“Rollin’ the Rock” (Putting)
Like all the other golf shots, putting requires a consistent set-up every time.
Pre-Shot:
- Start from behind the ball and gauge slope direction and uphill downhill track
- Pick an intermediate spot in front of the ball that matches the track you think the ball will need to take to get into the hole and align your stance to that track
- Take a few practice strokes that give you the right feel for distance – according to your distance control numbers: 3-6-9 or inside foot, center of foot, etc.
- Place the putter behind the ball – being careful to use the lines on the putter to help line up the intermediate spot. Look at the hole and target line then back to the ball: focus your eyes ‘softly’ on the ball, swing the putter and don’t peek until the ball is gone. If you really trust your pre-shot routine, you should never have a need to watch the ball roll until it’s a few feet away from you.
Key thoughts: Practice and Trust! Be careful not to “hit with your hands”. This feeling actually accelerates the club makes the ball travel much farther than you may intend. Just allow your swing position to be “controlled and easy” and that the club is swung by the arms and not the hands.
Distance is the number one concern. – Keep grip pressure light, but not so light that the club is “floppy”
Take an even stance with legs comfortably apart about shoulder width. This is a preference so whatever width you use, it needs to be the same every time. Make sure the ball is positioned in the same position every time. (Slightly forward of the center of the stance)
Choose an intermediate target (aiming point) about 6” to 12” in front of the ball but always let your gaze drift to your target and back to the intermediate line. These micro-glances help the brain process what you’re doing and supports those who use “feel” as part of their game.
Make the putting backswing according to your steps (see pictures below regarding the “step approach” to putting) – Make the putting follow through equal to the tempo of the backswing. Practice the stroke 2 or 3 times while feeling the length of the backswing and focusing with your glances on the place where you want the ball to finish rolling – preferably the hole.
Swing the putter; (1 is the backswing, 2 is the forward swing)1-2, 1-2, 1-2, or tick-tock. for those that train with me, you know why I’ve used bolded font here. Agree with yourself that the stroke is right.
Make sure that the backside of your leading hand is pointed towards the target on the follow through and the leading wrist is not bent.
Step over the ball, align your putter, and putt with confidence and hold the putter face towards the target as the ball is rolling.
MoZen thought: You trust yes or you trust no: you trust “guess so”; get squished, just like grape.
– Modified from Miyagi-san
