The importance of having a putting process
Lisa Longball shows how to increase your short-game success
: Lisa Longball shows how to increase your short-game success—
Every golfer should have a putting process. It is much like a pre-shot routine. It is a set series of movements that you do every time without fail when you approach the putting green. Having a putting process has allowed me to make more putts—from four-footers to 40-footers, has cut down my three-putts tremendously and has given me confidence that has extended to the rest of my game. The process should start with taking your glove off to feel better connected with the putter. As you walk up to your ball, survey the green and the break, noting undulations and the high side of the hole. Place your marker down behind the ball and clean off the dirt and debris. Place the ball back down, lining up a mark on the ball (pre-drawn with a Sharpie pen) to your target line. Your target line is directed either to the apex of the break (if you are going to die it into the hole), or to the heart of the left or right edge (if you are going to firmly stroke it to the cup). At this point each person’s routine may vary. I take three or four steps back and double check that my line is right. I then remove my marker and stand beside my ball, making four practice strokes consecutively, with no stopping. This allows me to get a feel of how far I should take my putter back, and the distance to the hole. I keep my eyes on the hole the entire time I do this. I then glide my putter along the green up behind the ball, and match my alignment line on my putter to the mark on the ball. I have already picked my line so I trust it. I take one last look at the hole, visualize my ball dropping, then bring my eyes back to the ball and make my stroke—ensuring to accelerate through the putt; I stare at the spot my ball once stood for at least two to three seconds before looking up at the cup. I judge a successful putt based on how I rolled it versus whether it went in. If I hit it where I was aiming, and it rolled end-over-end smoothly, then that was a success. In addition to the general routine, here are a few tips you can incorporate into your putting process to help you play like a pro. * Put your glove in your back pocket with the fingers hanging out loosely. If you don’t have a back pocket tuck the bottom of your glove under your belt. * Bring a damp towel to the green so you can wash your ball off before you putt (pre-wet your towel prior to the round). * Draw a straight line on your ball or use a plastic tool to assist you. Also—always mark your ball with a distinctive pattern so that you can identify it. * When you compliment a playing partner’s putt, say “good roll.” * Most players use a significant item to mark with. Some players like to have a circular metal marker of a special event such as attending a Major or perhaps one with their home course logo or a logo from another special course. Either way, the marker should have some significance to you. Avoid using plastic markers or the button on your glove. * After the ball leaves your putter face, hold your finish, looking at the hole until it drops in the cup or misses. No body English. Hopefully these tips will help you shave key strokes off your game and help you to play like a tour player—or at least score like one!