The Basics of Putting
This Is For Those Just Starting Out
So you're just starting out? Well you found a good place to start. Its better to know where to start than to blindly start knocking balls around on the green. You'll give yourself a good head start on the green with some putting basics. If you're a true beginner, the green can be one of the most intimidating places on the whole course. It took me years to settle down on the green. If your putting in front of a couple friends, or aquaintances you'll be much better off if you have just a few putting basics to go by.
Its a good idea to get some extensive instruction if you're just starting out. I wish I had focused on putting when I had started out. The perfect place to give you a huge advantage on the course is:
Master Your Putt
Master Your Putt
The thing about putting is that everyone has there own style. There really is no right or wrong way to do it in my opinion. Even if you watch the pros putt, you can see that they all have a different style. Now, while its true that you can use your own style, there are some putting basics that can help you when you are just beginning.
Putting basics can be boiled down to stance (or setup), grip, and alignment. Its important to get these components correct from the beginning so you are not compensating bad alignment or grip with an improper, or unrepeatable stroke. To check your alignment you can simply lay a club at your toes after you have setup. Step away and check how the club is pointing in relation to the hole (or the spot you are aiming at). Another thing to do is to ask a friend to check your alignment once you have setup in your stance. Your grip should be a medium grip. This simply means not too tight, and not too loose. As you make your stroke you should try to keep your arms, shoulders and wrists as one unit. This is to ensure a straight motion. Once you have solid fundamentals, you should think about adopting a pre-putt routine. This is to get you into the proper mental state before you putt. See The Mental Game for the importance of such a routine.
Along with your routine comes the essential putting basics of practice, and more practice. It is very common for new golfers to go to the driving range and practice driving the ball for hours. Putting is often overlooked. If you are willing to spend as much time practicing your putting as your other shots, you will have much more success on the green.
If you stick to these putting basics you will gain confidence and skills, and your score will show it!
I want to take this chance to remind you to give Master Your Putt a try. Its impossible to overstate the importance of getting off on the right foot when you're starting out, and this program is the best way to start, as well as polish your skills.