Golf is a game where a player hits a golf ball from a tee to the hole in the smallest number of strokes.
Part of a golf game involves Putting.
Here are fabulous background putting facts to get you going.
Putting is when a golf ball is gently hit with a club to get it into or nearer the hole.
The ball never leaves the ground which differs from the earlier action of the long drive to swing the ball into the air as close as possible to the hole.
Putting is the final stage of each hole.
The area where you putt is called a putting green and is an area of very short grass for a smoother effect to enable the ball to roll large distances, if desired.
A cup or hole is situated on the green somewhere for the ball to roll into.
It usually has a flag on a pole positioned in it so that the hole can be seen from a long distance, but not from the tee.
The cup position changes.
Greens can have variable quality eg some greens are very fast with closely mown grass.
The roll of the ball can be affected by growth direction of the grass blades and slope of the green.
The club you use for putting is called a Putter.
The Putter has a flat face and is designed to roll the ball along the ground as opposed to the woods and irons designed to lift the ball off the ground.
You can buy a putter to suit you.
Putting involves a grip and swing technique which is different than the long drive.
You need to grip the putter in the palms of your hands so that your hand movement is reduced ( as opposed to the long drive where the finger grip to allows more wrist action ) The interlocking grip, where the little finger of the right hand and the index finger of the left hand interlock, is a good grip to use.
You can test both types of grip out on a club, broomstick or similar item by looking in the mirror and taking a mock swing.
Take note of the difference between the freer long drive grip and the less mobile putting grip.
You can also follow instructions from a golf instructor if need be.
The swing is a more gentle action than the long drive.
It is still important to set up the swing with your grip, as mentioned, and suitable posture.
You need to also be relaxed so you can swing the ball in the right direction more easily.
When you are on the green do not spend too much time on the putt before you hit the ball, otherwise you could tense up and strike badly.
A good idea is to breath in and mentally draw a line from your ball to the hole.
Then breath out, let your body relax and send the ball in the right direction with a good speed.
To help you draw a line from the ball to the hole, stand close to the ball and keep your eyes directly over the ball.
If you minimise use of wrists and use your shoulders like a pendulum your putter head will move in a more consistent way.
If there are any unusual movements on the ball, then it could fall short of the ball.
If you hit the ball too hard the the ball could roll off the green.
Rely on your natural ability, previous practise and experience.
Putts account for 40% of the golf score and so you want to do your best here.
So it is down to practise to improve your putting technique.
You can warm up before a game on all sorts of green surfaces - uphill, downhill, straight.
It is important to master the short putts ( 5 to 10 feet ) as well as the longer putts if you are having problems gauging distance.
You can also practise away from the golf course like at home or on holiday.
Just remember to practise a putting style to suit you.
Next time you are on the putting green just remember to grab the putter using the palms of your hands, with a grip to suit you, like the interlocking grip, relax, line up the ball with the hole, swing gently and roll that ball into the hole.
Your focus, determination and practise will put you in great stead for many successful putts to come.