Top 5 Golf Tips for Putting

There is an old adage in golf that states that a player “drives for show and putts for dough.” The thought is that although driving the ball is important, games can be won or lost with the putter. Use these tips to improve your putting game.

• Be aware of the dampness of the green before putting, especially in a morning round. Green speeds are tested by a groundskeeper with a stimpmeter. When playing, however, you cannot use such a device. Put your finger to the ground in several areas to gauge the dampness of the ground. It is wet, you may need a firmer shot.


• Follow through with the putter when you putt. Do not just hit the ball and stop the club head. Continue with a follow through for at least six inches after hitting the ball.


•  Keep your head down as you putt the ball. It is tempting to immediately jerk your head up as the ball travels to the hole. You will notice that professional golfers on television keep their heads down as they putt, keeping them from guiding the ball errantly to the hole.


• Do not be upset when you miss a long putt. Even good golfers will not consistently hit putts of thirty feet or more. Although you are looking to put the ball in the hole, a putt that lands only a couple feet from the hole is still helpful. 


• Keep your mind quiet from all distractions as you are over the ball. Do not think about the score of the round or what will happen if you lose. Focus on the line and the hole.