Positive Putting - Stroke Basics

Putting is often called the 'great equalizer' in golf. With skill in this part of your game, the shorter hitter can outscore the long-ball hitter, the weak can outscore the strong, and the older player can be the equal of the younger. Good putting is a combination of three prime ingredients: proper stroke basics, sound judgment, and confidence. Once you master the first two, the third will quickly follow. Whatever stroke method you prefer, avoid collapsing the left wrist at impact. This fault will cause you to pull your putts left of the target.

Groove your stroke straight back and straight through the impact area with the clubface square to the target line.

Line up square to the hole. Check your alignment by laying a club down parallel to your feet.

The reverse over-lap grip. Square up the backs of your hands perpendicular to the target line. Stay loose.

Wrist Method Little or no shoulder or arm movement. Arm and Shoulder Method Popular on the tour. The arms, shoulders and putter stay'fixed' throughout the swing. No wrist action. Combination Method Another popular method. The arms and shoulders move with some wrist action.