Putting Epiphany

[Dr_Fu_Manchu]

As I have mention before on here, my putting has been atrocious to say the least. I have been averaging 2.2 putts/hole, the worst was when I had 42 putts in a round. Fortunately, my irons and driver have been keeping me afloat.

That being said, I began to wonder why I could hit my irons/driver so well but putt so poorly. I started to think about what I was doing to be successful with my irons and I realized I really focused on a target, pictured my shot, and swung away. However, I wasn't doing that with my putter. Of course, I would look for the the line and gauge the speed, but I never visualized it going in the hole or swung so freely. Instead, I was focusing on my arc, grip, etc.

Today, as I would putt I visualized the ball going down the line into the hole while I was putting and it was incredible how well I was putting. Line and speed were spot on. Don't ask me how something so simple had eluded me the past few months, it was like a just had a mental block. If this keeps up my handicap may drop heavily in the coming months.

While I am sure most, if not all, of you are already doing this I wanted to pass it on just in case someone else is struggling like I was.

[Shorty]

Today, as I would putt I visualized the ball going down the line into the hole while I was putting and it was incredible how well I was putting. Line and speed were spot on. Don't ask me how something so simple had eluded me the past few months, it was like a just had a mental block.

That's pretty much the "secret" - visualisation.

I find that when I'm putting well and making a lot of 10 to 15 footers I am seeing the line. You actually "see" the line and when you aren't putting well you will find that you are looking at the hole and not "feeling" the line. If you can remember to do that you'll improve rapidly on the greens. Another way to improve, now that you've got that confidence, is to really try to make those 20 footers, rather than thinking you'd be happy to lag and tap in. You will be surprised how many longer putts you hole.

[MiniMoe]

That is all I really care about. I never have thought about grip, ball position, stance, or anything really. My only thought is to get the ball rolling on the line I envision with the speed to match the line I have picked. I don't really care how it gets there. Right now, I am putting the best i have in years. I have noticed that my ball placement changes on every putt. I just do what feels natural and let it go. I let my instincts take over.

[Scaldy]

I thought I would bump this thread because I had this same "light bulb" moment a few weeks ago. I started putting so much better when I focused more on the line and speed (visualizing the putt going in) and less on the mechanics of the swing. Focusing on "putting down the line" has helped me allot.

[brgolf]

I've made a great improvement by lining up the logo on my ball with the line. I had avoided gimmicks like this in the past but it has worked so well that I do it routinely now.