Really need puttin help!

[gdel]

so, my handicap is around 25, which is good, since im 15, but i think i could get it to 15 with good putting, the pros average like 29 putts, and i average around 50,thats right,3 putts almost every hole, so if i can get like 40 putts, i would be happy.

So can anyone help with drills, i mean my grip and stance are find, i just dont no what it is.

[LowPost42]

Re: Really need puttin help!

Time to read.

Dave Pelz 'My Putting Bible'.

Enjoy.

[bdbl]

Re: Really need puttin help!

Where does it go wrong?

Most people have more problem (on long putts) with distance rather than direction. Do you leave your first putt very short or very long. If so, just practise putting to a 3 foot circle (around the hole). Or ignore the hole and putt to the fringe from various distances and try and leave ball just short of the edge.

If its the 3 - 6 footers you're missing then set yourself targets - for instance putt from north, south, east and west of a hole from 3, 4 and 5 foot but don't move to the next putt until you've holed 3 in succession from each spot. The need to move on replicates the pressure of the course more than you'ld think.

If you misread the break - again for most by under estimating it - then try finding your line and always hit outside it.

I find Dave Pelz a bit technical for my liking but, based on a suggestion here, I've found a copy of Watsons "40 yard and in" book - throughly recommend it.

And one last thing, I think it was Mrs Hogan who told her husband that the best way to improve his putting was to get the ball closer in the first place!

[Andrew.shepherd]

Re: Really need puttin help!

always acceclerate the putter through impact.don't let your backswing get too long.

[Allen Drummond]

Re: Really need puttin help!

Greg's putting lesson had a dramatic effect on my putting. I practiced this on a piece of astro-turf for three months during the winter. I still use it regulary and put about 29 to 32 times per round. Try it, its awsome!

http://members.cox.net/gregjwillis/LESSON4.htm

Allen

[GolfJunkieSr]

Re: Really need puttin help!

One thing to remember is that when using your putter "off" the green, that does not count as a putt. That is an approach shot.

All putts are straight putts to a spot. The spot can be the pin, or the spot where the ball will begin to break towards the hole. On a breaking putt, after you have picked the high spot, and are continually missing the hole on the low side, add 3" more to that high spot. This will give you more hole to work with.

As for a putting practice drill, figure out what your average first putt distance is, and practice (alot) from that distance, trying to hole the putt every time. If not holing the putt, work on getting your first putt to stop inside a 2' circle around the hole. As your approach shots become more accurate, your first putt will become shorter. Since you have been practicing from a longer distance already, the shorter (first) putts will be easier.

For accuracy, try using another golf ball as the hole. I use a red ball, and putt to it with my game ball. After looking at that smaller target (red ball) for a while when I have to putt to a hole, it tends to look much bigger than it really is. I was shown this tip by another poster, on another forum, and it helped me a great deal.

Also, towards the end of my putting practice, I only use one ball to practice with. This simulates actual playing conditions since I am using only one ball. The idea is to navigate the holes on the practice green with no more than 2 putts per hole using that one ball. GJS

[LowPost42]

Re: Really need puttin help!

One thing to remember is that when using your putter "off" the green, that does not count as a putt. That is an approach shot.

I'd just like to add that the USGA stat people consider the first stroke made while on the green is your first putt - regardless of what club you used. They also note the following: The fringe or apron is NOT the green. Also, if you putt off the green (severe slope, say), the shot to put you back on the green counts as a putt.

[vp27519]

Re: Really need puttin help!

gdel,

Far too many putts. I reckon you're leaving yourself too far from the hole. I suggest you work on your short game, ie, chipping/pitching.

When practising putting check your alignment. Cut out an equilateral triangle from cardboard. Next putting practice, place the base of the triangle on the ground touching the putter club face. Walk away and see the line of your putt.

Cheers