Three tips on putting that you haven’t heard before

If you want to improve your game within fifty feet, this week I’ll give you three unheard-of putting tips.

Tip #1: Are you a linear or non-linear green reader?

Are you aware that there are golfers who have a totally different perception of the break of putts than you do?

On the golf course, some players like to “putt to the curve” rather than follow a straight path.

Here’s an example for you to see.

What if your playing partner pointed to a “spot” on the green and said, “I think it’s about 3 balls outside the left edge”? You had a left-to-right breaking putt.

You won’t have any problems aiming a “linear” putter squarely at that position.

Even if they’re actually aiming to the left of that area to account for the break, a “non-linear” putter will try to hit that spot.

In short, here are some guidelines for each style:

• When you’re a linear putter, it helps to visualize your putt traveling in a straight path, zero in on a specific “spot,” and then putt toward it.
• If you’re a non-linear putter, instead of aiming for a “spot,” try viewing the hole as a clock. At what precise “time” will the ball be sent in? Point your bow at that location and observe how your body intuitively finds the “spot” without your intervention. Just picture the ball gliding down a winding path.

Tip #2: Which stroke do you use, a pendulum or the “push”?

The pieces of advice like “rock your shoulders back and forth” and “swing your putter like a pendulum” have likely been heard before.

What excellent counsel…

When putting, this is for golfers who keep the ball flush with their posture. The iconic Tiger’s strike exemplifies this:

However, the “pendulum” action may not be the best fit for you if you want to bring the ball forward in your stance and “push” your putts. The proper technique for putting, according to Dave Stockton, is a short backstroke followed by a lengthier follow-through.

Let’s get one thing straight: neither stroke is terrible.

All you have to do is be aware of the stroke you’re using and disregard suggestions that don’t mesh with your technique.

To conclude:

At the center of your stance, place the ball. A “pendulum” stroke, in which the backstroke and follow-through are symmetrical, is the ideal.
When you stand with the ball forward, your stroke should be 25/75, meaning that you should hold your lead wrist flat through impact and the backstroke should be 25%.

Tip #3: Putt with one eye closed

I really like this one a lot.

Have I ever put a short putt in a golf tournament with my left eye closed? Do you believe it?

If it’s hard for you to keep your head down and make those three- to ten-footers, try it.

Close your lead eye and fight the urge to “peek” at the hole’s status. This will help you make better putting strokes.

My Final Thought

It’s often more satisfying to hit a drive straight down the middle than to hole a 10-footer for par, but I’d say that the putting green is where most amateur golfers can drop strokes the fastest.

What does an 87 sound like compared to a 91? What about 99 vs. 103? Or a 79 instead of an 82?

Making just one or two extra putts can make the difference between “just another round” and “my best round yet!” in any given round.

After that, I’ll see you in the next column!