How many times have you seen a person look at a putt from every
angle only to miss the putt by leaving it five feet short. This is
common because most players get too wrapped up in reading the putt
and forget about how hard to hit it.
How many times have you seen a person look at a putt from every angle only to miss the putt by leaving it five feet short. This is common because most players get too wrapped up in reading the putt and forget about how hard to hit it.
Distance is even more important than accuracy. Let’s face it, you are not going to make many putts outside 10 feet on a consistent basis. So, it stands to reason that the focus should be on two-putting the majority of greens you are on.
To consistently two-putt you must be consistent with your distance. You will three-putt greens when you knock your first putt five or 10 feet beyond or short of the hole. Not because you missed it by that distance to the right or left.
To be consitent with distance it is important that you do two things. First, take a smooth slow stroke using your arms and shoulders like the pendulum of a grandfather clock. Back and through equal distance each time. You should feel that the putter is going back and through at virtually the same pace. Not going back in first gear and coming through in fourth. Keep it in first or second gear the entire stroke.
Secondly, try to adapt your stroke so you take the putter back about one inch for every one foot you want the ball to go. Now this measurement will need to be adjusted if you have speedy greens or if you’re putting uphill or downhill. However, it will amaze you how consistent you will become by adapting this measurement system when you putt.
Remember when all else fails, take a lesson. You’ll be surprised how much we can help.
To schedule a lesson with PGA-certified instructor Don DeLorenzo, call Gilroy Golf Course at 848-0490.
