Seeing Is Believing

[Golf_Beauty]

Your first read from behind the ball is always correct. Trust it.

 

Golf For Women

July/August 2006

 

How many times have you read the break of a putt from behind the ball, only to change your aim when you stand over it? What happens next? Unfortunately, you learn the hard way that your initial read was spot-on.

 

Avoid this mistake by remaining committed to your initial read. This is where you'll get the truest sense for the putt's line, break and speed, because your shoulders are square to the hole and your eyes are on a horizontal plane. It is how you normally view things, not from the sideways vantage point you have when you're hunched over the ball.

 

To eliminate any second-guessing, follow this pre-putt routine: Stand several feet behind the ball and choose your line. Next, take a practice stroke with your body perpendicular to the putt's starting line, looking at the whole so you're connecting with the target. Imagine you're rolling a ball toward the hole from this point: How much stroke (arm swing) will you need to get the ball to the hole? Walk up to the ball, aim your putterface at the target and assume your stance. Take on last look for feel and distance and hit the putt. Remember: Trust your initial read and stroke without hesitation.

[steph1964]

Most putts are missed because we don't hit the "sweet spot"...once you get your line...make sure you get a good solid stroke ... ball on center of club face.

[Shanks For The Memories]

[quote name='steph1964' date='14 November 2006 - 12:33 AM' timestamp='1163478798' post='332478']
Most putts are missed because we don't hit the "sweet spot"...once you get your line...make sure you get a good solid stroke ... ball on center of club face.
[/quote]

Aha, too few people realize this. Once you've set up and gotten the feel of the length of stroke, you must focus on a clean strike of the ball. When you miss the center of the putter face, speed and direction change.