Putting - For Fun or Not?

Introduction

Putting at golf is a feeling process. Some say it is the only shot that's possible to execute without flaws (I don't know many golfers who would agree with that!). However, I think that there is absolutely no doubt that it is a far more complicated process than just being a straight line, hit the target, shot. Given the variables involved, such as the state of the green (some are a bit of a lottery, are they not?), lie of the ball, the amount of borrow, distance from the hole, weather conditions and even mental condition, it can be argued that putting is both an art and a science. A putt is one of the simplest golf shots to play; yet it seems to cause the biggest problems for golfers.

Putting

Putting is an individualistic stroke that takes patience, repetition and perfect practice.

It is a complete contradiction to the skills used for the long drives off the tee, and the long and short shots from the fairways. Putting the golf ball is something that has to be done well if one expects to score well in the game of golf. Realistically putting has been recognized as one of the most difficult aspects of the game and accounts for nearly half of a golfer's score.

Hence putt for dough.

Putting is an absolutely essential part of the game, and nobody can take that away. Let's face it, a putting distance feeling is the hardest to master, and many rounds of golf courses are required for most of us to improve our putting.

Practice

Practicing is a very personal thing but no progress will be made without it.

Practice how you play and play like you practice. One suggestion is to place two tees in the ground approximately the width of a putter head apart plus a small margin to allow the putter through without touching the tees. The objective is to get the ball through the 'gate'. Practice until you can only think of the putt and not the gate. You have to practice for feel and distance, as well as the routine. Distance control is achieved by an even swing.

Indoor practice can be useful although many smooth floor surfaces cannot be used due to excessive rolling of golf balls. There are quite a few gadgets and contraptions available but the occasional session across the office (during your lunch break, of course) or lounge floor aiming at a plastic cup works as well as anything, even if you have to fetch the ball back! The idea only is to train and practice hitting and putting a golf ball more accurately.

It has to be said that many golfers reject the idea of practicing (yours truly included) but it is obvious that any golfer will only improve his or her putting proficiency by practice. While it is important to learn to repeat the same action consistently, it is also critical that the proper technique is being followed. It behooves a golfer to practice putting to improve his golf score, which is the object of the whole exercise.

Another suggestion is to take some time to putt for fun (not practice) while just focusing on keeping your body still. One aspect is that many golfers, in spite of their proficiency level, are guilty of wasting their practice time. Even professionals spend many hours of their fill-in time on tour on the practice green, but much of this time is wasted as they just go through the motions. One theory regarding the lack of achievement is that the subject of putting has never been approached scientifically. But what can be scientific about the borrow on a green and the speed of the putting surface?

Putter

If it's not drivers then it's putters. Like many of my mates, I've got enough putters in the garage to stock a shop.

It's all about feel, again, and anything that gives you confidence is a winner and doesn't have to be costly. If it gets the ball in the hole, you've cracked it! Have a go with as many putters as the pro/friend will lend you.

What a choice there is! Three basic ones. Conventional, belly and long.

This is not the place to discuss the merits or otherwise of each type.

Mind-boggling. You can look at the style of the putter head, then at the material of manufacture, be it metal, rubber, ceramic, plastic, glass, wood or something newer and more technical. There are offset shafts and hosels and indeed other factors to take into account including grip and weight.

Marvelous!

Stress

My own observation in this respect is that a lot of stress in golf, particularly putting, is caused by lack of confidence. At my very low level I find that if I relax and enjoy it, my game goes better. Not great by any means but at least enjoyment.

However there is a serious benefit for people with stressful jobs. Firstly there is the exercise, which is a bonus for those who have a competitive edge and would not normally say, go for a walk. At the same time I defy anyone to think of his or her problems when trying to get that ball in the hole or whacking it down the fairway!

While psychological stress can cause poor performance, including poor putting, it seems to me to be a matter of concentration. Difficult to think of two things at once and if you're out with a good set of lads then laughter is a powerful tool in helping to cope with stress.

Techniques

Many golfers have a great drive but suffer with their putting techniques and improving this skill can indeed improve your entire game. One important aspect is that you develop your own putting routine with all your approaches and techniques.

One apparent easy way to learn lessons of golf is online, to gain knowledge of strategies and skills, compensatory golf techniques (long putters, fat grips, grip style or position change, grip pressure adjustment, "sidesaddle" putting, reliance upon non-dominant hand, reliance upon shoulders rather than hands for stroke, etc)

Conclusion

Finally, one of the bad habits associated with golf putting is that of lifting your head to see if the ball is going in the hole. So it's just a matter of keeping your head down, using a mechanical action, which requires taking the correct aim, and executing or stroking the putt in a manner, which you can repeat again and again.

Piece of cake!

By David Connor

David Connor http://www.putt-for-dough.blogspot.com Copyright 30 August 2007 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Connor