Putting Tips
Peter Boyce
Putting Tips
1. The ball must be struck in the center or sweet spot of the putter head. Most short putts are missed by off center hits rather than face angle at impact. Remember a putt can be hit two inches off line and still go into the hole.
2. Feel the change of direction. Short, quick jabbing swings create disastrous results.
3. Make sure the putter follows the ball after impact and doesn’t recoil backwards or stops and rests on the green’s surface. Hold the final position while the ball rolls toward its destination.
4. The putter, especially on longer putts, moves on a slight arc and not straight back and through.
Q. How active should my hands be in my swing?
A. Good players feel very little in their hands when they are swinging well. Light grip pressure allows you to feel the weight of the club and it will release naturally. All good players hit the ball first and the ground secondly with irons with a flat left wrist (right-handers) and weight on right foot at impact.
Q. I am having a terrible time with bunker shots; No matter how much I open the club, the ball flies out very low and runs way past the hole.
A. Get to a practice bunker and feel as though the club head is releasing earlier and that it is ahead of the grip and hands when it slides through the sand and under the ball. This will result in more of a thumping sound and the ball will fly much higher and land softer
Q. How do I determine my grip size?
A. There is feel involved but glove size is a good indication. If your glove is XL, you should be using a midsize or jumbo grip. A size large suggests a standard or midsize while a medium large and medium glove is standard. Size small will result in a choice between standard and undersize (women’s). Women with long fingers are reminded to possibly consider men’s standard. Check with your PebbleCreek Professionals or the tech rep during demo days to determine what is best for you. Grips may be increased in size also by putting extra layers of tape on the shaft during installation. Grips should be replaced at least every two years.
Q. There was a small stone in the sand trap directly behind my ball the other day and my playing partners would not let me remove it saying it wasn’t a loose impediment. Are they right?
A. Yes, you must leave the stone where it is although this is not the case if you were playing golf in Europe. They do allow the removal of such things but it is a long way to go to prove your friends wrong.
Q. Is there one feel I should work on to create a smooth back swing as I have a tendency to get quick.
A. Keep both arms resting on the sides of your chest. Some players will put tees under each armpit or gloves and learn not to drop them during the backswing. The left arm (right-handers) really important to concentrate on.
For more help with your game see your PebbleCreek golf professionals.