Putting Basics - Putt Any Way You Want, Just Be Consistent

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Putting Basics
... Job One

You should follow a number of putting basics if you are after consistent results. This is because there are certain degrees of freedom in the putting stroke, all of which have associated errors that can lead to inconsistency.

Of course, it is simple to list the requirements of a repeatable putting stroke - it is much more difficult to put them into practice out on the course.

Charlie Parker, asked how he played the way he did, replied:

Well, you gotta learn all your scales and chords, keep your fingers in good shape, listen to lots of great people and keep your mind sharp. Then, once you've done all that, forget that crap and just play.

Charlie Parker (1920-55) : American Jazz Saxophonist

Putting is Simple; it is just not easy. It is the least complicated of all golf shots, but it is the one that causes the most frustration.

Every hole ends on the green and you will use around 40% or more of your shots with the flat stick. You require no superior strength, and it is the area of opportunity that you can compete on equal terms with the professionals.

You can putt badly or well: It's your choice

Your objective should be to find a method that is simple, fundamentally sound, and easy to repeat under pressure.

Forget about tips from well-meaning friends. There is no magic answer. Understand the basics, practise them until you can repeat them, and then get out of your own way.

Key Basics

Putting is the most individualistic of all golf shots, but in the end it comes down to a number of fundamentals that form the building-blocks of good putting:

Setting up correctly at address. (Putting Setup)

Squaring the putterface at the moment of contact. (Putting Stroke)

Aiming the putterface accurately. (Aiming Putterface)

Developing a good touch for distance. (Distance Control)

Learning how to read breaks. (Green Reading)

Managing your emotions under pressure. (Pressure Putts)

The Road Forward

Once you have a good understanding of the What and the Why, you will have the underpinning of sound putting basics, the How, to guide you to becoming a better than average putter.