Top 10 Putting Stroke Tips for a Smooth & Steady Roll
How to Develop a Reliable Putting Stroke
Everyone loves to smack those soaring, screaming monster shots; but we all know that putting is where the magic happens on the golf course. It's that delicate dance between the golfer and the ball, where precision and finesse can be the difference between par and birdie.
Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just starting to dip your toes into the world of putting, mastering your putting stroke is crucial. In this short game golfer’s guide, we're going to dive deep into the art of putting with some tried-and-true putting stroke tips that will have you rolling putts smoother than a well-buttered biscuit.
If you read, understand, and apply these principles, there’s no doubt that you’ll see significant improvements in your game. Let's get started.
Topics Covered in This Guide
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10. Find Your Putting Grip Sweet Spot
Let's begin with the foundation of your putting stroke—the grip. Finding the right grip pressure is like searching for the sweet spot on a clubface. You don't want to strangle the putter like it owes you money, nor do you want it to slip away like a greased pig. Find that Goldilocks grip—just right, not too tight and not too loose.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different grip styles like the reverse overlap, cross-handed, or claw grip to see which one suits your stroke and feels comfortable.
9. Rock and Roll with Rock-Solid Posture
Your posture sets the stage for a silky-smooth putting stroke. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly flexed, and your weight balanced evenly on both feet. Imagine you're giving a TED talk—confident, relaxed, and ready to share your wisdom with the world (or at least the golf course).
Pro Tip: Maintain your posture throughout the stroke. Avoid any sudden moves or Elvis-like hip gyrations. If you struggle with the yips, check out our guide on how to get rid of the yips. Stay steady!
8. A Gaze That Could Melt Ice
Your eyes are the laser beams of your putting stroke. Lock onto your target like a heat-seeking missile and visualize that ball's path to glory. Keep your head still and your eyes fixated on the ball. This laser focus will help you send that little white orb exactly where you want it to go.
Pro Tip: Practice your stare-down game. Pretend the ball just rolled in from the bar at 3:00 in the morning and you're giving it "the look."
7. A Pendulum, Not a Sledgehammer
Imagine your putter is a pendulum, not a sledgehammer. The best putting strokes have a natural rhythm like a good old fashioned grandfather clock. Avoid any sudden jerks or Hulk-like smashes. Swing it back and forth with a smooth, consistent tempo and watch the ball roll right in.
Pro Tip: To work on your rhythm, find a metronome app and set it to a tempo that suits you. Practice swinging your putter back and forth to match the beat. After that, check out the Rhythm Putting Drill from Blair O’Neal to work on your pace and dial in some speed.
6. Use a Putter With a Heavier Head
When it comes to choosing your putter, don't just grab any stick and hope for the best. Consider using a putter with a heavier head, like the Pyramid iCOR Putter featuring a head that weighs about 50 grams more than average.
There’s a number of ways the weight of your putter head can significantly impact your putting stroke, including:
1. A heavier head keeps your “small muscles” (fingers, hands, wrists) from controlling the putter while engaging the arms and shoulders – exactly what you need for a sound, repeatable pendulum-type stroke.
2. The extra weight could cure your yips, just like that.
3. More weight in the head creates a steadier, smoother stroke path.
4. Finally, the head is less likely to twist off-line on a miss-hit.
Paired with the iCOR’s auto-correcting grooves, its Stability Weighting keeps even your poorest putts headed toward the hole. Add the new Pyramid iCOR Putter to your bag today and watch as you slash strokes from your score the first time you use it — and in every round after.
One more thing - the iCOR Putter is backed by a 30-day, no questions asked money-back guarantee. You got nothing to lose and a whole lotta birdies to gain.
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5. The Path Less Taken
The path your putter follows is crucial. Keep it on a consistent path, whether it's straight back and straight through, inside-square-inside, or any other path that works for you. Whatever you prefer, consistency in your stroke path leads to consistency on the green.
Pro Tip: Lay down alignment sticks or two golf clubs on the practice green to create a visual guide for your stroke path. It's like bowling with bumpers.
4. Don't Fear the Break
Reading greens can be as tricky as deciphering prehistoric hieroglyphics. Embrace the challenge! Study the terrain, notice subtle slopes, and read the break. Trust your judgment, and don't be afraid to give it a little extra gas if the putt needs it.
Pro Tip: Look for visual cues on the green—discolorations, grass patterns, or subtle imperfections can reveal the secrets of the green's slope.
3. Pre-Putt Practice Routine: Be a Creature of Habit
Develop a pre-putt routine that's as consistent as the moon and the tides. It can be as simple as two practice strokes and a deep breath before every putt. Whatever it is, a routine helps you stay composed and focused — especially when the pressure's on.
Pro Tip: Create a mantra or a mental trigger phrase that you repeat during your routine to boost confidence and maintain calmness.
2. Stay Calm Under Pressure
Putting for birdie or par can feel like defusing a bomb. It’s vital during these moments to control your mind and stay cool under pressure. Visualize success, take a deep breath, and trust your skills. Remember, it's just a game, and you're pretty damn good at it.
Pro Tip: Repeat high-pressure putts during your practice sessions to build confidence and muscle memory.
1. Embrace the Three-Footers
The short putts might seem like a walk in the park, but they are the exact moments where scores can go haywire. Comfort is the enemy of results and has been the downfall of countless otherwise stellar scorecards. Give short putts the respect they deserve. Practice those three-footers until they're as automatic as your morning coffee.
Pro Tip: Set up a "make-or-break" game when practicing with your buddies. The loser buys the post-game drinks. It'll add some extra spice to your short game practice.
FAQs
⛳ How do I maintain a consistent putting stroke?
Consistency in your putting stroke comes from proper alignment, steady tempo, and relaxed grip. Practice these elements to refine your stroke.
📏 Should I use a short or long putter for better control?
The length of your putter should suit your posture and comfort. Experiment with different lengths to find what works best for you.
👊 What's the ideal grip for a smooth putting stroke?
A light and relaxed grip, such as the reverse overlap or the pencil grip, can help you achieve a smoother putting stroke.
🏌️♂️ How can I improve my distance control on long putts?
Focus on maintaining a consistent tempo and controlling the length of your backswing to enhance distance control on long putts.
🌱 Does green reading affect my putting stroke?
Yes, reading greens is crucial. Analyze the slope, grain, and break to make precise adjustments in your putting stroke.
🏋️♂️ Can a heavier putter head help my stroke?
A heavier putter head can promote stability and control in your stroke, potentially improving your putting performance.
In Conclusion
There you have it, ten tips to help you master that putting stroke and send those putts rolling like a dream. Remember, golf is a journey, and every stroke counts. Mastering the art of putting takes time and practice, but with dedication, you can become a putting sensation on the greens.
Keep practicing, stay positive, and most importantly, have fun out there on the greens. Cheers to sinking more putts and lowering those scores!
Until next time,
Matt Stephens
Inventor, Pyramid Putter & iCOR Putter
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