Golf Putting Tips

You would think that putting must be the simplest part of your golf game. Very little power is required and putting looks like a simple movement. But for more than a few golfers, putting is a source of endless frustration. A winning putting technique is very demanding in terms of smoothness and precision and can only be obtained with constant practice.

There's actually no such thing as one model putting technique. When all is said and done, the best putting technique is the one that works for you consistently. Although there are probably endless variations, most golfers rely on one of these techniques: the orthodox grip, the Langer grip, and the anti-yip grip.

An orthodox putting technique starts with gripping the club with your palms facing one another. Your goal is to have your hands operating as one unit, not independently. Be as relaxed and free from tension as you can. Position the golf ball somewhat forward your stance. It's imperative to keep your eyes on the ball. As you putt, your hands' only job is to hold the club. Envisage a pendulum influenced only by your shoulders. Together, your shoulders and arms outline a triangle. Continue with that triangle throughout your swing, from the backswing to the follow-through. Swinging up and through the ball will help you get a good roll without a jump. Hold your follow-through and don't look up too soon, just keep your eyes toward the ground.

Another popular putting swing is the anti-yip putting technique. What in the world are the yips? Many golfers suffer from small, uncontrollable muscle twitches-the yips-that can keep you from making a smooth stroke. When you're putting, it's usually the left wrist that's causing the problem. An anti-yip putting technique is a great way to deal with this problem. To practice, grip your putter with your left hand somewhat below the right-hand. Place your wrist against the shaft of the club. This putting technique has the added benefit of making your left shoulder lower. Remember that the movement of your putting stroke comes from your shoulders, not your arms or wrists, requiring practice to become perfect.

Another popular putting technique is known as the Langer grip. This technique was developed by Bernhard Langer. The Langer grip moves beyond the anti-yip putting technique. It starts the same way: grip the putter with your left hand lower than your right. But here's the difference: you actually grasp your left wrist with the fingers of your right hand. Maintain a light grip pressure and relax as much as possible. The Langer putting technique is most successful when you're making short putts.

Here are a few more tips for better putting: make sure that when you begin your eyes are steady over the golf ball. Ensure you keep your eye line directly aligned with the target line. Establish a steady, well-balanced stance. In your mind's eye, see the putter as an extended part of your forearms. What you're trying to achieve is a stroke, not necessarily a hit. The putter is swinging and the golf ball just happens to be in the way.

A lot of golfers have trouble keeping their eyes on the ball. This is bad for your putting technique because when your head moves, your body turns at the same time. Do you think you're a disciplined golfer? Test yourself with this: on your next putt, try keeping your head down until you hear the satisfying plop of the ball falling into the cup.