FORE! (If you yell this a lot, try a lesson!) Can you hit this thing right every time?

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Putting

 

WARM-UP WITH MID-RANGE PUTTS (Tom Blair)

When you begin practice, start 15 to 29 feet away with ONE BALL. Putt only this stroke for ten holes, just clear the hole you putted at and get your ball in range for the next putt. Starting here will do two things. It will warm you up without pressure, and allow you to get a feel for the speed. Starting with 2-3 footers is a killer; leave those important short ones for later. The other reason to start with the mid-length putts is this is where we land on the green most of the time. So half of our putting should be done in this area and 1/4 short ones and 1/4 of your total putting practice on the long lag putts.

Want more? Putt for distance. Direction (we like to think) is of equal importance, but distance is 'primo'.   Miss it 3 foot left and the exact distance you have a three-footer to tap in. Miss it 3 foot left and 3 foot long and you have a 4 foot knee knocker . . .

Mark your score card where your putts go when they miss. "SL" is short left. "SR" is short right. Build up a record. 15-20 footers, 6 left and 18 right. 6 long and 18 short. Now you have the PROBLEM then go out to practice and solve it. Line up some medium to longer type putts, putt 5 holes like this, getting each putt past the hole, but no longer than 2 feet past. Do it until you pass it (even if you have to skip lunch).

Putt with your eyes closed. It will knock your socks off! You will swing more naturally than you ever did with your eyes open. It is great for distance control. If you miss most putts to the right  (for righties), chances are you are picking your head up as you stroke.