How To Stop Pushing Putts: 11 Proven Tips for Perfecting Your Stroke

Ah, the maddening push putt – that exasperating journey when your golf ball decides to sidestep the hole as if it's playing a game of dodgeball. If you've ever been on the green, squinting at your ball veering away from its intended path like a rebellious teenager, you know the feeling.

But fear not — today, we're diving into the art of taming the elusive pushed putt. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just getting into the game, these 11 expert tips will have you sinking putts with confidence.

So, grab your putter, lace up your golf shoes, and let's roll into the world of perfecting your putting game.

Alright, let's talk stance. Picture this: you're about to take the most crucial shot of your golf game, and your feet are about as aligned as a drunk crab's stroll on the beach. Not ideal, right? To tackle the push putt problem, start with the fundamentals – your stance.

Standing shoulder-width apart is the name of the game. This balanced foundation stabilizes your body and ensures that you're not swaying like a palm tree in a storm. But don't stop there; make sure your eyes are directly over the ball. This alignment ensures you're getting a bird's-eye view of the target, which can help you avoid those pesky pushes.

Now, let's get a grip, literally. Your grip is your lifeline to the club, and it can make or break your putt. If you grip the club like you're trying to win an arm-wrestling match, you're in for trouble. On the flip side, a limp grip won't do you any favors either. Find that sweet spot – a grip that's just right.

Imagine you're holding a baby bird. You want to hold it firmly enough so it doesn't fly away, but gently enough that you don't squish it. Apply that principle to your grip. Ensure the pressure is balanced between both hands, with your thumbs pointing down the shaft. A harmonious grip can prevent the clubface from getting all rebellious and sending your ball astray.

We get it; the golf course is a picturesque place, filled with stunning vistas and distractions aplenty. But when you're on the green, it's time for a little tunnel vision. Your main squeeze is the golf ball, so give it the attention it deserves.

As you line up your putt, fix your gaze on the ball, and keep it there throughout the stroke. It's like trying to hypnotize the ball into doing your bidding. This focus helps ensure that your putter makes contact where it should – right on the sweet spot.

Your putting stroke isn't a dance floor performance – you don't need any fancy salsa moves. Instead, think of it as a soothing metronome, ticking back and forth to maintain a consistent tempo throughout your stroke.

Many golfers rush through the backswing and then slam the gas pedal on the follow-through, leading to a push. Smooth and steady is the name of the game. Keep the rhythm of your stroke constant, like a gentle lullaby. This helps ensure a straighter putt path and leaves the cha-cha moves to the dance floor.

The easiest and fastest way to finally be free of the misery from pushed putts is to swap out your trusty rusty putter for one that redirects miss-hits back to center.

I know it sounds like a pipe dream, and it was for a while - until the Pyramid Putter came on the scene along with the upgraded, next gen Pyramid iCOR Putter.

Take a deep breath, my friend. We've all been there – standing over a critical putt, heart racing like it's trying to break free from your chest. But those butterflies won't help you sink the putt. Instead, let's focus on your breath.

Before you putt, take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, allowing your diaphragm to expand. Then exhale slowly through your mouth. This controlled breathing reduces tension and helps you stay calm and collected. It's like a mini meditation session right there on the green. So, remember to breathe, and watch those pushes disappear like morning mist.

Imagine your putting stroke as a swing, like a mini golf pendulum. You want it to be short on the backswing and longer on the follow-through. It's like waving hello and then giving a friendly wave goodbye.

A shorter backswing keeps your stroke compact and controlled, reducing the chances of a push. Then, let that putter sing as it swings through smoothly. This technique promotes a straighter path, guiding your ball where you want it to go.

Before you unleash that perfect putt, let's talk about reading the greens. It's like deciphering a treasure map – you need to understand the terrain to find the X that marks the spot.

Take a moment to analyze the green's contours. Identify slopes, uphill or downhill sections, and any breaks in the green's surface. These elements influence how your ball will roll. The better you understand the break, the more accurately you can aim your putt. It's like being a golf detective, solving the mystery of the green's secrets.

Shifting your weight might sound like a magician's trick, but it's a real game-changer for putting. Picture this: you're standing over a putt, and your weight is firmly planted on your back foot. It's like trying to hit the gas pedal with your car in park – not very effective, right?

To combat the push, shift some of your weight to your front foot. As you address the ball, make sure about 60% of your weight rests on your front leg. This small shift gives your putting stroke the green light. It promotes an inside-to-square-to-inside path, which is a recipe for straighter putts. It's like being the conductor of your own weight-shifting symphony, leading to smoother strokes.

Physics class might have been a snooze, but here's a little tidbit you should remember: the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. When it comes to putting, this wisdom applies tenfold.

Focus on creating a straight back and through putting stroke. Forget about looping, swaying, or any other fancy moves. The shorter the distance your putter travels off the ideal line, the less room for error. It's like taking the expressway to the hole, bypassing all the detours that lead to pushed putts.

Golf has a way of humbling even the best of us. So, you pushed a few putts in the past – who cares? It's time to let bygones be bygones.

Don't let the memory of past pushes haunt your present game. Focus on the here and now. Each putt is a fresh start, a clean slate. Approach every putt with a positive mindset, free from the shackles of past mistakes. It's all part of the game. So, give yourself a break, and you'll be on your way to putting like a champ.