Get in my BELLY..

[TheRighty]

I just tried out a belly putter and WOW!!! I have so much more control with it. I do have the yipps sometimes (ok most of the time), but this belly putter was very smooth. Only draw back I have is I can't "feel" my putts distance. But back to my question...

I am looking for tips on how to read greens alittle better. It's just sometimes I really can't see those breaks. So lets hear some tips GTOers!

[Ian Hancock]

Re: Get in my BELLY..

Hi Righty,

I think reading greens is all about the eyes..............


Try to approach the green from one side of your putt and then walk all the way around looking with the eyes and not thinking anything. It is important not to think the distance let your eyes do the judging, trust me they are better at this.

Then simply follow your pre-shot/putt routine and let it go.....remember distance is more important than line.

My son is only 9 he plays every week with me and I am always amazed that he takes one look at the line then never even glances up again when addressing the ball...........It just goes to show that you don't need to keep looking at the line.

Ever looked at a putts break then changed your mind when you address the ball, this is because you don't trust your first instinct, kids however do!!!!!


Good luck


Ian.

[LowPost42]

Re: Get in my BELLY..

I agree - take a good look, pick the spot out 6-12" in front of your ball that's on your line, then focus on that spot while you address the ball.

Here's the thing about line: You just have to get your ball started on the line, then get your weight right (or close).

For those who play Tiger Woods on their XBox or PS2, the 'line' they show (esp. 2005) is the same way I line up my putts. I'll stand (or squat) behind my ball, take a quick survey of the overall slope of the green and trace a line ball to cup with my eyes. That way, I find I tend to pick up on ridges or contours that I didn't see right away on my first survey.

Once I find the line I like, I pick a spot 6-12" in front of my ball (on the line), and focus on that while I setup to the ball. Then I make sure I'm square to that target, and make my stroke, trying to get my ball to die in the BACK OF THE CUP. In other words, I pick a line that will let me get a little aggressive, mostly because I'm a firm believer in 'never up, never in'. But the caveat to that is that 'weight negates the break'. In other words, if you're going to put some muscle behind your putt, you have to assume the break won't count as much.

Either way, the goal is to either a) drain the putt, or b) leave yourself with an easy 2 footer.

[ggabriel]

Re: Get in my BELLY..

Try stooping behind the golf ball a couple of feet, and hold your putter up above the ball I like to line the putter head above the ball and line the shaft up with the flagstick, then you close one eye and it will give you a break. It will show you distance, right or left from the hole.

Good luck!