How to take the fear out of those long putts

Pace of your putts is often over looked. We need to remember sometimes just getting a putt close to the hole is considered a great putt. I like to teach my students a few key little tips when trying to get those long putts closer.

1. Visualizing the putt: Take the time to take a few practice swings looking at the hole. Our mind is a wonderful thing that we use less then 10% of its potential. Taking a few practice strokes looking at the hole will help you get the feel for the pace of the putt.

    

Downhill putts: Picture an imaginary hole short of the actual hole. A point where you think the ball needs to start dying so it will come to rest close to the hole. Focus on this spot when taking your practice stroke. Try and make the ball roll in the imaginary hole.

                                                           
           

Uphill putts: Picture an imaginary hole past the actual hole. Focus on this spot when taking your practice stroke. Try and make the ball role in the imaginary hole.

2. ALL putts are STRAIGHT putts. The slope of the green is what makes the ball move left or right. You must commit to your line and stroke the putt while keeping the head still.

Practice these tips and I will guarantee 2 things.

            1. You will have less three putts at the end of the day

            2. You will make every 1ft putt that comes your way.

I will leave you with a quote from a great old friend and golf instructor (George Kohutt) “Practice doesn’t make perfect it makes permanent”

Chris Cissel, PGA
General Manager
Rattlewood Golf Course