Recreational Holidays

Basic Golfing Tips for Beginners: 2

‘Drive for show, but putt for dough’ is the phrase we’ve all seen and learned from watching 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.

Keep in mind that no ball can make it into the hole, if it doesn’t have enough power behind it to get it there. Take the time to get down on the grass and look at the path from your ball to the hole. Does it slant one way or the other? Is it 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!

Are you new to golf? We have some great our website at tips for the beginner golfer on our website at Golfing Tips for Beginners