Created on: January 25, 2008 Last Updated: January 31, 2008
How to make your putting count even if you fail
Putting by and large is one of the toughest shots in golf. You would think that a shot that seems so easy could make a pro or amateur golf so hopping mad, it makes your head spin. And at the same time send your round skyrocketing. One of the main keys to mastery in putting is getting over the mental aspect of it. None of us truly get over that part of it overall.
Even more than trying to perfect your putting, keeping your mind on an even keel even when you choke an easy putt, is paramount to your success in putting. One of the ways to keep your mental state on an even plain, even if you flub a shot, is to always to automatically prepare for the next shot. This always keeps you thinking ahead, not where did I go wrong on the last shot.
Because when you're playing in a major tournament you can't go back and go over where you went wrong that's negative, or regressive thinking. That will have you thinking whether you can drop the next putt in. One way for Pros to look back at where they went wrong is to look at film from a tourney like coaches in baseball, hockey or football do. Most of us don't have that option though. Like I said earlier always think ahead to the next shot, and just move on.
What amatuer golfers can do, if they choke on a certain putt is to bring a small note pad with you so when you have a particular putt that's always a problem, you can jot it down and you don't forget it. Go over where you went wrong at a later time off the course. This will help you prepare for that shot if it creeps up again, which it probably will. If you do happen to be a top amatuer or Pro, have your caddy jot down areas where your putts are problematic. Also use the services of your Caddy to help you, because they see more than most people where you're having problems in your putting.
Go on-line and look at the top golf teaching and putting specialist's like the US Golf Teacher's Federation Mark Harman, who's a regular on this site-David Pelz the putting specialist to the pros. Dean Reinmuth is also another top golf teaching instructor to pros and amateurs. Also keep in mind the mental aspect of your putts even if you're the world's worst putter, and your long game is strong. Know where you should concentrate your priorities if one area of your game always lacks.
The only real way to get a handle on your game mentally, is practice your trouble putts like a dog, no matter times you fail. Mastery over putting involves learning all you can then practicing more. If your putting stroke is faltering on certain shots constantly, concentrate on just that. But remember, the only way to making your putts count in tourney play is to get better period. Practice your putts with a specialist if need be. Don't get arm-chair advice from the guy who plays once a week down at the golf range.
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