The Consistent Golf Putter, Part I

To become a consistent golf putter you must do two things. (1) Control distance and (2) Make a three-footer.

Once you feel that your golf stroke is fundamentally solid, most of your practice time should focus on distance control and securing the "feel". You can be taught golf fundamentals, but your level of feel will fall upon your shoulders. You need practice and more practice on the greens.

To get a general feel for the speed of the greens, hit several medium to longer golf putts. Move around the green so you are stroking different golf putts, uphill, downhill, left to right and right to left. Continue moving around the green until you have been relatively successful at putting the ball close to the hold. If you do not reach this point, then keep going. The more golf putts you roll, the more feedback you have.

Next, consistent putting requires a rhythm that is continuous throughout, much like that of a clock's pendulum. To maintain a consistent rhythm, use the same grip force throughout your golf stroke. Take time and practice this.

If your golf putts are coming up somewhat short of your target, you should first ensure that your golf stroke is the same length forward as it was back. If you incorrectly cut short your forward stroke, the ball will often end up short of the target.

You can use the three tee drill to check this. Place three tees in the ground in a line, so that the outside tees are of equal distance from the center tee. The ball should be placed in line with the center tee. Stroke your golf putt so that your putter head moves even with the back tee, then through to the forward tee. At this point, check to see that the back of your left hand has gone to the target and that you have maintained your wrist angles.

The second fundamental to check if your golf putts are continually coming up short is the length of your stroke. If your back stroke is too short, it will be difficult to get the ball to the hole, no matter what type of forward stroke you make. Increase the length of your backstroke and therefore your forward stroke as well.

Putts Continually Long of Your Target:

If your golf putts are continually rolling past the hole, check the following essentials. A backstroke that is too large would generate too much power and most often produce a putt that rolls too fast. Shorten the length of the backstroke and your forward stroke will produce less energy and not roll the ball as far.

Hitting your golf putts rather than stroking your golf putts will habitually roll the ball too far. Your rhythm and grip force should remain consistent throughout your stroke. If you force your forward stroke, which is frequently accompanied by an enhanced grip pressure, the ball will often roll too far.

Focus on keeping your rhythm even. Take notice when you start to stroke your putts rather than hit them that the sound coming off the putter face is different and not quite as loud. Focus on keeping your grip pressure even, rather than ever grabbing or pulling the putter.