The saying that 100% of short putts never go in is a complete truth. Of course, this is a tongue in cheek statement to over simplify the need to get the ball to the hole (at least) while putting. I am strong believer in putting the ball past the hole between 8 to 17 inches. My research and experience tells me that this distance past the hole offers the greatest chance to sink the putt. Using this knowledge, I have developed my putting style such that putting past the hole is a key component of my short game. To be honest, I do not always accomplish this feat , but the intent is always there. Fortunately, there are thousands of drills/games to use to improve your short game and I found a video with three that you might light.
Before delving into the games I found, I want to drive my point home about hitting the ball past the hole. Last night I played in the weekly tradition of men’s day at my local golf course of the Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort. We shot a respectable 5 under with three players. Unfortunately, that score should have been two lower if I had just putted the ball past the hole. For some reason, I was short on three putts and I found it disappointing as my intent is always to hit the ball with enough force to ensure it can travel past the hole. Oh well, that is golf, however my point is that we should always putt the ball past the hole in order to ensure it has a chance of falling into the hole.
The games I found are actually fun. I use version of the second game and I will show you later. Overall, these games will improve those putts from knee knocking distances and in turn lower your golf score.
The second game is similar to my star drill for putting. The variation I use is to place all the tees at the required distances and putt from those spots. I think my version saves precious time for players so they are not always setting up the tees. Take a look at my version:
As you can see, setting up for putting drills/games will benefit your short game. There is a mental aspect to these drills that cannot be overlooked. Try not to just bang away at the putts as fast as possible. Really try to mentally focus on making each putt as if it was to win a tournament. The physical aspect of putting is important and so is the mental side of this skill. Stay in the moment and focus on each putt.
Lowering our golf score by improving our short game only makes sense. We use the most strokes around and on the green during any round of golf. Therefore, it is the area that needs the most attention during practice. If you dedicate some time to the games from the video or my star drill, I am confident you will lower your golf score. Good luck and have fun.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
