GOLF PUTTING TIPS: Mastering any golf stroke can feel like an exercise in extreme multi-tasking. From the bend in your knees to the angle of your clubface to the position of your wrists, there are dozens of factors that could make or break your stroke. Putting is no different.
As Director of Instruction at the Todd Kolb Golf Academy and US Golf TV, one of my greatest priorities is breaking down these complex concepts into simple, game-changing tips. A few basic drills can help you train your body to do the right things naturally.
I'm going to share a couple of my favorite putting drills. These are super simple exercises that can have a huge impact on your putting. The first drill will help you finally kick a bad habit you probably already know you have. The second drill will help you master a secret putting concept you've likely never heard before. Let's get started...
As a golf coach, I cringe every time I hear the advice, "Don't move your head."
It's not that the advice is wrong; it's that it isn't helpful. It's negative advice that complicates the issue by placing focus on the error instead of highlighting a specific solution. That's why I want you to stop reminding yourself to "not move your head," and think instead of keeping your head still. Or, more specifically, keep your gaze on your golf ball’s position at setup.
Here is a simple drill to help you fight that instinct to turn your head. All you need is a ball, a putter, and a single golf tee.
The Golf Tee Drill:
Take your setup.
Hold the golf tee in your teeth with the end pointing down at your golf ball.
When you take your putt, keep the tee pointed at the original placement of the ball until the ball is gone.
That's it. Just by focusing on pointing that tee in one spot, you give yourself a new task that keeps your mind--and gaze--from gravitating toward the target. As a result, your head stays down, your position stays steady, and you maintain control over your stroke. Run this drill regularly, and soon you won't have to remind yourself of the same old advice you've heard hundreds of times.
