Putting Problem

[timastyle]

About 3 or 4 times a round, I will have a fat putt (hit the ground before the ball). Anyone know the different possible causes and associated remedies to fix this? I generally think that it may be the heel of the putter face hitting the ground. Would this not happen if I fixed the lie of the putter? Any help is appreciated.

[Shanks A Million]

Usually, a fat putt is simply nerves, or inexperience. Practice your putting stroke like your full swing, spend time with fundamentals, aim, and all that other good stuff. I always try to make sure I hit every putt in practice pure, and in the center of the face, with a slight forward press.

[kpaulhus]

maybe shorten your shaft if it happens often?

[timastyle]

Usually, a fat putt is simply nerves, or inexperience. Practice your putting stroke like your full swing, spend time with fundamentals, aim, and all that other good stuff. I always try to make sure I hit every putt in practice pure, and in the center of the face, with a slight forward press.

I always try to hit every putt pure as well, but I rarely do. I've been playing for over 15 years, but my putting has always given me problems and never consistent.

maybe shorten your shaft if it happens often?

I'm 5'11" and already play with a 34" putter. Any more than that, I will need to be on my knees to putt. That's why I thought getting the lie fixed would help with my problem.

[Jay-Bird]

Poor balance. In putting, we need to have the most stable - unmovable stance and position. The more stable and balanced your body is, the more likely you'll keep your head still through the putting stroke.

Are you in poor balance? How would you know?
--Take your stance over a putt, and have someone slightly shove you - in any direction - if you move, sway, tip ... your balance is an issue. Stabilize your putting stance and position - you'll make more putts.

[lcfd42]

too much weight on your forward foot? or along the lines of Jaybird's comment, merely balance.

[timastyle]

My balance is actually good. Played again this morning and didn't have any fat putts. Think my problem is decelerating. Worked out well when I put a good stroke on it.