Played 9 holes worth of the putting game today. Dropped the ball at 8 to 20 feet, then 2 strokes in = par, 3 strokes bogey, etc. Ended at even par for the first time! (Last time was 4 over for 9 holes, i.e. four 3-putts or four wasted strokes for 9 holes). Actually had one [...]
In my last round, I three-putted a couple times in nine holes. The issue was my distance control. Had been practicing putting to an elevated tier, but during the round sent it well past the hole (6-10) feet in two such situations. Need to relax, breathe, light grip, rotate shoulders while visualizing the target. This [...]
All of my practice to make four foot putts is about to start paying off. On the practice green today, was warming up for a game of up-and-down, and decided to hit a few putts with 3 balls, to get the speed of the green. Lined up a straight-in 12 footer, stroked it confidently, and [...]
Today had a great practice putting session. Did not think about swing mechanics. Focused on green reading, aligning the ball logo along the target line, and speed of the putt. While stroking the putt, tried to maintain an image of the hole in my mind, even while looking at the ball. Made lots of putts [...]
Just a note that I’m putting well today. Sank 6 out 6 putts from 4 foot range, my highest number ever. Took a few minutes to get into the groove. The feel is nice and relaxed in the shoulders, allowing the arms to swing on a pendulum, and not moving the head until the ball [...]
Just a brief note that my putting accuracy is improving. In practice today, was able to hole 5/5 consecutive balls from 4 foot distance. This was a straight putt with little or no break. Previous best was 4/6. My new setup (eye alignment) seems to be helping. Also making a smooth pendulum stroke through the [...]
I used this technique to get my eyes aligned over the ball: http://www.golf.com/golf/instruction/article/0,28136,1637455,00.html As it turns out, I needed to bend more from the hips to make the proper eye alignment happen. I’m now gripping down on my putter about 1 inch, and have marked a line on the grip for future reference. I seem [...]
As you know, I’m commited to improving my putting. My goal is to make >80% of putts from 4 feet or less (currently < 10%). 4 feet is how close I chip the ball, so more 4 foot putts sunk means more up-and-downs, and more pars. This is my strategy for improving my handicap. So [...]
Many of you have probably read elsewhere how important putting is to your final score. I’m become a real believer in this over the last six months, as my full swing has gotten much better but my score hasn’t. Think of it this way: most of the holes will be par 4′s. On the tee, you [...]
Played my favorite short course again. Score improved, and got par on one hole (nine iron to 5 feet, missed the birdie putt by inches). Score would have been better if I had hit better tee shots: several of them were fat, probably poor weight transfer. Hit one green-in-regulation, 4 fairways. My chipping and putting [...]
