Beginner Basics: 4 keys to great putting
On the green, there are two crucial factors that you need to judge: the speed and the line. Before you putt, determine if you’re putting uphill (slower) or downhill (faster), and if the putt will break in one direction or another. Then, the putting motion is fairly simple. Here’s how to start holing some putts. — Anders Mattson, one of Golf Digest’s Best Teachers in New York
- Stand behind the ball and read the green.
- Decide where you want to aim.
- Visualize the ball rolling into the hole.
- It’s much easier to see the line when standing behind the ball.
- Pick a spot about a foot in front of the ball that you want the ball to roll over.
- Aim the clubface at this intermediate target.
- The spot can be anything: a blade of grass, a brown spot, etc.
- Focus on rolling the ball over this spot.
- The ball should be slightly forward in your stance.
- This helps you roll the ball vs. hitting it into the ground.
- Keep your weight about 50-50 between your legs.
- Use your shoulders and arms to swing the putter back and through.
- Hold your finish.
- Keep your head down for a few seconds after you hit the ball.
- For longer putts, take the clubhead back farther.