| Everybody needs to work on their putts. I don't care | | | | shot or not by whether you see it cross that spot. |
| how long you've been playing golf, or what kind of | | | | - Don't move! Check your position before the shot |
| pro you are. We all need to practice putting. Here are | | | | and make sure it's perfect. But, don't move out of |
| some tips from the pros that will help you get your | | | | your position until the ball is well on its way. If you |
| putting up to par. Try some of these and see what | | | | get impatient and want to watch that ball fly toward |
| works best! | | | | the hole, you may straighten up too fast and lose |
| - Always do a couple practice putts before you start | | | | control over your putt. |
| your game. Don't try to make a hole; just get the ball | | | | - There are some ways you can keep yourself from |
| in the general direction. Focus on your swing, not | | | | naturally following that ball and ruining your putt. For |
| making the hole. By doing some practice putts, you | | | | example, look at the spot the ball was on, after it |
| can also get a feel for how fast the ball will run on | | | | rolls off. To practice this, you can lay a coin under |
| the green. | | | | the ball, and keep your eyes on the coin after the |
| - Practice easy putts. Don't worry about making a | | | | ball has rolled completely off. |
| long shot. Definitely practice a few long ones, but for | | | | - When you're practicing, there are putting drills you |
| the most part, stick to within 6-feet. Missing every | | | | can do. For example, put in 5 balls from a distance of |
| practice putt will only hurt your confidence, and | | | | 1 foot; then move back a foot. Then another and |
| there's more to a good putt than just making the | | | | another, and if you miss one shot, you have to start |
| hole. | | | | the whole thing over again from one foot. |
| - It's amazing how much confidence has to do with | | | | - For some really deep, heavy-duty putting practice, |
| putting. In golf, more than any other sport, player | | | | close your eyes when you putt. With your eyes |
| confidence is key. And, it's a problem that amateurs | | | | closed, you'll be more aware of the way the rest of |
| and pros alike have to deal with. Keep this in mind | | | | your body moves. You'll feel your torso twist and |
| when you're putting, and train yourself to stay | | | | your shoulders swing steadily, just like a pendulum |
| confident, even when the ball doesn't go where you | | | | with the club swinging from it. |
| want it to. | | | | - Practice like crazy. That's the best golf putting tip |
| - Don't look at the ball when you're making your | | | | anybody can give you. The longer you're out there |
| target - look just ahead of the ball. Focus on a spot | | | | practicing, the more you'll develop a feel for it. Like |
| right in front, a spot that you want that ball to roll | | | | everything else, practice makes perfect! |
| over. After you hit it, you'll know if you've made the | | | | |