Master Golf Putting: Tips & Drills for Better Performance
Putting is where strokes are saved or lost. A strong short game starts with understanding your putting stance and practicing effective putting drills. Whether you’re on the practice green or facing a critical tournament putt, knowing how to putt better will make a dramatic difference in your score.
Why a Solid Putting Stance Matters
A proper putting stance is the foundation of a consistent stroke. It aligns your body, supports smooth movement, and improves aim.
Key points for a reliable stance:
- Feet shoulder-width apart for balance.
- Slight knee bend for stability without tension.
- Eyes directly over the ball for accurate sighting.
- Weight slightly forward to promote a smooth forward stroke.
Adopting the correct stance ensures every putt has a solid starting position, setting you up for success.
Drills to Improve Your Putting Skills
Practicing putting drills helps develop a repeatable stroke and better distance control.
Recommended drills:
- Gate Drill: Place two tees just wider than your putter head and stroke through without touching them.
- Distance Ladder: Put from increasing distances to improve pace control.
- Clock Drill: Place balls around the hole like a clock and make consecutive putts to work on aim and consistency.
- One-Handed Drill: Practice with only your lead hand to feel proper stroke mechanics.
These drills help you understand how to putt better, from alignment to stroke rhythm.
Mastering Green Reading Techniques
Reading the slope, speed, and break of greens is crucial for putting success.
Tips for reading greens effectively:
- Walk around your line to identify high and low points.
- Pay attention to grain direction, which affects ball roll.
- Visualize the ball’s path before stroking.
- Adjust your putting stance and aim based on your read.
Combining solid putting stance with accurate green reading drastically improves scoring opportunities.
Mistakes That Sabotage Your Short Game
Even experienced golfers often fall into habits that hurt putting performance:
- Over-gripping the putter, causing tension and inconsistent strokes.
- Looking up too early, preventing a smooth follow-through.
- Neglecting alignment, leading to missed lines.
- Skipping regular practice of putting drills, relying on natural feel alone.
Correcting these mistakes helps ensure every stroke counts.
Practice Smarter to Improve Every Round
Consistency comes from structured practice and mindful execution. Incorporate golf putting tips, drills, and correct putting stance routines into your training. Over time, your stroke will become more natural, and your confidence will soar under pressure.
Don’t just practice harder, practice smarter with guidance you can trust.
