Free online putting instruction

This putting instruction section will focus on some of the most proven putting techniques.

There are many putting methods out there and many great players use a variety of putting methods with great success.

I have experimented with a few different methods, before settling on the ?Classic? style.

Spend some time on the practice green to find the technique that is right for you. Don't forget to add your own personal touches to the method you settle on. It is all about feeling comfortable and confident!

With the ?Classic? or ?Orthodox? putting style, the hands are in a neutral position. This style is the most popular style of putting and taught by putting instruction coaches worldwide.

Grip the putter with the palms facing each other (right hand lower than left). This is known as the reverse overlap grip. The hands work together as one unit which increases consistency. Comfortable bend from the waist down with the arms and hands hanging down freely. Forward in the stance, inside the left heel. This allows looking from the ball, down the putting line towards the hole, to increase accuracy. A pendulum action controlled by the shoulders (hands fairly passive), will allow the putterhead to swing upwards, into and through impact. I hold the follow through-position and keep my eyes on the ground until the ball is well on its way, as this ensures a solid, controlled strike through the ball.

A ?breakdown? in the left wrist through impact, will cause the putter face to behave in an erratic and jerky way. This movement is famously referred to as 'the yips?.

The Anti-Yip Style was develop to try and combat the yips and it is used to great effect by some of the world's best players.

Grip the putter with the left hand below the right, so the left wrist is ?locked? against the shaft of the putter. By locking the left wrist into position, there will be no unwanted wrist action in the stroke. By gripping the putter with a lower left hand, it also ensures a lower left shoulder, which brings it more in line with the right shoulder - this position will add more consistency in the stroke. The same as the ?Classic? style - a pendulum action controlled by the shoulders (hands fairly passive).

This method was made famous by Bernard Langer after he experienced years of frustration trying to overcome the yips.

With the left hand down the grip in an orthodox manner, the fingers of the right hand are clasped around the left forearm. The right hand is taken out of the stroke and all wrist action is eliminated ? this method is very effective for short range putts. Forward in the stance, inside the left heel. A rocking action, with the shoulders moving back and forth and controlling the stroke. Return from 'putting instruction' to 'putting tips home'