Jump to content
IGNORED

Best Putting Advice


Note: This thread is 5737 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Recommended Posts

Inputs on best putting advice. Can be putting routine, technique, practice method, etc.

My routine:
1. Mark my ball.
2. Read green from the lowside of the green.
3. Pick a intermediary target from behind the ball.
4. Aim putterface at intermediary target.
5. Visualize how the ball will travel to the hole.
5. Two practice swings.
6. Putt!
7. Watch in dismay as I think to myself here comes another 3-putt...

« Keith »

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Listen for the ball to go in the hole. Whatever you do, DON'T look up!

If you have the line read correctly, along with proper speed, trust that it will go in. Looking up will only cause you to push it, or hit the ball off-center.

Callaway RazrFit Extreme 9.5 w/Project X 6.5
Callaway XHot Pro 15* 3Wood w/Project X 6.5
Callaway XTour 18* 2h w/S300
Callaway XHot Pro 4/5 irons w/S300
Callaway XForged III 5-PW irons w/S300
Callaway Forged 52*/58* Wedges
Odyssey 7 Versa 90
Callaway Hex Black Tour

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Best putting advice I ever recieved...

"At your experience level, you have a better chance of chipping it in from off the green than avoiding a three putt."

No, seriously.

I thought this was just a joke until I read "The Short Way to Lower Scoring". Paul Runyan's stat's actually proved he would hole out with chips more times than he would take two putts. Something in there if you ask me. Get good at chipping, and take the stress off your putting! Improving my chipping has already paid big dividends. My first birdie was a holed chip shot on a par 4. I was elated!
Favorite Practice Course:
Z Boaz Municipal, Fort Worth <<< Ben Hogan grew up playing here!
--------------------------------------------------

In the bag: 983E 9.5*, Fuji Speeder S RPM LP, 4W, Neutral Bias STAFF Ci6 irons, S (going up for sale soon) Tom Watson PVD 08 Wedges (G.S,L)... and a 4...
Link to comment
Share on other sites


If you have the line read correctly, along with proper speed, trust that it will go in. Looking up will only cause you to push it, or hit the ball off-center.

Herein lies the greatest putting tip of all time:

trust that it will go in . IMHO, there is no piece of putting advice worth listening to until you can adapt this one. The Golf54 book tells a great story of (IIRC) Patty Sheehan had a crucial shot, a FW off the deck, in a tourney, which she flat-topped. The TV crew promptly stuck her swing on replay and pointed out where her swing went wrong. The Golf54 folks point out, do we really think Sheehan can't hit that shot 99/100 times? The problem wasn't her swing, it was her brain not committing to the shot. You simply will not be a great putter until you can BELIEVE and TRUST that what you have done BEFORE striking the ball is correct. I am only BEGINNING to be able to adopt this in my game, and I can't begin to describe how much better my putting is. Not only in how many more I make (which is a bunch, but I'm not knocking down 25-footers left and right), but how much better I feel when I putt. Plus, it takes stress off my approach game, to not feel obligated to get it inside 3 feet. Moreover, when I do make mistakes, I am much more aware of what that mistake was. Imagine, you read a putt, you stand over it, you doubt, maybe you underread it, you push the putt and hit it too hard, and you miss. Did you read it right to begin with? Who knows now? Now, say I read a putt two balls outside and pick a speed. I hit it, it comes up short, but I started it exactly where I read, and I can tell the proper speed would have put it in. Now I know for next time, that I'm generally reading break right but need to adjust speed. There's no draw, cut, fade here. It's tapping a ball with a flat (nearly) stick and starting it rolling. The "swing" isn't worth driving yourself nuts over.

Nothing in the swing is done at the expense of balance.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Best putting advice I ever recieved...

Really, in a given round you'd have MORE chip-in's than 2-putts???? That's absurd. Does he mean actual 2-putts, or does he include 1- and 2-putts? If you're good enough to chip in with any frequency, then I think you're MUCH more inclined to leave yourself lots of close kick-in's, or certainly ones you can 2-putt. I consider my short game "good" to "above average," and I'll only chip in once every 4-5 rounds. IME, higher handicappers are generally much worse around the greens and rarely chip-in, but will certainly still 2-putt a bunch of greens.

Nothing in the swing is done at the expense of balance.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Administrator
Really, in a given round you'd have MORE chip-in's than 2-putts???? That's absurd. Does he mean actual 2-putts, or does he include 1- and 2-putts? If you're good enough to chip in with any frequency, then I think you're MUCH more inclined to leave yourself lots of close kick-in's, or certainly ones you can 2-putt. I consider my short game "good" to "above average," and I'll only chip in once every 4-5 rounds. IME, higher handicappers are generally much worse around the greens and rarely chip-in, but will certainly still 2-putt a bunch of greens.

I think he may have meant three-putts. The original quote was "At your experience level, you have a better chance of chipping it in from off the green than avoiding a three putt." after all.

Erik J. Barzeski —  I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

I think he may have meant three-putts. The original quote was "At your experience level, you have a better chance of chipping it in from off the green than avoiding a three putt." after all.

Isn't that like a mild version of, "hell will freeze over before you manage NOT to three-putt"??

But he later said:
Paul Runyan's stat's actually proved he would hole out with chips more times than he would take two putts.

Which is what I went off, but if that line was meant to read:

"Paul Runyan's stat's actually proved he would hole out with chips more times than he would take three putts" then I don't get the comparison. We'd all love to hole out more often than three-putt! Overall, I'm just confused.......

Nothing in the swing is done at the expense of balance.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Administrator
Isn't that like a mild version of, "hell will freeze over before you manage NOT to three-putt"??

No. I'm not sure what you're confused about. I think he's saying he holes chips more frequently than he three-putts.

And that's the point - adopt his short game (chipping) method, and you'll hole out more chips. But if he did mean two-putt, then that puts the claim right into the "outlandish" category. You'll hole out more frequently than you'll two putt? Or does he mean two-putt after you hit a chip (i.e. "you'll hole out more often than you'll fail to get up and down"?). Eh, whatever. I think this is probably off topic, so I'm done with it.

Erik J. Barzeski —  I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Herein lies the greatest putting tip of all time:

As weird as that sounds I think you're right. A few rounds ago I was having a terrible day with a lot of 3 putts. I got so frustrated and got on the green in 2 on a long par 4. I was about 6 feet from the hole and just thought screw it this putt is going in no matter what. Relaxed and took a smooth swing and sure enough it went in! To me putting is 75% mental.

SLDR 430 TP Graphite Design DI-6s
SLDR Mini Driver TP Graphite Design DI-6s
SLDR 4h Matrix Black Tie 95s
Ping G25 4-PW
Ping Gorge 50, 54, 58

Ping Anser IWI

Link to comment
Share on other sites


As weird as that sounds I think you're right. A few rounds ago I was having a terrible day with a lot of 3 putts. I got so frustrated and got on the green in 2 on a long par 4. I was about 6 feet from the hole and just thought screw it this putt is going in no matter what. Relaxed and took a smooth swing and sure enough it went in! To me putting is 75% mental.

I'm beginning to think it may be more like 90%.

Nothing in the swing is done at the expense of balance.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Keep the putts low, Lee Trevino once said.

1) hands quiet and shoulder rocking
2) putt pass the hole. 100% sure shorts putt will not go in the hole.
3) backswing length determine the distance of the putt
4) backswing length equal to the forward swing

Titleist 910 D2 9.5 Driver
Titleist 910 F15 & 21 degree fairway wood
Titleist 910 hybrid 24 degree
Mizuno Mp33 5 - PW
52/1056/1160/5

"Yonex ADX Blade putter, odyssey two ball blade putter, both  33"

ProV-1

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Played a quick 9 after work today, when I remembered to I putted with my head down instead of watching the putt run. Oddly enough the 2-3 times I did that 1 putted instead of 2 or 3 like the rest of the round. I think that's going to start being mandatory for me from now on, it really helps with pulled putts.

SLDR 430 TP Graphite Design DI-6s
SLDR Mini Driver TP Graphite Design DI-6s
SLDR 4h Matrix Black Tie 95s
Ping G25 4-PW
Ping Gorge 50, 54, 58

Ping Anser IWI

Link to comment
Share on other sites


The best thing I've been taught is to not over think it. Get the ball in the hole. Don't try to complicate things by looking at the grain of the put, you can usualy tell where and how much a putt will break within a few sconds of looking at it. Once you've got it, stop looking, it will only put doubts in your mind. I then stand over the putt, align my putter with my target beside my ball, put it behind it and bang, no practice swings, I prefer to just hit it.
Link to comment
Share on other sites


Played a quick 9 after work today, when I remembered to I putted with my head down instead of watching the putt run. Oddly enough the 2-3 times I did that 1 putted instead of 2 or 3 like the rest of the round. I think that's going to start being mandatory for me from now on, it really helps with pulled putts.

You should definitely keep doing it, but we all know that your head is not attached to your putter. Being able to keep your head down is more an indication of your BRAIN staying committed, and that thing is DEFINITELY attached to your putter

The best thing I've been taught is to not over think it. Get the ball in the hole. Don't try to complicate things by looking at the grain of the put, you can usualy tell where and how much a putt will break within a few sconds of looking at it. Once you've got it, stop looking, it will only put doubts in your mind. I then stand over the putt, align my putter with my target beside my ball, put it behind it and bang, no practice swings, I prefer to just hit it.

I strongly agree. While I've changed my read of a break from looking at the other side, I've never stared from a particular direction and decided I had it wrong. My biggest regrets are when I talk myself out of my initial read, only to find out I was right at first.

Nothing in the swing is done at the expense of balance.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Listen for the ball to go in the hole. Whatever you do, DON'T look up!

I'm usually bound to have 2-3 3putts in a round but I've been focusing on the above tip and last round I had no three putts

Driver: 10.5* SuperQuad TP 1st Edition All Black V2 Stiff
5 Wood - 585.h 19* DG S300
Irons: 3-PW S59 Stiff
Wedges: Rac TP 52*, 60* MP-T 56*
Putter(s): Anser 3 TP Black ballGET TO SINGLE DIGITS!Goal: Beat a certain admin that lives in my town

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I'll post the actual quote from Paul Runyans book tonight. I may or may not have mis-spoke. I gotta check that fact myself to be sure.

From what I remember when I read it, the stat was quite amazing, and was the reason was convinced to stick with the book and his method.

Point holds true though either way, practice your chipping to take stress off putting when you miss the green.
Favorite Practice Course:
Z Boaz Municipal, Fort Worth <<< Ben Hogan grew up playing here!
--------------------------------------------------

In the bag: 983E 9.5*, Fuji Speeder S RPM LP, 4W, Neutral Bias STAFF Ci6 irons, S (going up for sale soon) Tom Watson PVD 08 Wedges (G.S,L)... and a 4...
Link to comment
Share on other sites


Best putting advice/revelation i had was...
1. focus on distance control
2. left hand low, left arm controlled putting

In my Bag-Boy NXO Revolver cart bag:
Driver: 909D2 9.5, UST Proforce V2 x-stiff
Wood: Burner '09 3-Wood
Hybrid: H585 3-Hybrid, stiff steel shaft
3-PW: : MP-57 4-PW, Rifle Project X 6.0Wedge: Solus 51, 56, 61Putter: White Hot XG Teron 34"Ball: ProV1x "Practice"

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I never knew how to actually line up my putt, so someone showed me this tip:

Lay your ball down using a guide on the ball (text, logo, drawn line, etc) aimed at the line you want. Then step back about 10 feet to check to see if that line on the ball is on line. Once you get that line on the ball lined up where you want, stop looking at the hole. Line your putter up with the line on the ball. Strike away.

I don't know if I'm explaining that well. But, for me, it has helped me to at least get the ball started on the right line. I was just guessing before, but now I know that I am on the line I have chosen.

And, I'm stealing your tips about keeping your head down adn listening for the ball to go in. THat seems like a GREAT tip. I can't wait to try it.
  • Upvote 1

10.5* Driver (don't really ever use it)
3w, 5w
23* hybrid
5i through PW, SW
60* Wedge.....................................................................mellojoe

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Note: This thread is 5737 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Want to join this community?

    We'd love to have you!

    Sign Up
  • TST Partners

    TourStriker PlaneMate
    Golfer's Journal
    ShotScope
    The Stack System
    FlightScope Mevo
    Direct: Mevo, Mevo+, and Pro Package.

    Coupon Codes (save 10-15%): "IACAS" for Mevo/Stack, "IACASPLUS" for Mevo+/Pro Package, and "THESANDTRAP" for ShotScope.
  • Posts

    • In general, granting free relief anywhere on the course isn't recommended.  Similarly, when marking GUR, the VSGA and MAPGA generally don't mark areas that are well away from the intended playing lines, no matter how poor the conditions.  If you hit it far enough offline, you don't necessarily deserve free relief.  And you don't have to damage clubs, take unplayable relief, take the stroke, and drop the ball in a better spot.
    • If it's not broken don't fix it. If you want to add grooves to it just because of looks that's your choice of course. Grooves are cut into putter faces to reduce skid, the roll faced putter is designed to do the same thing. I'm no expert but it seems counter productive to add grooves to the roll face. Maybe you can have it sand-blasted or something to clean up the face. Take a look at Tigers putter, its beat to hell but he still uses it.     
    • I get trying to limit relief to the fairway, but how many roots do you typically find in the fairway? Our local rule allows for relief from roots & rocks anywhere on the course (that is in play). My home course has quite a few 100 year old oaks that separate the fairways. Lift and move the ball no closer to the hole. None of us want to damage clubs.
    • Hello, I've been playing a Teardrop td17 F.C. putter for many years and love it. It still putts and feels as good or  better than any of the new putters I've tried and it's in excellent condition except the face has dings in it ever since I bought it used that kind of bother me. I was just wondering if it's possible to have some really shallow horizontal grooves milled into the face on a "roll face" putter. I think I would rather spend some money on it instead of trying to get used to a new putter.  Thanks
    • I agree with @klineka & @DaveP043 above.  When a new member first joins the club they cold be told that they are not eligible for tournaments until they have an established HCP.  As you said, it only takes a few rounds.  If they do not to post HCP that was their choice and choices have consequences.  If playing in the tournament is important to them then they should step up and establish an HCP.  Maybe they miss the 1st tournament, is that a real big deal?  And if it is a "Big Deal" to them then they had the opportunity to establish the HCP. As for not knowing how to report for HCP I assume your club has a pro and they should be able to assist in getting the scores reported and I suspect out of state courses may also have staff that can assist if asked.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to TST! Signing up is free, and you'll see fewer ads and can talk with fellow golf enthusiasts! By using TST, you agree to our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and our Guidelines.

The popup will be closed in 10 seconds...