Golf is a game of inches—literally. It’s also a game of millimeters, centimeters, and feet. But when it comes down to it, golf is a game of putting. If you can’t putt, you can’t score, and if you can’t score, you might as well not even bother showing up to the course. That’s why we’re going to tell you how to putt like a pro…or at least not like an amateur.
First things first invest in a good putter. We know that all the clubs in your bag are important, but the putter is arguably the most important club in the bag. A good putter will make a world of difference in your game. Second, get fitted for your putter. Just like with any other club, you want to make sure that the putter is the right length and weight for you. The last thing you want is to be struggling with your stroke because your putter doesn’t fit you properly.
Now that you have the right putter, let's show you how to use it!
The Setup
The first step to putting like a pro is to have a good setup. Everything good and bad begins with your stance and posture.
Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, although personal preference could allow for a narrower or wider stance. Your weight should be evenly distributed between your feet, with the golf ball in the center of your stance and your eyes over the ball.
Bend forward from your hips and allow your arms to hang naturally. A good setup should be comfortable and tension-free. This will allow for a smooth and natural swing path.
The Grip
Once you've got your stance sorted, it's time to take your grip. There are endless debates about the best way to grip a putter - the overlap, the claw, cross-handed... But is one more correct or better? Not really, it comes down to personal preference. However, all great putters share common fundamentals.
- The putter should run up the lifeline of your left hand from your forefinger across your palm forming a straight line ( or at least parallel) with your forearm.
- Use the flat part of the putter grip for your thumbs.
- Feel the putter in your fingers.
- Grip pressure - light but firm, tension-free.
The Stroke
Once you have a good setup and grip it’s time to focus on your technique. First, take a deep breath and relax—we know it’s easier said than done when you’re standing over a three-footer for birdie with your buddies watching, but trust us, it’s important.
Second, keep your body quiet and relaxed as your arms swing in a pendulum motion. Make sure you keep your head still and looking at the ball until you complete your stroke. Only then should you look up to see the ball fall in the hole. Or wait to hear the rattle of the cup ;)
Use a pendulum-like stroke—meaning that your arms should move back and forth in a smooth, even rhythm without moving your shoulders. As you take your stroke, make sure to keep your eyes focused on the ball—if you take them off, chances are good that you'll miss your putt. And finally, follow through! A good follow-through will ensure that you hit the ball with authority and accuracy.
Reading the Greens, Speed, and Lining up Your Putt
- Green Reading: Reading the green starts as you approach the green. Take notice of the slope (use your feet to feel the green), green discoloration (which way is the grain going), whether you're above or below the hole, and walk around the hole.
- Speed: Allow your backstroke to dictate the speed of your putts. Short backswing for short putts. Longer backswing for longer putts. Your follow-through should marry the backswing. Hit the putt firm enough to go 1 to 2 feet beyond the hole.
- Lining up Your Putt - use a unique golf ball marker to mark your ball. Squat down behind your putt to see the line. Use the logo or better yet a golf ball marking tool to show you the line. Then putt away!
Video Lesson
If you really want to learn how to putt like a Pro then you need to check out this video.
Remember, golf is a game of inches—and putting is the key to winning those inches. With a little bit of practice and some helpful tips, you can improve your putting game and start racking up birdies in no time!
If you're serious about your game and want to shave strokes off your score then you need to practice like the pros. That includes using the best putting aids the top world golfers swear by. See below.
Another great putting aid is the indoor putting green.
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