Your Own Putting Insight

I had a request, after a previous article on Putting Statistics, for some fixes for the common Putting faults. You see this sort of thing all the time in the golf magazines.

Yes, there are more common problems, almost all related to the basic technique, but you can isolate your own individual problems a little further by keeping a few basic statistics on the next three or four rounds and then doing some simple analysis.

After each green record the following information on a separate scorecard: How many putts did you take? What approximate length was each putt and if you missed was it short or long and missed left or right of the hole?

At the end of each round, take 5 minutes to analyse the card. Some things to look for are:

If you are missing the hole far more often on one side then there might be a technique problem but there is equally a chance that you have one eye that is much stronger than the other leading you to see the line incorrectly .

If you are short far more often than long, especially on putts up to 30 feet, then you are clearly missing out on the opportunity to hole a few (never up, never in) in which case practice a drill that rewards you for putts that you sink AND putts that go past the hole but stay short of a 3 feet marker.



If you are missing putts every round in the less than 3 feet radius, then ask yourself are you positive enough on these shots? Is your concentration not what it should be? Do you have a consistent routine?

If you are missing more than 50% of your putts in the 3 feet to 6 feet radius then celebrate because with just a little practice, using some simple drills, you can improve this quickly and take a lot of shots off your scorecard.

Finally, look at the distance you are left with on your second putts. Is your first putt leaving you with too much to do? If it is then again there are some easy and quick practice routines that will enable you to drop shots from your handicap.

If you have identified where you are going wrong then come and chat to me and I ll give you some pointers and ideas of how to improve. But remember, as with all things in golf, good fundamentals, that you have learnt and know how to check in your game, will not only improve your game now, but will enable you to continue playing good golf even when you haven t had the chance to play quite as frequently.


Visit your local PGA Golf Professional for expert advice on all aspects of golf.

By: James Langmead -

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James Langmead PGA Qualified Golf Professional and former Callaway Club fitter of the year www.thegolfshoponline.co.uk