Putting is one of the most technically simple yet most difficult swings to master on the golf course. While a single swing of the club can send the ball flying hundreds of yards, a putt of just a few feet can be just as important when trying to achieve a low score. Learning the mechanics behind putting can help you shave strokes off your game.
Step 1
Line up your putt by standing behind your ball facing the cup. Read the contours and elevation changes in the green and determine how hard and in what direction you need to hit the ball to get it to the cup. Some players draw a line on the ball to help them aim it in the direction they want to hit it.
Step 2
Stand a few feet behind your ball with your left side facing the cup---right side if you hit left-handed--and set your club down several inches behind it. Relax your body and spread your legs until they are about shoulder width apart.
Step 3
Grip the golf club and bend over at the waist until your eyes are directly over the ball. If you need to move your feet to get over the ball, do so.
Step 4
Take a few practice strokes by pulling the putter head closer to your body and practicing the strength of the putt you'll need to get the ball to the hole.
Step 5
Put your putter head back behind the ball and take a deep breath. Pull back with your arms and swing the putter back like a pendulum, moving your upper body and arms all as one.
Step 6
Push the putter head forward and hit the ball with your practiced amount of strength and hit the golf ball toward the hole. Follow through to eliminate jerky movements.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't lift your head up to look at your putt until at least a second after you've hit the ball. This will eliminate your body's tendency to shift toward the target, which could cause you to pull or push the ball.
Things You'll Need
- Putter
- Golf ball
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