Golfing Tips for Beginners: 5

“Drive for show, putt for dough” is the lesson we’ve all seen and learned from watching the professional golfers in every tournament and championship either live or on TV.

The masters of golf can drive a ball from here to eternity, but it all boils down to how many strikes of the ball it takes to put the ball in the hole. The long accurate drives don’t amount to anything if you’re unable to putt the ball accurately.

The choice of putter is very important, but knowing how to use that putter consistently, is even more important. For example, I’ve had the same putter for fifteen years, so I know what it feels like in my hand, I know it’s weight and I know how all that plays into my putts.

Now putting takes a huge amount of practice. Think about this: we drive the ball roughly eighteen times a game (once per hole), but putt at least twice that amount. So, surely it make sense to practice putting at least twice as much as driving? Therefore, if you just can’t get to the practice green that often, you could practice on your carpet at home.

But bear in mind that the ball will never make it to the hole, if it doesn’t have enough wallup behind it to get it in there. So, why not take the time to get down on the ground to look at the path your ball must run to the hole. Does it slope one way or the other? Does the path run uphill or downhill?

The stance is: stand with your feet spread for balance and line up the putt. Keep you hands, arms and shoulders completely still. Imagine that you are a “bobble head” and that you move from just below the chest. Keep your head directly over the ball; pull your club back; keep your hands, wrists, arms and shoulders steady – the movement comes from your chest; hit the ball, following through with your club.

Try to learn from each putt and remember the lesson. Practice, practice, practice!

Are you new to golf? We have some great our website at tips for the beginner golfer on our website at Golfing Tips for Beginners