How to do a Putt in Golf

by Lyle Smith, Demand Media
    One of the most important aspects of the game is putting.

    One of the most important aspects of the game is putting.

    Putting image by Vanessa van Rensburg from Fotolia.com

    It is often said that putting is the most important part of your golf game. Even the best professional golfers hit as many as half of their shots with the putter. So an understanding of the stance, theory and approach to rolling your golf ball with your putter is integral to shooting a good score.

    Step 1

    Take an athletic stance with your knees bent and your feet shoulder-width apart. You are creating a stable base for your putting stroke.

    Step 2

    Lean over at the waist and let your hands hang straight down in front of your eyes. The purpose of this is to allow your hands and arms free movement through the hitting zone.

    Items you will need

    • Putter
    • Golf ball
    • Golf green

    Step 3

    Grip the putter confidently, but not tightly. Your hands should feel loose on the club to eliminate any unnecessary tension in your stroke.

    Step 4

    Make sure your eyes are positioned over the ball. This position should stay constant throughout the stroke, anchoring the bottom of your pendulum motion at the ball.

    Step 5

    Rock your shoulders straight back and straight forward, stroking through the ball. Do not "hit" or "hit at" the ball. A smooth stroke will allow the ball to roll end over end toward your target.

    Tips

    • Look at the surface you intend to putt your ball over. Notice how the ground is pitched one way or the other. Pick out the point at which your ball will start curving (or breaking) toward the hole as you roll it along the ground. Putt your ball over that point. This is the simplest form of green reading.

    Resources

    About the Author

    Lyle Smith is an award-winning copywriter with a widely varied background. He has completed work for individuals, small businesses and fortune 1000 corporate clients all over the country. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Villanova University.

    Photo Credits

    • Putting image by Vanessa van Rensburg from Fotolia.com