Putting Routine

nobreak1970 · January 21, 2009

how important is it to your swing accuracy?

I just realized while I was on my practice green here in my house that my usual putting routine before the actual putt is crucial to me striking the ball in the sweet spot and having a straight roll.

I step back from the ball, feet touching together....I bend down a bit w/ a 35" putter at 5'11", bent at the elbows a bit, and take 2 practice strokes to lock my left wrist(right handed swing). I put the club head up to the ball at address, then right foot forward and to the right and left foot directly forward so that the ball is forward in my stance by an inch or so from center...and then I roll the ball. Works everytime, in the hole from 5-10 feet guaranteed. Now I'm doing this without break, etc. Just basic putting practice here.

Do you all rely on that type of "pre roll routine" to help with accuracy? Is it in my mind? I know it helps to get my left wrist completely locked down tight so I don't yip the ball at address.

Just curious.

Peace.

funkyfedora · January 21, 2009

Look from the ball to the hole. I play the break in my head. When I get to the hole I rewind it back to the ball. That way I have the break in my head. Then, I just glance at the the hole and then at my ball and I putt. This is how I get my distance.

PuttingDoctor · January 21, 2009

NB, by ingraining your routine you are releasing your mind to do what it needs to do to make more putts, WITHOUT you in the way.

A solid and repeatable routine is a winner, as long as it is not getting in the way of your actual success.

Your subconscious mind knows how much effort a putt needs, the more you do to reduce your thought process to minimum the better you'll putt under pressure.

As far as your left wrist breakdown, try taking your face to the target, through and after impact extending a little more down the target line.

PaulN · January 21, 2009

I don't look at my pre-shot routine as being 'pre-shot' at all. It's part of my swing, whether it's a drive, approach, putt, or anything else. I map out the shot I want to play, select the club, then commit. If the routine is interrupted I start over.

That being said I think a solid routine it key to both accuracy and distance control. Just make sure you don't have your playing partners standing around all day while you shuffle and wiggle!