my golf swing has gotten better and better but...?

Question

my putting sux. lets just say i over hit the ball alot. i cant really read greens my coachsay its ok i've only been playing for 1/2 a year. but im good except for the short game part. ADVICE?
(im only 13)

Answer 1

I have only been playing for 3 years myself but have gotten my handicap down to 7 in that time! I did these things to help that part of my game -

First off, you need to do serious putting drills. This is FREE (except for your time)
3 feet out - 10 balls - do not stop putting until you have made 10 in a row.
4-5 feet out same thing maybe with 8
6-7 feet reduce it to 6 balls holed before leaving the practice session.

Do not quit without hitting all the putts you need to - quitters never win! If you cheat, you're only cheating yourself.

Determination and focus will get you there feeling comfortable with these shorties...and hitting them with very high percentage.

Indoors (in case of cold weather), get a decent sized section of tight weave carpet equivalent to an average greens speed. Use it on a level surface. You can just use a small target in lieu of an actual hole!

The other thing you'll drill on is lagging putts, but you'll need a large green or area for this.
Here you focus on distance only, not precise aim.
From 15-20 feet you'll want to get 10 in a row inside 3 feet to the hole...then move back, less balls as done when putting short ones....then back some more, etc...

Increase the number of "must makes" or distances if you get really good at it - it can only help.

One more hint. It's impossible to sink a putt if it never gets to the hole - never leave them short!

Happy golfing!

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Personally, aiming at an intermediate point never worked for me. A lot of putting is mental, believing the ball will drop often means it does. I always concentrate more on length than line, making sure I can stop the ball somewhere near enough to the hole to tap the next one in. On a practical level, keeping my head still (as with all golf shots) is very important to make sure the club face is square at impact and, therefore, the ball goes where you aimed.
A drill I often practice is puting from a shortish distance, within 2 club length and rolling the ball over a penny.
Hope that helps.

Answer 4

Stand behind the ball and find a spot on green about one foot from ball that you want the ball to go over..It is much easier aiming at something close rather than the hole

Answer 5

you could always try a different putter maybe the one your using doesn't feel right and your not confident in making the stroke to the hole

always picture the ball path to the hole and stroke the ball thinking of the back of the cup

Answer 6

Grip the putter as if you are hold a tiny bird in your hands....it's all about touch, feel and finesse. Relax, and shorten your backstroke.