Your April 08' newsletter is here, and this month we are discussing the basics of putting.* As putting is one of the easiest ways to lower your scores, we will be discussing this topic in the next few newsletters:

The first key to becoming a good putter is learning the proper grip. Place your hands on the club with your palms facing each other. Allow the "lifeline" of your left hand to fit on the putter grip near the top of the handle. With the putter grip in the lifeline, this will help eliminate excess wrist movement. The back of the left hand and the palm of the right should face the target with your thumbs flat on top of the rubber grip. With the thumbs on top and the index finger under the shaft, you are able to gain touch. The more you practice this grip, the more touch you will have for your putts.

The second key to becoming a good putter is knowing the fundamentals. Make sure your grip is perfect. Aim your club face at your target and sole the putter head directly behind the ball. Position your eyes over the ball and down the target line. Set your shoulders, hips, knees and feet all parallel to the target line. Your hands should be directly under your shoulders and you should have a slight bend in your elbows. Ball position will be 2 inches inside your left heel and you should lean left with your weight. About 75 percent of your weight should be on your left heel. Your forearms must be parallel to each other, maintaining the same place throughout the stroke. As the putter starts away from the ball, the left shoulder will work down and the right will work up so that your shoulders control the stroke. Keep your head still while maintaining the angle in your right wrist throughout the stroke.

While you may have adopted "different"grip positions, the basics for proper grip and putting fundamentals are the same. Once you become comfortable with these, the next important task is to practice. You can practice almost anywhere, but practice these two basic keys and you will putt more consistently and score better.

Now go out and play better golf!

Thank you,
K & D Online, Inc.

 

*Joe Beck, PGA Professional