As a golfer, you must develop a good understanding of control by improving your putting distance. Putting is generally considered the part of the game where most strokes are wasted.
There are a few key strategies that you can use to improve your putting these include the Firm Approach and the Trickle Approach.
If you follow the steps listed below, you’ll be on your way to improving your putting distance control as well as achieving better scores.
In This Article
Improving Putting Distance
Long Range Putts
A fundamental skill in golf is learning how to make Long Range Putts, which are generally considered to be putting from longer than thirty feet.
These putts require a lot of control as well as acceleration through the ball.
The goal is to get the ball as close to the hole as possible without coming up short. Ideally, you are trying to get the ball within two feet of the hole, to allow for a straightforward tap-in.
To practice making these long putts, spend a few minutes on the practice green before each round.
Practice stroking your putt at a consistent speed, and try not to look at the hole until the ball is on its way.
See also: How to Improve Your Putting
Short Putts
Many golfers struggle with short putts. While it may seem easier to use extra speed to make them, this approach does not always work.
Instead, focus on maintaining a relatively constant speed and focusing on the process of making the putt. This will help you avoid the pressure that comes with making short putts.
Ideally, a short putt should still be hit solidly at the hole. This way, the putt can have a proper roll.
Another tip for short putts is to aim the putter’s face. The direction of the putter face will determine the trajectory of the ball.
Squaring the putter face before setup is important as it will help you deliver a straight face at impact, and help stabilize the stroke. A good putter grip will also improve your ability to deliver a square face at impact.
Establishing consistency in golf is the key to playing better and getting more enjoyment from this great sport.
Obviously, our brain controls all our body movements, and picks up on everything, creating uncertainty and indecision.
It is vitally important to establish a routine in your mind on every shot to block out this background interference.
If you are struggling with wayward, weak drives, or three-putting on the greens, then this guide is highly recommended to provide you with a consistent level of play and enjoyment.
Firm Approach
When putting, using a firm approach with good follow-through is key to distance control.
This approach will allow you to putt with more consistency and feel more confident with tap-ins if you miss the hole.
In addition, hitting the ball firmly will build confidence. A firm approach is the best choice when putting from slow greens or uphill.
To understand how to control the distance, you should first understand the relationship between the length of your putting stroke and the distance traveled by the ball.
A sixteen-inch backswing should produce a longer putt than a ten-inch backswing. This relationship is called the 16/4 ratio. This relationship holds for any putting stroke, no matter how long or short it is.
Trickle Approach
Putting distance control is an important aspect of golf. By practicing a Trickle Approach, you can start to achieve the perfect combination of speed and reading.
The main fault with the trickle approach is that it is far too easy to just tap the ball which can so easily set it trickling away from the hole.
With the Trickle Approach, the putt that arrives on the green will have more breaks than one that comes in on steam. As a result, the ball will go farther than if it arrived on a slow slope.
See also: How to Read Putting Greens
Final Thoughts
The best way of improving your putting distance control is to focus on “feel.” A great way to develop this is to practice putting while closing your eyes when hitting the ball.
Professional, Suzanne Pettersen sometimes used the putter with her eyes closed during tournaments to quiet her mind and develop a fluid stroke.
If you are a beginner in the art of putting, practicing with your eyes closed will give you a greater feel for the pace which is essential for your game.
First, think of your putting stroke as a series of repeatable movements. The only difference will be the contours of the green and the speed of the surface.
If you need a step-by-step program to help you master the game, I can recommend this senior swing guide.
