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If you are not familiar with the Golf rules and techniques you would be astonished seeing the people sinking a putt (also known as short shots). It looks so easy while you are out of the ground. But in the game, it is totally different. Golf professionals spend most of the time to take a shot when he is a few inches far from the hole. In this article, I will share How to putt in Golf more consistently.
Sinking a putt will end the journey to the hole. So it is important to master this shot to save one. If a player swings well through the whole game but three-putts, he has to be back with disappointment. That’s why; sinking a putt is one of the toughest turns while on the ground.
Though golf putting techniques feel basic, without mastering it; you cannot collect your crops at home. This shot depends on some other situation and environment. You might be great with a long shot, but sink putt will take time to master is successful.
Let’s start learning how to putt a golf ball.
Learn First Things First- How to Putt in Golf?
To be consistent you need to master basic putting technique well. I will describe the putting in golf techniques following some steps.
They are as listed below.
- Temperament
- The Green Factor
- Master the swing of the club
- Get better in Your Putting
1#Temperament – try to be calm and relaxed during putting in golf
Sinking a putt is the last shot you will take to the hole. It might not that hard but the tension of the final shot may cause some extra pressure. You need to have some good practice of controlling that situation to be a champ. Because the playing is easy but winning is all about nerve.
Take some time
Don’t hurry this shot. It is your last shot and you need to finish it now. But if you can’t remove your anxiety it will eat you up. So take some more time and be relaxed. Don’t lock your body while taking the shot. Follow the perfect stance and swing; you might win it for sure.
Maintain the focus
Do not lose your focus. It is more important than any other tips. Keep your eye just over the ball. When you take a long shot you may focus on the target and distance. But putting is quite different. Here the distance is a thinner factor. Now you just need to putt from a couple of inches. Keep your eye on the ball.
2#The Green Factor
Reading the green is a depending factor to take a shot. It means the path which your ball will roll to the hole. So you need to make sure the travel line is secure. So figure out the obstacle and advantage on your route.
#Stand or sit behind the ball
Stand or sit behind the ball to check the route precisely. But don’t sit more than 3 feet behind. From this distance, you can follow the way you are willing to push the ball.
#The Downhill Problem
If you need to put the ball from a slope it might be easy to read the green from the downhill. But while you are checking this from behind the ball, the hole might seem further than its regular distance. So be careful hitting it hard. You should remember, putting is not about power but a gentle push.
#Check back the area near the hole
You have found the distance and got your shot. But there is one more thing you should check again. Focus on the area near the whole. Because when you strike the ball it will be fast at the beginning and the break of grass will be accomplished by the speed.
But it will lose the speed near the hole and now the break of green matters here. Because of losing speed the slope has now more influence on the ball. So to ensure the putt, stand between the ball and the hole to check things out.
#The Flat Line Horizon
You should find a horizon to judge the green’s slope. Try to maintain a flat line in the background while you are looking over the green. Basically, it is not easy to understand the flat line of the green. So you should follow the break of grass from eaves and windows or bodies of water. From this flat line, you will discover a reference point from left to right.
If you are unable to find natural horizon, just use the brim of your cap or the visor to confirm the flat horizon. The curling hands around your face might be more effective while checking the horizon. Fingers should be above on your eyebrows. This method will block the peripheral vision.
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#Visualize the Edge of the hole
To sink a putt you need to push the ball gently towards the hole. If you push it straight there is a bigger chance to miss the hole. Because pushing the ball will not generate more speed and the ball could be influenced by the break of green.
To avoid this, you should target the slope and play the shot following it. Just think about a clock where your ball is in 12 and the hole in 6. Now find out the slope and push the ball using the slope.
3#The Swing Technique – Master the swing of your club
Take your club and think about your swing. It is important how you swing your club putting the ball. Sinking a putt requires a smaller amount of hit as it is just a couple of inches far from the hole. Let’s dig out the whole.
#Fix your grip – Take control of the shot
For a long shot, you can follow the different grips. But in most cases, you don’t need to master different grip to complete the putt. The grip should build depending on your strong hand. Let your fingers grip the club. The stronger hand should be on the lower part. For a right-handed player, the left hand should be on top and after that, the right hand continues. With this grip, you will have better control taking the shot.
#The Putting Posture or Stance
In Golf, posture is an important thing. The perfect posture will ensure a better shot. To sink a putt, follow the perfect stance. In this way, you need to approach the ball and keep the focus on it. Stand up straight near the ball. Extend your arms forward while holding your putter. Draw your elbows into the rib cage. After that bend over the ball and keep your putter heads rest just behind the ball.
Your knee should slightly bend or you will lose the control. It is because stiff legs may lock your movement. Before taking the shot, to be precise about the distance from the ball and your stance. Professionals always practice for a perfect stance to take shot comfortably.
#The focus factor
The focus on the shot makes you successful sinking a putt. You should keep your head over the ball. For a long shot our eyes follow the target but for putting it should be over the ball. And you also need to change the stance and standing position depending on the green factor.
#Swing of the club
Now it is time to swing your club. I already said once about your temperament. Now I repeat it again. You must be calm and not hurry to take the shot. Putt is not about hitting hard but a gentle push to roll the ball perfectly. Keep your club right behind the ball and push it toward the hole.
Taking the shot perfectly make sure the motion is in your arms. You can do it keeping your shoulders and wrists firm. This stance will help you take control over the shot and will ensure the accurate placement. You also need to concentrate on the distance of backswing and follow-through. The distance should be equal in terms of that.
If you are not sure about your follow through it might cause a wrong shot. So don’t try to pull your follow through long or short. It will remove the control. Take a wider stance for longer backswing.
4#Get Better in your putting
Last but not least, here are some final tips to improve your golf putting technique.
#Shadow practice to make the shot comfortable
Best putting technique ever is all about the nerve. So you should take your time. Use your training guide to help yourself confirm the successful putt. Just lay a stick to the whole and practice it from the variety of distances.
#Practice from a mixture of distance & be forceful
The power control is also important. You may hit it straight or following the slope, you need to practice more from different ranges to ensure how much power you need to putt the ball.
#Do not stare at the ball
Do not stare at the ball as it will ruin your concentration. But your instinct will always push you to lock the ball. But it is important to avoid staring at this.
See some indoor putting drills here.
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The Final Thoughts…
I have described above how to putt in Golf in detail. I hope now you understand how to take the shot. Putting in Golf is the final shot that always demands more concentration. Though you will find it easier, it is possible to miss it more than other shots.
Basics of putting in Golf is not about power or hitting hard. It is a shot with a calm head and firm wrists. Just push the ball on its way considering the green and other factors. Practice it from different distances and you will find it easier to accomplish.
See also:
- Stretching Exercise before Golf
- New Golf Rules 2019
- How to Fix a Golf Slice
- How to Fix Golf Shank
- Best Golf Forums to Follow
- Best Golf Chipping Tips to Follow
- Best Golf Drills to Do at Home
- How to Hit a Flop Shot
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Daisy is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Golfs Hub. She is associated with Golf for more than 20 years. She got the inspiration from her father. She is a very private person & doesn't like to be photographed. She's worked in nearly every job in the golf industry from club fitting to instruction to writing and speaking. Now she is enjoying her retirement from day job... but not from Golf! Daisy lives in southeasternmost part of New York state with her family.
Thanks for the tip to focus on my stance and standing position when trying to sink the golf ball on its assigned hole. We have an upcoming mini-golf tournament this weekend arranged by my PE professor, and I need to get a high grade for me to pass the course with flying colors. I’ll make sure to practice during my free time and find an affordable mini-golf practice area to polish my skills and develop techniques.