Putting Greens News & Blog

Build Your Putting Confidence on Your Home Putting Green

Thursday, April 6th, 2006

If you ask the Director of Instruction at McGetrick Golf Academy Lana Ortega what beginners, intermediates and advanced golfers all have in common, she’ll tell you the simple truth, “Putting is usually a very small part of their practice routine. She points out that since roughly 40% of strokes per round take place on the green, it follows that 40% of every golfer’s practice time should focus on putting mechanics, strategy and touch. If you had the ability to practice at home on your own custom putting green by The Putting Green Company, not only can your short game greatly improve, but also so can your score.

Beginner golfers need to practice the fundamentals, alignment and stroke. They also need to develop better distance control, cut down on three and four putts and get the ball closer to the hole.
Here are a few at home practice tips for breaking 100:
-The distance of a putt is determined by the length and pace of your stroke.
- A short putt requires a short stroke; a long putt requires a longer stroke. The back- and through- strokes should be equal in distance and rhythm.
-For shorter putts (less than 10 feet), take a narrow stance with your feet approximately hip width apart. Swing your putter back to your right toe and follow through to your left toe.
-For longer putts, widen your stance and continue swinging from toe to toe. This helps promote a solid stroke with even tempo.
-Make sure to take a few practice putts before playing a round to determine if the greens are fast or slow on that course.

Here’s a great distance drill to practice on your home putting green or at the club.
Reach the Safety Zone.
-Pace off distances of 10, 30, and 50 feet from the hole.
-Mark these spots with tees or ball markers.
-Place a club on the ground about three feet behind the hole. (This is your “Safety Zone�?).
-Putt three balls to the hole from each distance, adjusting the width of your stance accordingly.
-Your goal is to make each putt, but if the ball goes past the hole, it should stop within the three feet safety zone.
-This teaches you to give the putt enough speed to reach the hole with out going too far past it. Odds will improve that you’ll make your second putt.