In our previous post, we delved into chipping techniques for various lies around the green. Today, we’re focusing on a crucial aspect of the short game: developing better distance control in putting. Mastering this skill can significantly reduce your number of putts per round and enhance your overall performance on the greens.
Understanding Distance Control in Putting
Distance control refers to your ability to judge and execute putts that reach the hole with the appropriate speed, minimizing the risk of overshooting or leaving the ball short. Effective distance control ensures that your first putt leaves you with a manageable second putt, reducing the likelihood of three-putts.
Key Factors Influencing Distance Control
Several elements contribute to effective distance control in putting:
Putter Face Alignment: Ensuring the putter face is square to your target line at address and through impact is vital for accurate distance control.
Stroke Consistency: A smooth, repeatable putting stroke helps maintain consistent speed and distance.
Green Reading: Accurately assessing the slope and speed of the green allows you to adjust your putt’s strength accordingly.
Mental Focus: Concentration and visualization techniques can enhance your ability to judge and execute putts effectively.
Drills to Improve Distance Control
Incorporating specific drills into your practice routine can enhance your distance control:
Gate Drill
Setup: Place two tees just wider than the width of your putter head, creating a “gate” about 3 feet from the hole.
Execution: Put balls through the gate, focusing on a smooth stroke and consistent speed.
Benefit: Improves stroke consistency and helps develop a feel for the correct putt length.
Ladder Drill
Setup: Place balls at increasing distances from the hole (e.g., 3, 6, 9, and 12 feet).
Execution: Put each ball, aiming to stop it within a 3-foot circle around the hole.
Benefit: Enhances your ability to judge and execute putts of varying lengths.
Clock Drill
Setup: Place balls at 3, 6, 9, and 12 feet from the hole, forming a clock face.
Execution: Putt each ball, aiming to make all putts consecutively without missing.
Benefit: Builds confidence and consistency in your putting stroke.
Tips for Effective Lag Putting
Lag putting involves hitting longer putts with the goal of leaving the ball close to the hole for a subsequent short putt. To improve your lag putting:
Focus on Speed: Prioritize controlling the speed of your putt over perfect line accuracy.
Visualize the Break: Anticipate how the ball will break as it approaches the hole, adjusting your aim and speed accordingly.
Practice with Purpose: Regularly practice long putts to develop a feel for different distances and green speeds.
Avoiding Three-Putts
Three-putts can significantly impact your score. To minimize them:
Improve First-Putt Accuracy: Aim to leave your first putt within a 3-foot circle around the hole.
Develop a Pre-Putt Routine: Establish a consistent routine to enhance focus and consistency.
Stay Calm Under Pressure: Maintain composure, especially on longer putts, to execute with confidence.
Recommended Tools for Enhancing Putting Performance
Incorporating technology can provide valuable feedback and accelerate improvement:
Blast Motion Golf Sensor
Attaches to your putter to provide real-time data on your stroke, helping you analyze and improve your putting mechanics.
TIBA Putt Training Aid
Assists in developing a consistent putting stroke by providing visual and tactile feedback during practice.
HackMotion Wrist Sensor
Monitors wrist movements during your putting stroke, offering insights to enhance consistency and control.
Blast Golf App
Works with the Blast Motion sensor to deliver detailed analytics on your putting performance, aiding in targeted improvement.
PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer
A training aid designed to improve your putting accuracy and consistency by simulating real putting conditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Inconsistent Stroke Length: Varying the length of your putting stroke can lead to inconsistent distances.
Overcomplicating the Stroke: Trying to perfect every aspect of your stroke can hinder natural flow and consistency.
Ignoring Green Conditions: Not adjusting for factors like slope and speed can result in poor distance control.
Conclusion
Developing effective distance control in putting is essential for reducing putts per round and enhancing your overall game. By practicing specific drills, focusing on key factors, and utilizing helpful tools, you can improve your putting performance and enjoy more success on the greens.
Remember, consistency and practice are your best allies in mastering distance control. Keep practicing, stay patient, and watch your putting game improve.
In our next post, we’ll explore how to improve your lag putting to avoid 3-putts and master the art of long-distance accuracy. Stay tuned!
