Golf putting tips

See below two great golf putting tips. The first tip, is all about learning to release the putterhead, in order to develop a free-flowing stroke. The second tip, will help you improve your ability to judge distance on the greens.

One of the most common putting mistakes made by amateur golfers, is a 'stabbing' action going into the impact point with the ball. This 'stabbing' action, causes a jerky movement, which will make it very difficult to build a consistent stroke. It is very important to release the putter through the impact point with the ball, as this will create a much more consistent, free-flowing stroke.

If you find yourself 'stabbing' at the ball, try the following to establish a free-flowing stroke:

1. Try the Classic putting grip, with your right hand below your left.

2. On the practice green, try and stroke through the ball by releasing the putterhead, so it swings past your hands.

3. After impact, hold your follow-through - if you have followed through naturally, you will see a slight angle at the back of your left wrist (see picture above).

Many golfers struggle to get the ball down in two, when faced with long-range putts. Improving your ability to judge distance on the greens, will help you get down in two more often, helping you shave a number of strokes off your final score.

Try this fun drill to improve your ability to judge distance on the greens:

1. Take 5 practice balls and stand around 30 feet away from a hole on the practice green.

2. Start tossing the balls one-by-one, trying to get them within a foot of the hole (if they go in, even better!).

3. As soon as you are able to get all 5 balls within one foot of the hole, move back further to around 40 feet from the hole and repeat the drill.

4. Keep doing this drill, until you feel more confident with judging distance on the greens.

5. To make the drill even more fun, challenge one of your golfing buddies to play this little game against you!