Short Putts Never Go In!
Putting is the great equalizer. It is the one stroke that can change the fortunes of your round. Putting is a huge topic at this blog and I have tried to present different ways for players to improve on the short grass. Improving our putting is no epiphany for any player, but it seems to be one that I keep revisiting because of its importance. Today’s point deals with hitting the ball past the hole. For this drill, Jordan Spieth comes to mind and his unique putting style a few years back.
Putting is a tough skill to master in golf!
Yesterday, I spent time on the golf course helping a junior player improve their game. After much discussion, one aspect of their skill development was to putt the ball past the hole. Aim and direction refining will continue to improve, however this player was consistently short on their putts. After some discussion, I explained that hitting the ball past the hole every time is a must. Of course I do not mean powering their ball 3 feet past the cup, but outlined how 8 to 17 inches was key. This is important because we all know that 100% of short putts never go in. The junior player said they would focus on this skill moving forward.
One of the drills I have used in the past deal with looking at the hole while putting. Of course, Jordan Spieth is famous for this, however I am not sure I would use it during a match. The concept of looking at our target is sound and is the foundation for today’s putting drill.
The whole process of looking and putting the ball past the hole is a good one. It helps develop a visual cue and mental triggers to hit the ball far enough to sink the putt. It is a simple concept and easily repeatable. I would add one aspect, however, that is important to really drive this skill home.
My added point to this drill is to measure out distances 3 feet apart. The reason for this is to allow our minds to connect the distance required to putt the ball past the hole to the feel of the putting stroke. This refinement helped my mind understand how hard to hit the ball on a flat level putt on a consistent basis. Involving the dynamic of measuring the putt distance is important. One key point is that I would start my measurement on foot length behind the hole to ensure that my 3 foot putt actually traveled farther than my intended target.
Hitting the ball past the hole is key to successful putting. Don’t get me wrong, I have left many many putts short over the years. When I do, it is frustrating and disappointing. Regardless, my errors do not diminish the requirement to hit the ball past the hole 100% of hole.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
