SEPTEMBER'S TIP OF THE MONTH

By Wally Kuchar

Putting is the greatest psychological test on the golf course, and many are the mighty who have fallen there.  The powerful muscles of the golf swing, give way to a delicate touch which requires no strength or power which creates another feel to master in this great game.
Putting can be divided into three phases:  1. Technique      2. Distance    3. Curve/Break

1.Technique:    Set putter flat on ground with proper aim
                         Eyes over ball with head and lower body perfectly still
                         Thumbs straight down the grip with plams facing each other
                         Firm up hands/wrists/arms with no wrist break
                         Swing straight back and thru like a pendulum

2.Distance:       Base distance on the length of the stroke
                         On a normal speed green,  utilize a 3” stroke for a 3' putt  (3” back-3”thru)
                         Balance the stroke on both sides of ball with same speed
                         You can create approximately a 20” stroke, longer putts accelerate thru ball faster
                         Practice on a green with no target to accept how far certain length strokes move 
                              the ball
                         Putts beyond the 20 foot distance will be less accurate because you are changing
                             feel and stroke speed with your putter

3. Curve/Break:  You must consider now the slope of the green and the grain
                           Judging the break is based on experience and practice
                           Learn to pick a spot closer to your ball which allows for the necessary break and 
                              putt your ball over that spot, this allows for better alignment and visual track
                           Learn to putt to the “apex” of the roll and allow for the slope to move ball into 
                              hole  (“apex” is a point you putt your ball to, when it reaches that point the 
                              green, slope and grain takes over)
                           Practice putts that have severe curve and break, this will allow you to visualize
                               and be more creative in you judgement

BEFORE YOU PUTT ALWAYS TAKE A PERFECT PRACTICE STROKE INCOPORATING THE TECHNIQUE, STROKE DISTANCE AND VISUALIZE YOUR TRACK TO PROGRAM YOU EYES AND MIND.  THIS WILL GIVE YOU THE BEST POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THE PUTT!