Archive for the ‘Putter’ Category
Putting Tips for Consistency
Since more than half the strokes of your total golf score are made on or around the putting green it pays to spend some time working on your putting skills. In past seasons I have been a streaky putter meaning some days I’m off and others I drop every putt I hit into the cup. Naturally the latter is the preference and lately I made some changes in my set up and technique that have made me more consistent and better when on the green.
Speed and Direction are the two key components to the putt but you have to be able to read the slope of the green to determine direction. The read and speed will come mostly from practice and experience as each green is different. The techniques I now utilize to aid with consistency are the following: 1) Use the writing on the golf balls to place your ball on line with the read you determined after viewing the slope of the green.
2) View the slope of the green from at least two directions
3) Keep your head down until your hear the golf balls drop into the cup or until well after the ball is struck with the putter. {Fore: If you pick your head up too quickly it may pull you off line on the follow thru which is critical for good consistent putts}
4) Wedge your left elbow into your left side and use your shoulders and arms in a pendulum motion as you start your putt and hold this position until you finish the stroke.
Try these different methods and see if they help your game on the green. Happy Golfing to All!
As noted previously this winter in certain parts of the country has been horrific for outdoor activities and golf. I guess, except for snow sports like Skiing, Snowboarding, Snow Tubing and the like. I’m a golfer so I’ve decided to make the most of my time indoors. I just pulled out my golf putting training aids and I have made a resolution to put them to good use. Now is as good a time as any since there is not much else to do associated with golf.
Putting is an important part of the game of golf as more than half a golfers score is made on the putting green. The less strokes made on the green the better your score will be. Since many of us cannot play golf right now it is an excellent time to brush up on your putting stroke. If you do not already have a good putting training device make sure to invest in one now. It will be worth it as you will realize the results when you return to the golf course as soon as the weather permits. Happy Golfing to All!
Phil Mickelson was the second premier golfer in the world a few short months ago behind who else but Tiger Woods. A putting tip from Dave Stockton in September virtually elevated his game overnight. His old putting method overlapped the index finger of his lead hand over the knuckles of his trail hand as many golfers do. But according to Stockton, the straight finger creates tension all the way up your lead arm. Stockton alleviated the tension by adding a crook or a bend in the overlapping finger. It now gives it more of a trigger look like Phil is firing a weapon as he putts.
A good putter is an excellent weapon in golf as more than half of a golfers score is made on the putting green. Most good putters spend some time on this invaluable part of the game as it is important to limit the three putts and maybe even make few one putts during a golf round. Besides relieving the tension in Phil’s stroke Dave emphasized the importance of the follow thru when putting. Stay with the putt as long as possible because the longer the ball stays on the clubface the more accurate it will go toward your target line as long as you DO NOT LOOK UP! Happy Golfing to All!
There are many different types of putters on the market today so how do you choose one that will work for you? The more popular putter name brands are Odyssey, Titleist Scotty Cameron, Ping, Nike, Cleveland, Intech Trakker Series, Taylor Made, Adams and Wilson. As with golf balls almost any of the putters will work for most new golfers and it is a matter of an acquired feel, which takes time and practice, to select the one you feel comfortable using and will provide you with the best results. Over my 30 plus years playing golf I must have tried at least two dozen putters or more. When I first started playing golf Ping was the most innovative manufacturer and name brand on the market so I opted to use their putters. As noted I tried many other putters but kept coming back to Ping. I also like the Odyssey White Hot XG-2 and the Titleist Scotty Cameron brand but these putters are on the high end of the spectrum when it comes to cost . Putters can range in price from $30 for the more economically priced brand to $350 or more for the Titleist Scotty Cameron line so you must also choose a putter that fits your budget.
One suggestion I would make is to visit your local sporting goods store or golf pro shop and speak with the golf professional there. Most stores such as Dick’s and Golf Smith have areas with simulated putting greens where you can try out the different putters. A Key factor in selecting a putter is to make sure the length and weight of the putter feels right for you. This is where the golf pro can help. He will be able to recommend from checking your height and the length of your arms which putters will be best for you. He can also direct you to the brand names and models that are within your budget. Unfortunately, there is no magic formula to determine the putter for a particular individual but that is one of the fun parts of the journey to learning and playing golf. The developments in modern golf equipment are so innovative and forthcoming that you will most likely play with many different golf club sets and putters during your journey with golf so just enjoy the ride. You can still find a good putter for under$100 so purchase one that meets your price range and specifications and most of all have fun.
Putting Tip: When lining up a putt, I always use the lettering on the golf ball to mark the line to the cup or hole. After you mark your ball, a rule of golf etiquette, clean and replace the ball with the lettering lining up with the intended line to the hole. Then make a smooth relaxed stroke and keep your head down until you hear the putt drop in to the cup. Many golfers, especially beginners, have a tendency to look up to see where the ball is going but when you peek you also may pull your shoulders and arms off line, thus causing you to miss the putt. Try this technique on the practice green before you play. I think you may be pleasantly surprised how it could help your putting. I know, it worked for me.
When I took my son out to the golf course for the first time, I had a number of goals in mind. Of course the fun and the bonding element were huge parts of it, but I also wanted to instill a lasting love of the game. That meant teaching him proper etiquette. It’s easy for a seasoned golfer like myself to take certain parts of the sport for granted. While you and I wouldn’t think of talking during a playing partner’s shot, children have to learn about these things.
When we finally arrived at the first green, my son stepped right in my line. I had to tell him about the importance of walking around a player’s line – the invisible path from the ball to the cup. I also taught him the procedure for marking and cleaning a ball. Now he knows not to line up his odyssey putter without taking those rules of etiquette into account. Golf truly can be a character builder unlike any other.