Putting Problems

celica140bhp

My putting has always been hot/cold but in the last couple of years it's gone downhill badly - I don't feel comfortable over any putt longer than 2 feet! I've tried a new putter for a while with limited success but that's gone bad also. I play off 7 so can't afford a few 3 putts in every round.

Tonight, after poor putts on the first few holes I switched my grip for the laugh to right over left and funnily enough I only missed one putt I should have got (about 8 footer) for the rest of the game.

Anyone else tried this or have any advice?

css

How exactly are you missing most putts?

Oriel

css wrote:

How exactly are you missing most putts?

By avoiding the hole.

GreenHorn

css wrote:

How exactly are you missing most putts?

Same way I miss several every round I guess - By not putting them in the hole!

Sorry... Actually, I'd always be interested in any general putting tips people have... My putting is killing me - particularly lag putting.

css

Haha very funny the lot of ye..

Are you charging the ball by the hole? Not making it up to the hole? Or just not reading the lines right?

stringy

putting should be the easiest thing to fix, technique is simple.

get a grip you're comfortable with and hold the club loosely. Swing from you shoulders in a smooth pendulum like way (no wrist or any othe body movement) and listen for the ball to drop, do not look up at all until the ball is struck (watch tiger - I hate him - keep his head down until putt is completed.

get on the putting green and build you confidence up, confidence is everything in putting, you should believe that every putt will drop. Being off 7 you must be a good golfer so you will prob know all this already but problems with putting are generally a confidence issue.

GreenHorn

stringy wrote:

problems with putting are generally a confidence issue.

I would agree with you to a certain extent. I had a purple patch a couple of months back where I was playing every week and always playing in and around my handicap. I had a run of three rounds where I birdied a par4 in each round (a huge achievement for me!) and all I can say is, for whatever reason, I knew walking up to the green that I would hole all three putts. I was not one bit surprised to see any of the three putts hit the bottom of the cup... I don't know what I had done differently to feel so confident but I just knew I'd make them...

However, with me and my long putting - I don't think it's confidence. I just don't have any concept of how hard to hit the ball, how long/shor a stroke... It's a complete guessing game I suppose as a result of a lack of practice?

css

GreenHorn wrote:

However, with me and my long putting - I don't think it's confidence. I just don't have any concept of how hard to hit the ball, how long/shor a stroke... It's a complete guessing game I suppose as a result of a lack of practice?

You gotta practice so.. feel comes from it, you can't read about feel!! You gotta learn it..

My advice is to use the same ball all the time, it will really help your feel. There's no use using a two-piece ball today, and a balata tomorrow, they are completely different to putt with.

My own putting was atrocious about 5 years ago. It's now without a doubt the strongest point of my game. I can drive it all over the place, hit crap second shots, but I know i will get up and down well over 50% of the time!

J.R.HARTLEY

GreenHorn wrote:

However, with me and my long putting - I don't think it's confidence. I just don't have any concept of how hard to hit the ball, how long/shor a stroke... It's a complete guessing game I suppose as a result of a lack of practice?

you should do a spot of putting green practice beforee you go out, get used to the pace, bob rotella and karl moriss in their books suggest a game where instead of aiming at the cups on the putting green you putt to the fringe from a distance , you close your eyes after you hit the ball and say whetehr it'll be short of the fringe, on the fringe or through the fringe, then open you're eyes and see where it finished. this drill should help you get a feel for the run of the greens.;)

Hobart

Css's question is actually a legitimate one. How are you missing them? Is it consistently to the right or left of the hole? Do you consistently leave them short or are you blastng them past everytime? Are you consistingly mis-reading the line? The consistency of you missing them will actually help answer your problem.

delboy159

I was given the advice on feel aswell, but never fully understood how to develop it. I tried a technique a pro told my father - of 1 inch backswing for every 2 feet of distance on a putt (12 foot putt = 6 inch backswing with putter). Adjust accordingly for uphill and downhill putts, wet greens etc.

All in all this scientific approach sounded cool and reliable, but let me down as I couldn't develop a rhythm - I often snatched at the putt, which really killed on 3/4 footers (I was hitting up to 43 putts a round).

I had noticed that my long putts from around the green (fringe/fairway) were often better than my putts on the green. These putts couldn't use the 1 inch to 2 feet rule as the grass/lie was so variable. On these putts I imagined I was roling the ball up to the hole with my hand (like in bowling) - I kept that feeling (the feeling of how hard/easy I would have roled the ball with my hands) and applied that to my putt. I decided to use that technique on all putts, from 2 feet to 50 feet. Since then I have hit 32 putts on numerous occasions and 36 putts are a rare occurance (usually hit 33-35 putts). It's a life saver not facing down the barrel of 40+ putts on 18 holes. The difference between 36 putts and 43 is massive. I developed my feel by using an imaginary bowling technique and aplying that to my putt. It also helps you feel as if the putter is a part of your arm just executing the bowling action.

GreenHorn

delboy159 wrote:

These putts couldn't use the 1 inch to 2 feet rule as the grass/lie was so variable. On these putts I imagined I was roling the ball up to the hole with my hand (like in bowling) - I kept that feeling (the feeling of how hard/easy I would have roled the ball with my hands) and applied that to my putt... I developed my feel by using an imaginary bowling technique and aplying that to my putt. It also helps you feel as if the putter is a part of your arm just executing the bowling action.

Very interesting... I remember reading an interview with Earl Woods where he said that he used to do something similiar with Tiger when he was a boy. He would have him literally "bowl" the golf ball up to the hole (standing side4 on to the hole I think - as when you're putting) to get a feel for distance. He said Tiger was a natural at it and it gave him a great understanding of feel...

Nice tip Delboy...

css

I read that tip ages ago too Delb, great tip.

As well as that, I always try to go past the hole, there is nothing worse than being 1 inch short, and on line.... (anger management!)

The tip I was given about 3 years ago, and that really sorted out my putting, was something like this:
For any length putt, pick a spot about 6 inches past the ball, along the line you want the putt to go. Then pick another spot, behind the ball, (distance depends on the length of the putt). Basically you have to pass the putter head over both points, to make the stroke on the line you want to putt.

By following through more than is necessary, it really helps you to not be short with putts (a lot of putts left short are stabbed?)

Also the other tip I had, was to use the minimum amount of backswing with the putter necessary to go the distance. So if you have a 10 footer, you really don't need to go back more than 3-4 inches (this depends on your stroke). Anyhow the theory behind this is the less you go back, the less margin for error you have on the stroke!

I hope these make some kind of sense, but they sure as hell helped me sort out my putting. I'd rarely 3 putt these days (ok everyone has their day, but apart from that!).

FrankGrimes

very interesting thread there alright.

I'm only back playing a short while after injury and have lost my putting touch (and short chipping touch) altogether. I'm not a member anywhere so getting to practice my putting is difficult - is it alright to show up an hour before I play somewhere I'm paying green fees and use the putting green?

Likewise - is there anyplace I can practice chipping onto a green? Am thinking of just playing Par 3 golf a few times to get practice on this kind of thing - P&P I use a right to left sliced swing which is gonna get me into bad habits.

Are any of the putting green things you can buy for use at home any good?

delboy159

I was very consistent with my chipping etc. a few months ago I was getting 3/4 even 5 ups and downs a round (which was great for me - and I have lost some of my touch, for one simnple reason - I've stopped practising it (no time, house renovations). I had one simple way of practising in Dublin. I would go out to the Par 3 in Tyrrelstown at say 2 hours before it would get dark (that would be after 7.30 now) No one would tee off behind you as it was late - then play about 9 or 12 holes at your leisure and spend 5/10 mins on some holes chipping and pitching and putting around the green. Drop the ball in deep rough and try getting it out - it builds confidence, bump and runs with 8i, lob wedge to a tight pin from a fluffy lie, putting up and down tiers etc.. Also it's not as boring as walking around a chipping and putting green, because you are moving onto a new hole where you have to play a proper shot etc. It's only €11 for effectively 2 hours of practice - 100 balls over 90 mins will cost €7/€8.

css

Frank, I used to go out to the practice putting green in Deerpark in Howth. It doesn't matter what time you go there at, and it's free.. well at least it was.. It's not great, but you get to swing a club and keep your eye in.

On putting at home. Drop a coin, and try to keep the ball within a 6inch circle of it..

celica140bhp

I think most of the time when I miss the shorter ones I'm either pulling or slicing across the ball. It's a mixture! Distance seems fine.
I think possibly I'm too wristy and need to be more "pendulum" like in my swing as suggested below. When I tried the right over left grip I was using my shoulders more rather than my wrists but even though I was putting better it didn't feel right.
Definitely my confidence is shot - maybe a couple of beers before a round would help

css

Under NO circumstances use ANY wrist with the putter........ rule # 1...

Try putt from your shoulders.. and relax.. focus on making the putter pass the two points on your line, if you've picked the right line, the ball is in the hole 99% of the time..

J.R.HARTLEY

celica140bhp wrote:

Definitely my confidence is shot - maybe a couple of beers before a round would help

you'd think. but i can tell you from experience that it doesn't, now it's not all bad, cause you get a great laugh but for your golf it's a terrible idea.

FlutterinBantam

Forget all the crap posted up to this.......

Putting in in the HEAD......got it...... THE HEAD

Ignore everything.. just think ...I have to knock this ball into the hole with this putter.... go for that... don't even think of missing....

if it goes in .. it goes in.. if it doesn't ... it doesn't...


thats about it....

J.R.HARTLEY

FlutterinBantam wrote:

just think ...I have to knock this ball into the hole with this putter....

worst advice ever man, increases the pressure on a nervous putter. HAVE to get this in is not a proper mind set, it's possible and it's probable are the best ways to approach it, never have to or must. thats where most mid-high handicappers do themselves damage, piling on the pressure, (have to hole this putt, have to hit the green in two, etc.)

css

I must admit you do need the right frame of mind as well as the right technique. But work on the technique and the right frame of mind will come too. You really need confidence, and that comes with practice. But make sure you practice the right things! For my own putting in general, i consider anything within 10 feet in the hole, anything beyond that, i at least expect to lip the hole, or come very close to it.

Ever wonder why you missed a 2foot putt, next time you do, try and recall what kind of thoughts you had as you stood over the putt.. :eek:

denachoman

Try to do the same thing over every putt and banish any negative thoughts entering your head.

I use a cack-handed (left below right) grip myself for putting as it gets me swinging from the shoulders and eliminates any wrist break.

For short putts I pick a spot at the back of the hole, I take a couple of practice putts, stand over the ball, make the stroke and wait for the sound of the ball hitting the cup. For longer putts I try to divide the length of the putt into 4 or 5 sections of a shorter length. I find this makes it easier for the brain to decipher the length of the putt and the power of the stroke needed. If you can get a consistent length on your long putts you will 3-putt a lot less often.

FrankGrimes

I traded in my Taylor Made Monza Corza putter for a TM Daytona CGB yesterday, and it made a big difference to my putting last night. For me the normal blade style just feels more comfortable as I tend to lean on the heel a bit, but the main thing I found when testing putters was the difference in shaft length makes a big difference.

My Monza Corza was a 34" shaft, and my new putter is 35" shaft - this means I have to bend over a lot less, and with my lower back problem this is a big help. I reckon the further I have to bend over the greater the more exaggerated the errors become. Just wanted to mention it here as something to consider if you're putter is not working out for you.

I wasn't exactly putting spectacularly, but I missed nothing from within 6 feet, which is an improvement for me.

celica140bhp

Well, things are looking up on my putting problems.....went around +4 over the weekend - 2birdies, 6bogeys and 10pars. I had two three putts but one was from miles away so that was fine.
Putted the whole time cack handed and I was much more shoulders rather that wrists so hopefully that helped.
Another thing I think I was doing wrong was looking up too quick so as somebody posted I'm waiting until I hear the ball fall or at least long enough for it to be on it's way.

madds

No matter the length of putt, I always pick a spot 12-18 inches away from the ball on the intended line to the hole. Once you've identified this mark (could be a discolouration of the grass, etc.), line up your putter square to it.

Trust yourself that you've read the break/non-break correctly on the putt, so that now all you have to get right is the pace of the putt.

Whilst addressing the ball on the intended line, I turn my head to look directly at the cup and spend a few seconds getting a feel for the pace of the putt, mentally picturing it.

When happy, I return to look at the ball, ensure I'm still lined up against the point 12 inches away and concentrate on trying to make a clean, rythmic stroke through the ball.

Madds

madds

madds wrote:

No matter the length of putt, I always pick a spot 12-18 inches away from the ball

Obviously if I have a 10 inch putt, I'll pick a spot between the ball and the hole...!!

celica140bhp

I started this thread a long time ago but I'm sad to say I'm back My putting is still shocking - by far the worst part of my game. During my last game on Friday I missed two putts that were no longer than 18 inches each - one horse shoe-ed (sp) around the whole and the other ran two feet past. I'm on my third putter in three years and various different styles/grips/stances etc but I'm freaking out at this stage. I played a scramble a few weeks back with a 19 and a 22 handicapper and I was the worst putter by far! Help!!!!!!

copacetic

for me, lining up the ball logo or drawing a line on the ball is key. line it up, line the putter up with it and just rock your shoulders, trust the line you picked. don't peek,you'll pull every putt if you lift your head.

stockdam

Putting is about confidence and practice. I don't think there's any scientific way to improve.

Arrive 30 minutes early and spend the time on the putting green.

As was said above, find a good par three course and use it for practicing around the greens (I must do that too).

eagle eye

celica140bhp wrote: »

I started this thread a long time ago but I'm sad to say I'm back My putting is still shocking - by far the worst part of my game. During my last game on Friday I missed two putts that were no longer than 18 inches each - one horse shoe-ed (sp) around the whole and the other ran two feet past. I'm on my third putter in three years and various different styles/grips/stances etc but I'm freaking out at this stage. I played a scramble a few weeks back with a 19 and a 22 handicapper and I was the worst putter by far! Help!!!!!!

I have a few things for you to try out it you want.
Firstly to get rid of the looking up too soon.
When practicing use a flat ball marker(the round plastic ones with something written on it) and push it right down into the ground. Place the golf ball on top of this marker and every time you hit a putt, read whats written on the ball marker before you move your head.
Secondly for your possible wrist action problem.
Many players who have this problem seem to use the interlocking grip when putting. Well this is not good. If you do that stop right now.
Whether or not you have been interlocking there is a good way to sort this wrist action out.
If you are right-handed then when you grip the putter, let your middle finger of your right hand run down along the grip of the putter. This will stop any wrist action.
If you still have problems after practicing this, and I mean lots of practice then come back on here and we'll see if we can get you sorted.

Par72

celica140bhp wrote: »

I started this thread a long time ago but I'm sad to say I'm back My putting is still shocking - by far the worst part of my game. During my last game on Friday I missed two putts that were no longer than 18 inches each - one horse shoe-ed (sp) around the whole and the other ran two feet past. I'm on my third putter in three years and various different styles/grips/stances etc but I'm freaking out at this stage. I played a scramble a few weeks back with a 19 and a 22 handicapper and I was the worst putter by far! Help!!!!!!

Really the best thing by far that you could do would be to go and have a lesson with a pro. Without any of us seeing your putting stroke there's no way we could diagnose your problem. Having said that, if you want to try the one drill that I go back to time and time again when my putting goes a bit off it is as follows -

Get two clubs (e.g 4 & 5 iron) and pick a hole on the flat area of the practice green. Lay down the two clubs parallel to the line of a putt of about 3 or 4 feet feet from the hole. Make the clubs just slightly wider than the width of your putter. Practice hitting loads of putts between these two clubs, making sure that the putter head stays between the two clubs. The ball will consistently go into the hole and you will get used to the feeling of holing putts again. Your stroke will also become grooved into a straight back and straight through motion. It is useful to feel as though the big muscles of your shoulders are controlling this motion and not your wrists or hands. This drill really is worth a try, I have found it has always helped me when my putting went astray.

One Cold Hand

OP, sorry to hear about your troubles!

It sounds to me like a confidence issue. I guess the real question is how to get your confidence back. It's generally accepted that there is no real right and wrong with putting, it's just about doing what makes your comfortable. I feel if you find what makes comfortable, and stick with it, then your confidence will return. This relates to everything, grip, stance, the putter etc.

As I said I reckon it's mainly a confidence thing, but for me the two key technique tips are

1. The pedulum tip, as out lined earlier. Very important you don't use your wrists too much. I always think of my 2 arms and my shoulders as a triangle, and I move the triangle to hit the ball, in other words, for the backswing, one shoulder drops, then for the follow through the other shoulder drops.

2. Make sure you get a good roll on the ball. I do this by pushing the ball forward in my stance, and making sure I hit the ball on the upswing. Hitting it on the downstroke will produce a poor stroke.

And as someone said earlier, plenty of practice should solve it. Try and spend the odd 'putting only' practice session, working on rolling in short putts. Your off 7, you know that you're capable of rolling in anything inside 10/12ft.

Good luck.