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Golf Putting For Beginners
By: Jasmine Ong
If you’re a beginner, learning the basics of golf putting can be
like playing in a one-man band. You have to successfully blend
different styles, processes and elements together into one
harmonious golfing symphony.
Since your posture and stance can affect how well you putt, the
first thing to consider is the way you stand. To execute the
ideal putt, your arms and shoulders should be left to do
majority of the work. Because stooping prevents you from
swinging your arms freely, it is important for you to stand tall
and with your legs slightly astride. Some experts suggest that
you to spread your feet apart no greater than the width of your
hips. This will ensure greater balance and mobility as you take
your swing.
Once you’ve adopted the right posture, finding the best position
for the golf ball can make all the difference. As a general
rule, the ball should be close to you, enough to make it nearly
parallel to the tip of your nose. This allows you to swing at it
without over-stretching your arms. The ball should also be
positioned towards your stance’s left of center so that it can
connect squarely with the putter’s clubhead.
How you grasp the putter also determines your putting success.
Clutching it in a stranglehold could throw your swing off. By
holding the club lightly in your hands, you will be able to
swing it with greater comfort and ease. Therefore, your grip
should, in effect, be more of a relaxed non-grip. For best
results, you should treat the club as an extension of your
hands.
Restraint is another element that is vital in putting. Many
beginners equate golf with powerful swings. But if you take a
wild whack at a ball, the odds are great that it will fly off
into the not-so-distant horizon. And that is not what a good
putt makes.
A putt, by definition, is a light and gentle stroke meant to
cause the golf ball to roll straight into the hole. Without
restraint, those light and gentle strokes won’t be easy to
accomplish, let alone master. Putting, therefore, requires a lot
of discipline and control. Keep in mind that your objective is
to make the ball roll not fly. If you can muster Zen-like calm
with each putt, then so much the better.
Another key element in putting is where you set your sights. You
should keep an eye on the ball before you make your swing. But
you must also take care to keep your head perfectly still during
and moments after your stroke. No matter how slight, any
unnecessary movement while swinging could throw your aim off and
ruin your putt. Instead of physically tracking it, make it a
habit to visualize the ball’s path in your mind’s eye.
Above all, practice. Whether you’re swinging on the greens or
putting into a cup set on a carpeted floor, practice, practice,
practice. Experiment with different speeds and distances. Set
goals as to the number of balls you can sink in succession and
then gradually increase your limit as you improve. Take note of
the techniques that bring you the most excellent results.
By constantly challenging yourself and refining your methods,
you’ll eventually discover the rhythm that works best for you.
Once you have that down pat, you’ll be able to compose and
orchestrate a symphony of putting perfection.
About the author: Based in Australia and a pro-golfer herself -
Jasmine Ong has been writing for http://www.golfing-advice.com
for the last 2 years. Over 4000 people subscibe to her free
ecourse. |
