Putting is one of the most important aspects when it comes to scoring in golf. While hitting the ball well from the fairway and off the tee are more important to new golfers, putting well can help a golfer put low numbers on the scorecard. While there are many factors to consider when developing a consistent putting stroke, taking full stroke and finishing it may be the most important.
Read the Green
In order to determine what type of stoke you will need to putt with on each hole, you will have to read the green correctly. To do this, get about 8 to 10 feet behind the ball and get down in a catcher's crouch to observe the breaks and ridges in the green. You need to know if your putt will slide to the right or the left and you can have a good idea of how the ball will break by studying the shape of the green. Don't waste a lot of time doing this. You can read the green fairly quickly and don't second guess your assessment.
Grip Strength
You do not want to squeeze the putter too tightly when you are getting ready to putt. Much of your stroke is dependent on having a feel for the ball when it strikes the head of your putter. If you squeeze it too tightly, it will be much tougher to get a smooth and even stroke. Grip the putter at about a "5" on a scale of a 1 to 10.
Finish Your Stroke
One of the keys to learning how to putt confidently and consistently is to finish your stroke. This is especially true on short putts. You may have an inclination to "stab" the putt so it slides directly into the hole, but this is a tough stroke to use because it will be difficult to keep the putt on line. Your putting stroke should resemble a pendulum and you should bring it forward as far as you take it back. Don't stop short when putting. Finish your stroke.
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