Start Making More 3-Footers
DISTANCE CONTROL FROM THREE FEET IS ESENTIAL
The final two are dedicated to distance control. A good putter does not mind having a 30-foot putt uphill on the first hole and then a 15-foot putt straight downhill on the second hole. We can constantly make adjustments throughout the round for our distance control. Let me share with you the two secrets why. #1. It does not matter whether we have a three foot putt or a 30 foot putt, our stroke is ALWAYS the same. Our stroke is 1/3 back and 2/3 through. Of course it is always relavent to the distance we have to roll the golf ball. Shorter in the backswing and longer in the through swing. The second reason is we make contact with the sweet spot of the putter. The combination of a shorter backswing + longer follow through + solid impact=consistent distance control.
This is exactly where you begin to struggle. Most amateur golfers have a longer backswing+shorter follow through+off center impact=inconsistent distance control. I will take it a step further. Great putters develop distance control in putting with a short backswing and a longer follow through. The reason they do this is to maintain a smoother stroke through impact.
If the putter head is moving faster in the downswing it is easier to control impact on the face of the putter. On the other hand if the putter head is slowing down as it arrives at the golf ball there is potential for off center hits. There is yet another challenge with a putter head that is loosing speed at impact. It is nearly impossible to develop consistent distance control when the putter is striking the golf ball as it is slowing down instead of speeding up.
The number one problem amateurs face with 3-foot putts is inconsistent impact. Not all 3-foot putts are straight however you have to hit them with authority. When you hit a short putt you have to be committed to the line and strike it with conviction. If at any moment you slow the putter down the putt will not stay on line. Lastly, it is nearly impossible to have consistent touch with a putter that is slowing down. You will strike one putt to firm and the next one to soft.
STRAIGHT BACK + STRAIGHT THROUGH + EXCELERATING CLUB HEAD + SOLID IMPACT=1 PUTT INSIDE 3 FEET…
Join me tomorrow for a lesson on how to stop hitting your chip shots thin-topped-and to the right.
Golfingly yours,
Bobby
