Putt your mind into it

It is a fact that unless you can putt well, you do not get very far as a player.

If we break down the different shots on the golf course into simple mini-departments, we might choose chipping, iron play, woods, sand shots and pitching, to mention a few.

But what most of us tend to neglect is putting, which is worth between 40 to 45 per cent of all shots.

It’s by far the biggest single contribution to a golfer's score, yet, unfortunately, most club golfers choose to ignore the practice green to spend any spare time they have to practise on a range desperately trying to squeeze another yard or two out of each club.

The typical story I hear from golfers is that they can hit the ball great on the range but simply go to pieces on the course.

If this is the case, don't you think a different approach would be appropriate?

After all, hitting a long drive even if it's on the fairway never ensured anybody a good hole whereas holing a putt often makes the difference or at least spares you from doom.

It is a fact that unless you can putt well you do not get very far as a golf player, yet every golf club on the planet has its fair share of comparative big hitters!

So if you are someone who has neglected your putting, here are a few things to work on.

* Try to concentrate on the last few inches of the putt as this is when the ball is most affected by break.

* Work on pace more than direction. Speed is three times more important than direction.

* Keep the ball on the high side of the break — most of us underestimate a breaking putt. Try to miss on the pros side!

* Apply 40-45 per cent of your free practice time to putting!

* Make sure that you hit the ball out of the middle of your putter, your handicap has a direct correlation with how well you strike the ball with your putter.

* Remember the putting stroke is definitely a swing and by this I mean the follow through should be extended towards the intended line and remain that way as if posing, until the ball is well on its way.

* Get fitted for your putter. This will get your hands in the correct place. This in turn will improve your feel. It will also help you get your eye line over the ball that will enable you to read the line better.

* Next time you consider a golf lesson, do it on putting.

It is important that any mistakes are identified as they are more easily corrected and fixes are more likely to remain.

The last thing to consider is the ball that stops on the edge and consequently needs an extra push into the hole, has the same value as a 300 yard drive. Both are one shot!