How to Improve Your Putting for Golf

Step 1

The first step to improving your putting is to find a repeatable routine for every time you are about to putt. You want to go through the same routine whether the putt is 2 ft away or 40 ft. Every golfer has a different routine and that is fine, yours should be unique as well, but the one thing that all great golfers have in common is that they take their time to figure in all elements that could affect their putt.

Step 2

When putting you want to have a very light grip. Your grip should ultimately be to the point where you can still grip the club, but not very hard at all. This will give you a better feel for your swing as well as not forcing a push or pull with a last second decision mid-swing. Most importantly it keeps you in a relaxed mind frame. If you think you can make a putt, you most likely will. If you have a loose grip you can be calm, but a tight grip can make you nervous and anxious over the ball.

Step 3
The next tip I have is to make a straight line on your ball to help you line up your shot better. This not only gives a good visual target to focus your eyes on, but it also makes sure you are aimed in the right direction. Aiming the ball is a very difficult process if you are playing on difficult greens. The best advice I can give to you is practice. The best way to get a good feel for putting is to experience it first hand. When practicing pay close attention to clues that can tell you which way the ball will break. Pay attention to what the weather is like, the dampness or dryness of the green, sand on the green, water surrounding it or to one side of the green, how long the grass is. There are a lot of factors that can influence a putt, and you need to consider them all.

Step 4
Once you have your ball lined up it is important that you practice your stroke a few times. Your putting stroke should be like a pendulum. You don't want to get "handsy" or start breaking your wrists when you putt. It should be fluent and easily repeatable. Another important point is that your stroke should be the same speed and distance from take back to follow through. A good way to get a feel for distance is by just hitting some balls with your eyes closed and having a little measuring system. Once you can consistently hit a distance with your eyes closed, you will have great confidence that you can do this because you know the feel of the stroke.

Step 5
The next tip is on your stance. The ball should be in the middle of your stance or a little closer to your front foot if more comfortable. You want to have your feet shoulder width apart and knees bent a little. Your eyes should be directly over the ball when putting(don't just bend at your waist, be sure to bend your knees and maintain a more athletic stance).

Step 6
Once you are over the ball and have your shot lined up, trust your stroke and swing through the ball with your head down. You should not be looking up until after you have made contact with the ball. No peeking early!!! Trust your stroke that you grooved. Don't be tenative and change your mind at the last second. Be confident and envision the ball going down the path you drew out in your head and watch the ball going into the cup. Believe in yourself and practice makes perfect!