idea of how far the ball will go with that 12-inch backswing. Then when you get on the real green, you can
use that putt as a reference to determine how much you will have to add or take
away from your backswing to sink the putt. The way you grip your putter can make a difference in accurate putting as
well. You can choose what’s best for
you, but most professional golfers know that gripping a driver and gripping a
putter should be two different animals. You will want complete control of your putter for the most accuracy. One technique that can help you do this is to
modify your grip so that both of your index fingers are extending down either
side of the shaft and your thumbs are placed together on the top of the
shaft. This can help you guide your
putter smoothly and improve your accuracy. When in your stance, you need to be positioned directly over the ball. I like to call this hovering the putt because
you are hovering over the ball like a mother hovers over her children. Set the putter square to the target and have
the ball positioned right in the middle of the club face – which most people
refer to as the “sweet spot”. Keep your body free of tension and your body motion limited. When you swing, you should do so in a
pendulum-like motion using your shoulders not your hips. Always follow through with your putt and
accelerate through the ball. Your follow
through should be about the same distance as your pull back motion and you need
to keep your eyes on the ball at all times. And most golfers know that if you are faced with either an uphill putt or a
downhill put, you should always go with the uphill choice. A downhill putt is much more complicated
because of gravity whereas when you putt uphill, you can gain more control of
your stroke. Good putting is essential to a good golf game, so practice as much as you
can and try to be consistent in all you do.
Ah, those fairway bunkers – the golfer’s bane. Sand traps are a reality on many courses, and you will probably find yourself having to
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