The two most important factors when putting come down to speed and direction. Very rarely do we ever miss a 30 foot putt 6 feet to the left, but we often leave the same putt 6 feet short. Direction is the easier of the two, while speed takes time and practice.

Direction is determined by walking around the green to look for slopes, and imperfections in the green which may cause the ball to change directions. Your best chance to determine the slope or break of the putt is about halfway between your ball and the hole. Assessing the putt from this point and having determined the break, you now have to factor in the speed or pace of the putt. Proper pace begins by hitting the ball with a square clubface on the sweet spot and making the right length stroke for the distance needed. In Florida we have grain, so you may want to look for grain in the greens, for this could affect the speed of your putts if not gauged properly. Grain will also affect your putting line close to the hole as it loses speed. Walk up to the hole and look for the ragged side of the cup, this is the direction of the grain.

When playing with most amateurs I find their putting strokes to be a two lever stroke, meaning their wrists break, their putter heads moves past their hands. A proper putting stroke is done by having little or no movement in the body, while allowing the right hand to move the putter away from the ball, (left hand for lefties) your chest and shoulders will follow. Do this by placing the putter in your lifeline of both hands, (this is known as a neutral grip) with both thumbs down the shaft. This grip will allow your putter head to release during the stroke. The shaft of your putter and your forearms need to be aligned as one plane. (Picture the putter shaft as an extension of your forearms in a straight line) Getting proper pace on the ball is very difficult when we break our wrists. Wrist break will change your clubface angle from square to open or closed, and secondly it creates more club head speed, which in turn will make the ball go farther right or left.

The next time you play golf, stop by the putting green to work on your speed and distance control, and try to find your perfect rhythm. Keep your clubface square and accelerate through the ball. Remember, there is more than one way to putt, do not be afraid to experiment with left hand low, claw, or even the belly putter.

Should you need help with any part of your game, please contact your local PGA Professional and they will be happy to assist you with your golf game.