Putting

[GolfinGQ]

For some reason, I am having a problem with watching my putter go back, and not keeping my eye on the ball. I have recently switched from a 2 ball, to a Circa 62 Scotty. I am leaving a lot of putts short, and to the right. When I totally concentrate on on the ball, I am hitting everything past the hole.

I think this all started when I noticed I wasn't taking the putter back straight, and now am focusing on that.

[ks8829]

what helps me is to practice distance control from 5 - 20 feet so that you can consistently hit three balls within a foot of each other from up to 20 feet. The key is tempo and the length of your backswing and forward stroke. The benefit of having good distance control is no more 3 putts. I started using my foot as a guage for distance control and maybe it might help you also. I also try not to break my wrist at impact so the ball is hit with a one piece motion of my shoulder and arms in a triangle.

The key is practice and then more practice. I try to arrive early before my round to not only get the speed along with guaging my distance control and then finally making some straight putts from 3 - 5 feet. Putting is line then distance with distance as the last thought before you putt.

[selfinflicted]

I love teaching putting.  Your issue is very common.  One drill that I use is to put a tee in the ground so that the top is flush to the top of the turf.  Place the ball on the tee and as you complete your stroke, mentally register the tee before you look up.

Another drill I use is to practice putting from 2-feet.  Pic a straight putt so you don't have to worry about the line.  Go thru your normal routine.  Just before you start the stroke...Close your eyes.  You will feel any flaws in your stroke.

My theory is this.  We are naturally very curious.  The first thing we learn in golf or any other sport is to keep your eyes on the ball.  However, we wish to see where it is going before contact.  Eliminate the feedback from your eyes, and you will train yourself that your stroke will send the ball on the line you have chosen.  It is important to set the clubhead behind the ball so that it is square with your line.  Then, address the clubhead.  When you do that, the only thing left is speed.

I hope this helps.

[Danattherock]

You need to work on your technique. Putter has little to do with it. One thing that helped me smooth my take away is below. I used to have a bit of a hitch in my backstroke. The below tip got rid of it entirely...

http://puttingzone.com/MyTips/bounce.html

-Dan

[ks8829]

I still watch my putter as it goes back, just an old habit.  I consider myself a good putter with about 30 putts per round, give or take two strokes.  It's how I always putted and I am comfortable doing it.

[keb]

Dan,

I saw this article and tried the technique several rounds before the snow came here in North Dakota.  My technique was to bounce the putter 2-3 times and then stroke. Could you describe your technique?  Thanks.

Originally Posted by Danattherock

You need to work on your technique. Putter has little to do with it. One thing that helped me smooth my take away is below. I used to have a bit of a hitch in my backstroke. The below tip got rid of it entirely...

http://puttingzone.com/MyTips/bounce.html

-Dan