t u r f t a l k
Putting on the Green b y To m F i t z p a t r i c k
G reat putters in golf know that the ball is going in the hole before even looking at the break. They tell themselves they can make any putt. It’s based upon an inner confidence. That’s the beauty of watching top athletes in general. They exude a ‘can do’ self-talk that is so fun to watch and be around. Positive thinking is contagious and plays a big role in those that excel at putting. Let’s face it, every moment is a choice. What do we choose: ‘No, I can’t’, or ‘Yes, I can’? Become a powerful putter by combining a winning attitude with these popular feel drills. Equal Back & Thru Distance Drill When faced with a 30-footer we find ourselves trying to hit it too hard. This often results in a short backstroke and too fast of a pop on the downstroke. That’s a recipe for poor contact where the ball ends up short, instead of the preferred 18 inches past the hole. Your number of three putt greens can sky rocket. For a more efficient use of energy to propel the ball, focus on a longer backstroke. In fact, the backstroke should be the same distance as the follow thru. Try this: make a stroke that matches the width of your feet. Make a backstroke that stops opposite your right toe, then a forward stroke that stops opposite your left toe. For longer putts, adjust the length of the stroke by going twelve inches past your right foot, then twelve inches past your left foot. Tiger’s Right Arm Only Drill This simple drill opens up a world of feel. At address, keep your right elbow close to your side. Take the putter back by increasing the right wrist angle. Then flatten the wrist as you hit the putt. It illustrates how to build rhythm and momentum with little effort. Allow the right shoulder and hand to move in unison. Tiger said this helps him feel the toe release thru the putt.
Tee Gate Direction Drill This very popular practice drill works wonders for contacting the ball in the center of the face. Place a tee just outside each end of the putter. When the putter passes thru the tee gate, watch how much straighter the ball travels. Be Reactive Learn to be more reactive by standing over the putt for just a short amount of time. See if you can step up to a putt, aim the putter, and stroke it all in the matter of 3-4 seconds. Instead of thinking, your body is calculating how hard to hit the putt and in what direction. Less thinking leads to greater enjoyment from being in that moment. It’s been said that being in the moment offers freedom from fear of outcomes or anxiety over technique.
Increase the right wrist angle to set the putter
Positive thinking is contagious and plays a big role in those that excel at putting.
Flatten the right wrist angle to release the putter
Tom Fitzpatrick is a Leadbetter certified instructor. He is an active realtor with Scenic Sotheby’s Intl Realty. Reach him at (850) 225-4674 or visit tom.scenicsir.com
Tom Fitzpatrick
Use the Tee Drill to make solid contact
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