Hi, I’m Scott Pickett, a New Zealand PGA member and coach since 2003. Over the years, I’ve worked with golfers of all levels to improve their game, and I’m excited to share some of my best putting tips with you.
Whether you're looking to shave strokes off your round or just boost your confidence on the greens, these tips will help you on your journey.
1. Guide Your Stroke with Two Clubs
To improve your putting accuracy and develop a consistent stroke, try this simple yet highly effective drill. Start by laying two golf clubs on the ground, positioned parallel to each other like train tracks, directly along your target line. These clubs act as visual guides to help you align your body and putter correctly.
Position your putter in between the two clubs and practice your putting stroke, keeping the putter head moving smoothly between the "tracks." This setup will help ensure that your stroke remains straight and follows a consistent path, preventing any unwanted deviations.
Not only does this drill help refine your alignment, but it also builds confidence in your ability to aim accurately and execute a steady stroke. As you become more comfortable with this exercise, you'll find that your overall putting accuracy improves, and you'll feel more assured standing over those crucial putts. This simple practice technique can make a big difference in your game, helping you sink more putts with precision.
When it comes to putting, understanding and adjusting your tempo is key to controlling the speed and distance of the ball effectively. The tempo of your stroke shouldn't be the same for every putt; instead, it should adapt based on the situation and conditions.
For longer uphill putts, it’s essential to use a slightly quicker tempo to ensure the ball has enough energy to reach the hole. Uphill putts tend to lose momentum more quickly, so giving the ball that extra pace can prevent it from falling short. On the other hand, for short downhill putts, a slower and more controlled tempo is crucial. This allows you to avoid overshooting the hole and helps keep your putts within tap-in range.
Practicing different tempos for various distances and slopes will improve your ability to judge the correct speed for each putt, leading to better distance control. By becoming comfortable with adjusting your stroke tempo, you'll gain confidence in your putting, no matter the situation you face on the green.
3. Stay Still for a Solid Stroke
One of the keys to a consistent and accurate putting stroke is keeping your body stable throughout the motion. To achieve this, focus on keeping your head and knees still during the stroke. Any unnecessary movement in your lower or upper body can cause deviations in your stroke, making it difficult to stay on target.
By stabilising both your upper and lower body, you allow your arms and shoulders to take control of the putting motion. This helps create a smooth, pendulum-like stroke that stays on the intended line. Avoid the temptation to peek too early or shift your knees—keeping everything still will ensure that your putter stays square to the target for longer.
Practicing this technique will lead to greater consistency, helping you make more putts under pressure. As you gain confidence in your ability to stay still, you'll notice an improvement in your accuracy and overall performance on the greens.
