Develop a Strong Putting Game

Most golfers start by developing their long game. They work to achieve the longest distance available for each of their drivers. This allows them to choose their drivers according to the fairway length. They work on a consistent stroke that keeps direction and distance on target. However, golfers always discover that even when they are able to hit consistently the green in a stroke or two that they can quickly bogey if they have a weak short game.

The first step to mastering golf putting is to get the confidence that you can make your putt. As the putt distance exceeds about three feet, the confidence of the beginning golfer to make the putt in one stroke begins to drop. Some beginners are particularly intimidated when the ball is twenty feet or more from the target. In the back of their minds have already decided to allow themselves two or more strokes. However, the proper mindset is to reach the cup in a single shot. Practice and control will help beginning golfers develop the confidence they need to do so.

Just as in the long game, the key to a short game is direction and distance. The advanced golfer controls the direction by his stance, and uses a consistent stroke to send the ball in the proper direction. One practice exercise involves practicing with a staff and three tees. Choose a level practice green, and then place the ball three feet from the hole. Then set the shaft in the direction of the putt. Make a gate of two tees by placing one just outside the toe of the putter, and the other just inside the heel of the putter. Each will be in line with the ball. Place the third tee behind the ball, in line with your right foot. Now practice putting the ball, being careful not to disturb any of the tees.

Swinging the putter between the gate tees ensures that the ball is impacted at the center of the club, the "sweet spot". The third tee limits the back-swing of the putter, making sure it has the proper forward acceleration to send the ball the required three foot distance. Practice will help you consistently send the ball in the proper direction, at the proper three-foot distance. The next step is to repeat the process, without the third tee, at a six-foot distance. Control the distance by increasing the back-swing. Practice making sure that, even if the direction is off and the ball does not sink, that the ball does not travel further than a foot beyond the cup.

The final step is being able to read the terrain. Practice doing so by putting on a non-flat green and repeating each shot until you master it. Continual practice will make you familiar with a large range of breaks.