Central to the challenge of golf is the art of putting, a skill that often differentiates the good players from the great players and it's often referred to as a game within a game.
Here we'll delve into what is putting in golf and explore a little more about the art of putting.
The Basics of Putting
Putting is the final stroke in golf, used to roll the golf ball into the hole when on the putting green.
Unlike the full swing shots like a tee shot or a shot from the fairway, putting is all about precision and subtlety.
It's where games are won or lost, and is usually the difference between a good score and a bad score.
The green is the sanctuary of putting. It's where the grass is cut the shortest on the course, providing a smooth, level surface.
Understanding the green's layout, including its undulations and the direction of the grass, is key to successful putting and is known as green reading.
Golfers that can learn the art of green reading are likely to hole more putts.
The putter is the club used for putting and is distinct in its design.
With a flat face to strike the ball, it comes in various styles, such as blade, mallet, and counter-balance putters.
Choosing the right putter is a personal choice, influenced by a player's stroke style, comfort and what feels the best when stood over the ball.
Putting Techniques and Skills
Stance and Grip
A golfer's stance and putting grip are important in putting. The stance should be stable and comfortable, allowing for a smooth, controlled stroke.
Choosing a grip which sits well in your hands and allows for a smooth stroke is also important to good putting.
Stroke Mechanics
The putting stroke is a controlled movement with minimal body motion.
It's more about the shoulders moving the arms and the club, rather than the hands doing the work.
A golfer who struggles with their putting will usually have too much movement in their wrists or hands, which will affect squaring up the face and would benefit from a thick putter grip.
The goal is to strike the ball cleanly and consistently, controlling its speed and direction.
Reading the Green
One of the most challenging aspects of putting is reading the green and understanding how much break a putt might have.
This involves assessing the slope, the grain of the grass, and any potential obstacles between the ball and the hole.
Many golfers spend time walking around the putt, viewing it from different angles to gauge the best approach so they know where to aim the ball and how hard to hit it.
Mastering the Mental Game of Putting
Golf putting requires immense concentration and mental focus. A successful putt often hinges on a golfers ability to block out distractions and focus solely on the ball and the hole.
Pressure is an inherent part of the golf game, especially in putting.
Developing a pre putt routine can help manage this pressure, such as breathing techniques and mental visualisation are effective in maintaining calm and focus whilst over a putt.
Practice Drills and Tips
Beginners can benefit from simple drills on the practice green like putting in a straight line or practicing short putts to build confidence and putting skills.
Consistency in practice leads to a more solid putting technique and improved performance on the golf course.
For more experienced golfers, advanced drills might include practicing long-distance putts to help work on distance control or putts with significant breaks.
These require not only skill but also an understanding of how the ball behaves on different surfaces, such as the different types of grass used for a putting surface.
Common putting mistakes include misreading the green, decelerating the putter head at impact, and losing focus.
Regular practice, along with lessons from a professional, can help in correcting these errors.
Putting in Professional Golf
Great golfers like Ben Crenshaw and Tiger Woods are renowned for being some of the best putters of the golf ball.
Embed from Getty ImagesTheir ability to make crucial putts under pressure has set them apart and created some of the most memorable moments in the sport.
In professional tournaments, putting is often where the game is won or lost.
A single putt can be the difference between a tournament victory and a near miss.
Usually, a player who struggles with their putting won't last too long on tour. If they're not up there in the putting statistics then they'll most likely be struggling to compete.
Final Thoughts
Putting is a vital aspect of golf, requiring skill, patience, and practice.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, focusing on your putting game can significantly improve your overall performance and help lower your scores.
