Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Golfing for Novices: Part Two

By Rhys Jones

"Drive for show, putt for dough" is the lesson we've all seen and learned from watching the professional golfers in every tournament and championship either live or on TV.

The champions of golf can drive a ball from here to kingdom-come, but it all comes down to how many strokes it takes to get the ball in the hole. The long accurate drives don't mean anything if you're unable to putt accurately.

Choosing a putter is very important, but using whatever putter you have consistently is even more so. I've had the same putter for fifteen years: I know what it feels like in my hand; I know it's weight; I know how that plays into my putts.

Putting takes a great deal of practice. For example, typically, we drive the ball eighteen times during a game, but putt at least twice that amount. So doesn't it make sense that we should practice our putting at least twice as much as our driving? So, if you can't get to the practice green often enough, just practice on your carpet at home.

But bear in mind that the ball will never make it to the hole, if it doesn't have enough wallup behind it to get it in there. So, why not take the time to get down on the ground to look at the path your ball must run to the hole. Does it slope one way or the other? Does the path run uphill or downhill?

Stand with your feet spread for balance and line up the putt. Keep you hands, arms and shoulders completely still. Imagine that you are a "bobble head" but you move from just below your chest. Keep your head directly over the ball. Pull your club back; keep your hands, wrists, arms and shoulders steady - the movement comes from your chest. Hit the ball, following it through with your club.

Try to learn from each putt and remember the lesson. Practice, practice, practice!

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