The 5 KEY SKILLS you need to IMPROVE your PUTTING

Key points

• Set two parallel rods forming a start channel to square the putter alignment mark
• Use an overhead string line split down the center of the ball to check distance from the ball and neck tilt
• Match the putter face line precisely parallel with the target track before stroking

Common mistakes

Manipulating eye line or tilting the neck inconsistently, causing the golfer to aim off-target without realizing it.

Key points

• Keep lower body from hips down completely still as if encased in concrete
• Practice a palms-together rocking drill to power the stroke purely from the shoulders without forearm twist
• Roll 10 putts through a gate placed 7 to 8 inches in front of the ball to verify a square face at impact

Common mistakes

Shifting hips laterally or peeking early toward the hole, causing the putter face to shut and pull the ball left.

Key points

• Place tees just outside the putter heel and toe to ensure pure center-face impact
• Maintain an even two-to-one 'tick-tock' tempo matching backswing length to follow-through length
• Make practice strokes with deliberate intention looking at the target before stepping into 20, 30, and 40-foot putts

Common mistakes

Decelerating into the ball following an excessively long backswing on long putts or hitting weakly on short putts.

Key points

• View the putt from the low side of a visual triangle to see slope steepness in each third of the line
• Place a flush ball marker 3 to 4 inches ahead on the actual start line and commit to rolling the ball directly over it
• Observe natural curve and end-point to avoid chronically missing on the low amateur side

Common mistakes

Reading from directly behind the ball and underestimating break by aiming too close to the cup.

Key points

• Define success by rolling the ball on the chosen line at the chosen speed rather than the make/miss result
• Visualize the specific curve and entry point of the ball into the hole during practice strokes
• Stay loose in the upper torso to eliminate tension caused by outcome fixation

Common mistakes

Tensing up over the ball by obsessing over whether the putt goes in, leading to a steered stroke.