Although the putting stroke in golf is the simplest stroke to make, it is arguably the most important stroke for you to learn and master. The late Harvey Penick, a famous golf pro and college golf coach, recognized this, recommending that beginners learn how to putt before learning the full swing. Dave Pelz, a professional golf instructor and author of “Dave Pelz’s Putting Bible,” agrees, explaining that you will likely take about half your strokes during a golf round from on the green. If you practice putting often and learn a simple and repeatable stroke, your scores will quickly improve.
Step 1
Crouch down about 10 yards behind your ball to determine an aim line, or line on which you want the ball to roll initially to finish close to the hole. Account for both the slope and speed of the green.
Step 2
Move forward and address the ball from the side, a comfortable distance away from the ball. Set your feet perpendicular to the aim line, slightly narrower than your shoulders, with the ball aligned directly between your ankles.
Step 3
Grip your putter in your palms, not your fingers, with the palm of your top hand facing away from your target, the palm of your bottom hand toward your target and your thumbs on top of the grip. Set the middle of the putter face behind the ball, square to the aim line.
Step 4
Move your back foot away from your front foot so your feet are shoulder-width apart and the ball is slightly forward in your stance.
Step 5
Step a few inches away from the ball, assume the same stance and take several practice strokes. Look at your target during the practice strokes to feel how hard you need to strike the ball.
Step 6
Step forward and set your putter face behind the ball again with your feet about shoulder-width apart and the ball slightly forward in your stance.
Step 7
Look down the aim line one last time, look back down at the ball and begin your stroke. Tilt your shoulders to lead your arms, hands and club straight away from the ball in one piece. Maintain a triangle shape with your arms and the line between your shoulders.
Step 8
Tilt your shoulders in the opposite direction to move your putter face back toward the ball, smoothly transitioning from the backswing to the forward swing. Allow your shoulders, arms, hands and club to move as one unit.
Step 9
Strike the ball with the middle of your putter face and follow through slightly longer than your backswing. Keep your eyes on the ball until after your follow-through. Hold your finish until the ball stops moving.
Things You'll Need
- Putter
- Golf ball
References
- "Harvey Penick's Little Red Book: Lessons and Teachings from a Lifetime in Golf"; Harvey Penick with Bud Shrake; 1992
- "Dave Pelz's Putting Bibl"e; Dave Pelz; 2000
- Golf Digest: Hold Your Finish to Improve Your Putts
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