By Randy Smith
We can analyze all areas of our golf game and usually find some help for specific problems. For example, when you're slicing the tee-shot the cure might be as simple as checking your left hand grip position and making sure it has not moved too far to the left. If you have problems hitting behind the ball in the bunker, the cure can be as easy as shifting your weight to your left side and keeping your acceleration consistent through impact.
Your putting stroke, however, is a bit different. There are a few more things going on when you are trying to hole a putt, so I have put together a check list for getting the ball in the hole when your putting stroke has gone south.
-- Alignment. Sounds simple but is often taken for granted. The putter blade needs to be lined up squarely on the line you intend your ball to travel. To help your alignment, line your blade to a spot in front of your ball that you want it to travel over. Once lined up to the spot, you are concerned only with the distance to the hole and the speed that is required to make the putt.
-- Speed - how hard you hit each putt. Obviously, green speed and undulation have a large bearing on this. Practice an equal distance stroke moving the putter back and through the ball. If you go back 7 inches, try to finish through the ball at 7 inches and try to hold the finish of every putt. This ensures proper acceleration through each putt regardless of the length. By working on this method, your distance control will be much improved.
-- Hands, arms and shoulders. These three things work as a relaxed unit creating a triangle. If you watch a really good putter, you will always see these three elements working beautifully together. The hands aren't changing grip pressure, they are not hitting the ball; they are passive players in the triangle formed by the hands, arms and shoulders. The arms establish the "V" shape of the triangle and do not change their shape through the stroke. There should be no hinging in the elbows and your shoulders will be the motor creating a more graceful stroke. By using your shoulders to move the putter, you feel a one-piece movement. When working on this triangle, always feel the relaxation start with your shoulders. This relaxation should run down your arms and into the hands.
-- The right mental attitude about putting. Very important! Everyone goes through periods when the putter won't behave as well as it should. Here are a few hints that might shorten that period:
- Cut out the negative sales talk about how you can't make anything.
- Have a clear picture of each putt and visualize before you stroke it! Whether your picture is right or wrong, be definite and committed.
- Stay with each putt until the ball rolls out. Don't give up and start showing your disappointment prematurely.
- Develop a good mental picture of rolling the golf ball, not hitting it. Roll a few with your hands to a hole and replicate that feel and vision when you put the putter back in your hands.
A poor mental attitude toward anything can fester into a major problem and putting is certainly no exception. Put your positive attitude into practice; don't just talk about it!
These are four areas to check on and practice to regain your stroke and if you take the time work on each part, you will see results in no time.
