Golfers hit more putts in a round of golf than any other shot, someone once said that it is a game within a game and how true that is. Have you ever seen a golfer win a tournament when putting poorly - it just does not happen. First and foremost it is important to recognise that putting is part of the artistic side of the game where imagination, feel and finesse play come into play, that is why there are so many grips and styles used when making a putting stroke. Gary Player had a putting stroke that was short and brisk, Bobby Locke used to hook his putts and Mark McNulty had a long flowing stroke yet they were all amongst the finest putters to have played the game.


There is no absolute right or wrong way to putt but there are a few basics to adhere to:

STEP 1:

Position your eyes over the ball so you are looking down the line of the target, eyes positioned inside the target line is acceptable but do not have the ball positioned inside your eyeline as a person tends to start pulling putts from this position.


STEP 2:

The ball always goes where the clubface is pointing at the moment of impact so set up to the ball with the putter aligned correctly.


STEP 3:

A square clubface at impact directs the ball but a good rollkeeps the ball on line, producing a good roll is created by positioning the ball a little left of centre so the strike occurs in the upswing. Hand position related to the ball has an impact on roll as well, experiment a little with hand positions and you will find that having your left hand in line with the ball or a little ahead will produce a better roll than having your left hand behind the ball at impact.

Remember, if you want to be competitive then good putting skills are a must.

Golf Tips courtesy of Kenako Golf Academy.