Developing a consistent and repeatable putting stroke is one of the top keys to improving your score in golf. While building a good swing is probably more important when it comes to becoming a good golfer, the short game will probably have more of an impact on your ability to post a low score than any other single factor. Having a pendulum-like arc in your putting stroke will help you hit your putts consistently.
Putting Stance
In order to putt the ball with a consistent arc to your stroke, you need to have a comfortable stance. Play the ball inside your left foot--for a right-handed golfer--and stand about 2 feet away from the ball. Grip the putter about 6 to 8 inches from the top of the club and hold your putter with a medium grip. You don't want the putter to wobble when your hit the ball, but you don't want to grip it too tightly either. Grip it at a "5" on a scale of 1-to-10.
Low Takeaway
It is important to take your club back on a low arc when you are putting. If you take it back at a high angle, you will actually chop your putt and you won't have a smooth pendulum swing. To help insure a low arc, go to the practice green and place a second golf ball 6 inches behind the ball you are putting. As you take your putter back, you should hit the second ball with your backswing. If you swing over it or to the side, you are taking an incorrect path to the ball. Your backswing should knock the second ball straight backward. If it is angled, then you have to correct your aim.
Through the Gates
In order to make sure you have the correct finishing arc on your putting stroke you have to have a smooth follow-through. To assure your follow-through is correct, place two golf balls about 8 inches apart in front of your ball. You should easily be able to get it through the space between the two balls, but you will know if you have your club face at the right angle as it goes through these "gates." If your putt is closer to the ball on the right, you are opening up your putting stroke. If it is closer to the one on the left, you are pulling. This will help you develop a smooth stroke with a solid finish.
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