Putting may seem simple, but it takes more than just a slight tap to sink the ball with expertise. Many golf pros consider putting just as important as driving the ball.
Just as learning to correctly place your hands or position your body properly for the perfect swing, putting takes equal practice and concentration by determining your movements.
Working on power drives and strength certainly contributes to improving your game, but mastering your skills at putting can help you execute crucial shots.
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These are six putting tips that work every time:
1. Feel the club with both hands — PGA Tour champion Brandt Snedeker advises placing the grip over the lifeline in your left palm, then setting the left thumb on top of the handle while squeezing the pinkie, ring, and middle fingers around the grip, according to Golf.com. Set the grip against the lifeline in the right palm, press the right thumb against the top of the handle, and wrap the four fingers around the grip.
2. Place your eyes over the ball — Bending from the hips and not the waist, keep your eyes directly over the ball to make sure you don’t stand too close or far away from the ball. The eyes stay aligned with the target line for a better aim.
3. Level your weight — Your putts might be off because of the body’s natural tendency to lean on the slope, noted swingOIL. Take notice of how your body is tilting for a more even putt. Proper heel wedges in golf shoes also help to avoid tilting.
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4. Take time to walk the line — When you walk along the line of sight, it gives you a better view of the landscape before you putt. This is important because you might notice breaks or illusions from a different angle, and you can avoid them when you putt.
5. Watch the ball — Your putting will improve if you don’t keep your head down through the stroke and, instead, watch the ball to get a feel for speed, distance, and direction, wrote Bobby Hinds for Golf Tips magazine. You’ll see how the ball rolls and be able to make adjustments in your aim or stroke to improve your putting.
6. Practice wherever you are — Get your putting down just right by focusing on it during practice rounds. Some golfers might practice putting in the middle of a game. Because putting is just as important to the game as anything else, try putting drills to master skills as a putter.
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