Putting can be one of the most frustrating areas of golf caused by missing the hole over the shortest distance in a round.
You may have taken two strokes over 350yds to reach the green but, how many of us then frustratingly take another three or four putts to put the ball in the hole?
If you’re one of those golfers who always struggle to make breaking putts, there are ways how to improve your putting and lower your score.
The secret lies in building a consistent routine, that in turn will build confidence. Allowing you to picture the line and distance of the putt before you effortlessly stroke the ball into the hole.
Developing a stress-free golf routine will take time but be well worth it, as you see your strokes tally tumble.
The key to playing well is consistency in your golf swing as well as your putting.
If you need help developing a system suited to you, I can recommend this step-by-step guide.
The following tips will show you how to improve your putting and reduce the number of wasted shots.
In This Article
How to Improve Your Putting
Choose the line of the putt
The first step in improving your putting is to practice reading the green.
Visualization is a major factor in improving your putting, as most greens that you play will have subtle contours that throw the ball off the line.
If you squat down some ten feet behind the ball, in line with the hole, you will be able to identify any hidden burrows.
Once you have decided the line of the putt, try to visualize the ball, traveling towards the hole between rail lines for instance.
Pick a target a foot behind the hole
When putting, it’s important to feel the weight of your putter as well as visualize the line you need to travel to make the putt.
This will help you focus on speed and alignment. Another helpful tip is to select an intermediate target.
A spot one foot behind the hole can help you focus on the shorter distance. It will help you to start the ball on the right line more often.
To improve your shorter putts game, try to practice on a green that slopes. You can even place a tee about five to 10 feet behind the hole.
Then, hit a putt toward it while holding the picture of where you want it to finish.
See also: Our article on Reading the Greens
Keep your head still
One of the most important tips to improve your putting is to keep your head still during your stroke. This can be difficult for many golfers.
In order to make it easier for you to control your head, there are drills you can try.
For example, when you’re putting, try closing your eyes and focusing solely on maintaining a steady head position.
This drill will help you become more aware of your head’s movement and help you improve your putting stroke.
You’ll notice a significant difference in your game once you start keeping your head still. Your ball will hit solidly, and you’ll make more long shots.
Follow through with the putter head
One of the most effective ways to improve your putting is to follow through with the putter head after impact.
This can make a big difference on long putts by maintaining the line.
In fact, following through after impact is crucial to achieving consistent ball speeds and minimizing mishits.
Most golfers think they should keep the putter head in one position throughout the stroke, but this causes the ball to feel stiff and inconsistent.
The best putters allow their putter head to swing and have great rhythm. The average golfer might think these players make a straight stroke, but they actually make a backspin-free, consistent stroke.
During the backswing, the putter’s head naturally turns to the inside. This is the preferred stroke by many professional players and helps them make longer putts.
This also allows the golfer to turn the shoulders slightly, which is crucial for producing a straight putt.
See also: Improving Your Putting Distance
Final thoughts
Putting is one of the most basic swings in golf. It’s played on a smooth surface, and the target is right in front of you.
However, most golfers struggle with their putting because they approach the shot with a negative attitude. More information about stress-free golf is here.
Ultimately, the key to making good putts is reading the break, aiming the face, and starting the ball on the correct line.
Another crucial element in improving your putting is establishing a solid stance.
While practicing, try to position yourself against a door or wall. This will help you develop a solid foundation for your lower and upper body, and a stable head position.
