to success on the green. You will likely have heard of them before, but they work for me and I use them every round. So, here is the first of five suggestions that the average golfer can use without having to pay anything.

My putting tip from May 2012 is the first. It is very simple. Ensure your putter head follows through twice as far as you take it back. This will allow for solid ball striking and a greater chance the ball will travel on its intended line.

I know it sounds simple, but I can assure you that your miss hits (either by line or distance) will be significantly reduced because of the solid contact. Additionally, your lag putts will be close and chances of three putting will fade away.

Ultimately, I believe that if your putter head travels back 6 and forward 12, it will significantly cut your number of putts per round. Give it a try and let me know what you think! See you on the links.

Belly Putter Banned!

November 29, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Although Keegan Bradley has found success using a belly putter, the American is confident he will find a new way to putt should long putters be banned. (Lucy Nicholson/Reuters)

Let the games begin! The National Post ran a very good article about what is next in the process of banning the belly putter. Basically, there is a three-month period for input, then they make a decision and in 2016 no more belly putter. Yawn!

Actually, this is one of those topics I really don’t care about. I believe that a long putter, short putter, belly butter, hockey stick or pool cue makes no difference. Every player still has to hit the shot. I also believe that if the hinged belly putter was so great, everyone would be doing it. That is what happens; golfers adopt anything that will make their game better.

I have tried a belly putter and do not like it. I did not feel more comfortable and my putting stoke was not smooth or consistent. Overall, I think this is one of those rules that should not be a rule. Is there not something more important to worry about like a rule regarding the colour of clothes on tour or to many sponsor labels on your shirt!

Well you know how I feel about this topic; what do you think?

Breaking 100

November 22, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 9 Comments

According the National Golf Foundation (quoted on GolfBlogger.com), only about 55% of golfers break 100. This is a surprise to many including myself. A quick search indicates that the number actually varies but 50% is close enough. So the question is why do only half score in double digits?

Many will say it is their swing, equipment, the course, the conditions or the person they play with that is the problem. Well this may be true, but realistically I believe the answer points to one area. Practice, Practice, Practice!

So that was easy. Thanks for tuning in!

I know, most of you are saying hey can you be more specific! Come on, give a little.

Golf Made Simple.com breaks down all areas of golf and the difference between shooting 105 and 95 consistently.

I am a Golf Noob.com breaks down the process of breaking 100 to course management, shot selection, approach shots, and putting. Of course these are all important.

Pro Golf School.com talks about why people do not break 100. Their points are good and offer a possible framework to success.

I know, enough already. What is the secret to breaking 100 and not having to change my entire game or spend 10 hours a week doing it.

PRACTICE YOUR SHORT GAME!

Yup, that is it. Most amateurs generally waste 2-4 strokes a hole around the green. That adds up to 36 shots a round. Yup, don’t deny it, it is true! The short game is the key to breaking a 100. Into the Rough talks about how to break 100 and they emphasize practicing your short game as the key.

For immediate success, to go the course 30 minutes early and practice your putting. Ian Hardie at GolfHabits.com has a three-part series on putting that is excellent and will save you those all important strokes.

Chipping will work, but will take more time and practice. KeepMyGolfScore.com has great chipping tips. Additionally, my earlier post called Chipping In, provides seven tips to success round the green.

Ultimately, any practice of your short game will lower your overall score. It really is the key to breaking 100. See you on the links!

Putting From the Fringe

August 11, 2012August 11, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

As I watch Vijay Singh use his belly putter from the fringe at the PGA Championship, I wonder if the putter is the best club to use. Granted the The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is in fantastic condition and their fairways are as manicured as most greens, I still wonder if using a putter from 10 yards off the green is a wise move. Obviously, for Vijay Singh, it was a good move as he went up and down for par. But in reality was it really the smart play?

The courses I primarily play (Laurentide Golf Course, Osprey Links, Clear Springs Golf Course) it is unlikely that a putter would be the club of choice from 10 yards off the green. Since the putter cannot be use, now what? I have discussed this many times with a multitude of golfers and suggest that there is no clear answer. However, given a choice I would prefer to use my 7 iron first and my 52 degree wedge second.

The 7 iron shot is a bump and run pitch. I use this shot only when the ball is on the short grass. I set the club up like a putter and often use the same grip. I press my hands slightly forward and lead slightly on my left foot (I am a right-handed golfer). I ensure that more weight is on the inside of my left foot to ensure crisp contact on the ball. Next I lock my wrists and swing the club with my shoulders.

A very important aspect of this shot selection, and I cannot overstate this point, is to keep focusing on my club hitting the ball. Then I count to 2, still looking at the point where my club struck the ball, then I look up. Keeping your head down will ensure that your ball remains on the line you chose and that solid contact occurs every time.

There you have it, my solution to lowering your score. I plan to use this shot tomorrow. I am a grateful golfer.

What club do you like to use from 10 yards off the green on the short grass?