Putting Nightmare

[hypocritenutter]

Recently I cannot putt to save my life, especially the short 2-3 footers. I've never had this problem before, but now all of a sudden I get all tense on any short putt. It got so bad that I'm now putting left handed and I'm a righty! I'm thinking of getting a broomstick putter and using it without anchoring. I would really appreciate any advice, because I do all the hard work to hit GIR and then I ruin it by missing really silly putts.

[geauxforbroke]

Originally Posted by Golfingnutter

Recently I cannot putt to save my life, especially the short 2-3 footers. I've never had this problem before, but now all of a sudden I get all tense on any short putt. It got so bad that I'm now putting left handed and I'm a righty! I'm thinking of getting a broomstick putter and using it without anchoring. I would really appreciate any advice, because I do all the hard work to hit GIR and then I ruin it by missing really silly putts.

Do you have consistent misses? High side or low side? Push or pull? Too much speed? What about mid-length putts from 5-8 feet?

[Dabzy]

My putting has come on really strong lately, I got a great tip from a really good player... Basically, look at the line, from the front, then the back, then from the side... Go back to looking at it from your shot angle again, decide where your going to play it, then stick to it religiously.

Then, look at the back of the hole, if you can make out the grass just behind, pick a blade and stare at it for a bit, give a few practice putt strokes in the direction the ball will travel to feel the pace, then, when you address the ball, have one last good look, look back down, then putt, but dont lift your head till the ball is away on its travels.

Works for me, keeps me busy so I generally dont get as tense! :)

Dabz

[Shorty]

Originally Posted by Golfingnutter

I'm thinking of getting a broomstick putter and using it without anchoring.

Now there's a surefire way to miss every 2 and 3 footer you look at.

Why on earth would you contemplate such a thing?

Desperation is one thing, but why this?

[dsc123]

Spend half an hour hitting putts inside 5 feet before your next round.  Just put balls in a circle around the cup or something.  That should build your confidence quick.

[Shorty]

Originally Posted by dsc123

Spend half an hour hitting putts inside 5 feet before your next round.  Just put balls in a circle around the cup or something.  That should build your confidence quick.

If not, you'll die of boredom  - either way, problem solved

[sofingaw]

Try left hand low, instead of full on left handed. I started missing mad amounts of short ones, even INSIDE 2 feet a while back. Tried left hand low.. Short ones go in now. Lag putting has suffered just a bit, but it's a fair trade in my eyes. As long as I get it somewhat close, I know it'll go in if I hit it right. It took probably an hour or 2 of practice to get used to the feel in my house, putting around. So far, results are promising. May not work for you, but it's worth a try IMO

[hypocritenutter]

Originally Posted by Dabzy

My putting has come on really strong lately, I got a great tip from a really good player... Basically, look at the line, from the front, then the back, then from the side... Go back to looking at it from your shot angle again, decide where your going to play it, then stick to it religiously.

Then, look at the back of the hole, if you can make out the grass just behind, pick a blade and stare at it for a bit, give a few practice putt strokes in the direction the ball will travel to feel the pace, then, when you address the ball, have one last good look, look back down, then putt, but dont lift your head till the ball is away on its travels.

Works for me, keeps me busy so I generally dont get as tense! :)

Dabz

Thanks Dabz, I will try your advice. I like the idea of focusing on something constructive rather than standing around waiting for the other guys to finish. That is when all sorts of negative thoughts start creeping in and when you eventually stand over the putt you shake like a leaf haha. Golf is such a mind game!