short , and therefore were speeding up the tempo of their putt resulting in inconsistent distance control .
If your backswing shortens but your tempo speeds up putting can be very unpredictable . On the other hand , if your backswing is to long and the putter decelerates that can also be very unpredictable . The old saying “ stroke it smooth ” couldn ’ t be truer .
If we simplify all this down , we can use 1 ’ s and 2 ’ s as a tempo cadence as we putt . “ One ” on the back swing “ two ” on the follow through . We can all understand the “ one ” taking the putter back , but the follow through the “ two ” is often misunderstood . The “ two ” or follow through ends at the ball , not when the putter stops moving . I personally recommend working on your tempo saying out loud and listening for when you say “ two ” and hearing the ball hit the putter face . That will give you a great indication of how consistent your tempo is !
So with the information we have covered in previous months , mixed in with our new main ingredient Distance , we are ready to make a bunch of putt pie . ( With ice cream of course .) As with any skill we must practice to build that skill , so I recommend when practicing putting , practicing with a purpose . Simply choose one element of putting you wish to work on , setting up , distance control , greens reading etc . If you focus on one aspect and improve it even slightly you will see more putts going in the hole . I hope you have a great Thanksgiving , with lots of “ Make the putt pie .”
Ben Johnson
PGA , Teaching Professional
6 eaglebrooke newsletter DECEMBER