W L
GOLF
WINTER PUTTING PRACTICE
BY TOM ATKINSON , PGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL
We all know that winter can be cold and bleak and more about exercise than golf , but one thing you need to keep on top of in preparation for next spring is your putting !
This can be done at home using a few simple drills - you ’ re unlikely to match the power of Bryson , or have the touch of Mickelson but you can putt like them - this is the one area where we are all starting from a level playing field , but you must know how to practice !
Firstly make your target smaller - if you aim for a smaller target then your miss will be smaller .
Place a flat coin on the floor - a 10p works well , start at 3 ’ away and try to roll the ball 12-18 ” beyond the coin - why past ? Because in my 21 years experience I ’ ve not yet seen the hole come to the ball ! Now this sounds easy but it ’ s not , try and roll 25 in a row over the coin but no more than 18 ” past , use another club as a back stop , hit the club and you ’ ve had too many weetabix !
Finally you need to have a good feel for longer putts , holing out is crucial but the ability to lag a putt is just as important , space may be a premium at home but choose the longest section of carpet you can , make a larger target this time , say 3 ’ for putts of 20 ’ and longer , practice finishing your ball in that target - great practice .
This is a game within a game , it requires you to develop and practice your own skill .
Too long reading instruction manuals on technique and you ’ ll detract from your own natural ability .
Not long enough practicing your own method and you won ’ t have the confidence that is needed to become the best .
Once you ’ ve done this try the ladder drill , make 5 in a row from 3 ’ then from 5 ’ then from 7 ’ again , not as easy as it sounds , if you ’ re successful with all 15 puts , try working your way back down the ladder . This short range pace work will really give you a feel for these crucial return putts for par and bogey .
Good luck - if you need any help then our newly installed indoor putting surface is ready and waiting for you . Get in touch for more details .
Tom Atkinson PGA Golf Professional Heswall Golf Club
66 wirrallife . com