Putts On the Down Slope and How To Master Them

How to Master Downslope Putts December 8th 2006

Putting Basics on a green's downslope are easier to navigate than you think. But downslope putts have to be practiced more often than the majority of all Putts. More and more Golf Course designers for both pro and amatuers are making greens tougher to sink in regulation.And instead of making the fairways longer, they are making the greens tougher. All a matter of economics and available land.

Now, back to down-hill putts. Your first thoughts have to be thinking in your mind how to approach this putt on the down-low. This is because downslope putts are tough,even for pros and most golfers end up stroking too hard and end up having the ball go miles beyond the cup.As well,a downslope can be mere inches or up to a foot or better,and you still may end up in a sandtrap or water hazard.


Practice, Practice, Practice

Start off your putt down hill with some practice strokes to feel the length, both back and front,along with proper aim and break in your putt. By practicing your stroke length,speed and contact force of your down-hiller you should also focus your eyes on a spot just short of the hole.If it's a playoff shot and a million dollar purse is on the line, then go for it. But additional practice on down slopers and how to set up properly will result in more confidence in sinking these types of putts.

Use a practice green at a range,or use a neatly manicured lawn that has a slight downslope to practice on.In one of my last articles on putting,I said to use a piece if tape on your putter head so you can putt the ball more accurately.If you still have shot alignment issues with the down hill putts, put a mark around the circumference of the ball with a majic marker.Don't use tape. You can put a mark on the putter head instead of tape. Align the mark on the club head with the mark on the ball.

This will help you with shot control in keeping it straight. Practice this regularly on the down hill putts,and other putts as well. Down slope puts are among the toughest,and regular practice shots will have you playing through the insecurity regardless of what happens. And great things can happen by doing just that.

Mark Grove