Feeling more comfortable over putts with improve your distance control, thus giving you a more confident stroke. (Scott Serio/EclipseSportsWire.com)

Putt for the fun of it: Three "keys" to better putting

By Les Miller,
Contributor

The next time you're on the putting green, try these three simple practice drills that will help you become a better putter:

Place a golf ball about 5 to 6 feet from the hole, then put two tees in the ground, approximately 8 to 10 inches behind the ball. Place them a little farther apart than the length of your putter head. Make sure they are directly on the target line you intend to putt the ball.

This drill is intended to have you swing the putter straight back away from the ball. If you strike either tee on your back stroke, your backswing path is offline. When you can swing the putter head back and fourth between the tees, you will know that the putter is moving along the correct path, ensuring you will make solid contact every time. This path is vital, because it helps start your ball on its intended target line.

Next, I encourage golfers to hold the finish of their putting stroke until they hear the ball falling into the hole. This drill is effective in training your head and body to stay still over a putt while also helping you maintain the putter face on line throughout your stroke. Finally, your focus on the follow-through will keep your mind off missing the putt.

As I watch golfers struggle with putting, I notice many have trouble with distance control. This problem relates to feel.

A good drill to increase feel and improve your distance control is to practice putting with one hand. Start by placing a ball 8 to 10 feet from the cup, and hit a few putts with just your right hand. Next, repeat the putt just using your left hand.

By now you should notice which hand gives you better control of the putter. From then on, practice your one-hand drill mostly with the dominate hand.

This drill will have you feel much more comfortable and confident over putts, improving your distance control, thus giving you a more confident stroke.

August 4, 2009

Les Miller was a longtime Golf Writers of America member who covered golf instruction for several newspapers and golf publications. His many years of experience as a golf professional, director of product development and tour relations for several major golf companies gave him a unique background and ability to help golfers increase their enjoyment of the game.