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There is no one way to putt correctly and even professional golfers change the mechanics of their golf putting from time to time. If your golf putt is already good then do NOT change it. However, if you feel you could improve on it then the first thing you might consider is changing your putter.
The difference that a belly putter can make to your golf game was most notable when Colin Montgomerie changed from his conventional putter to a belly putter. The great advantage of a belly putter is that having the butt of the putter wedged into your midriff allows a clean pendulum movement and no independent movement of the arms or hands. This is one of the most common causes of putting problems. The belly putter is very easy to use and does not require any modification of your normal putting grip or putting position. Most belly putters are slightly longer than normal putters and when choosing your belly putter it is important to get one which is the correct length for you. The grip end of the belly putter should be 5 centimeters or about 2 inches above your navel.
Whether you choose a belly putter, a longer, more awkward broom handle putter or a conventional putter, the best players are those who keep it simple. The more difficult type of putter is the blade putter but when Ping very successfully launched a face - balanced putter that had the elegant look of the blade putter but with the head at an angle of 45 degrees to the ground, it was preferred by many golfers. It has become the most commonly used putter head in use now as it offers a steady feel for golfers when addressing the ball. There is however no correct putter as different putters suit different players with different golfing techniques.
The putting grip is very important as a good player has a relaxed grip and does not allow wrist movement to affect the putting shot. Grip the putter with the palms of both hands parallel and both thumbs facing down the shaft of the putter. Your grip should be firm enough to control the putter but not tight enough to create tension. Excessive grip tension is one of the leading causes of bad putting and awareness of this will greatly improve your putting. Hold the putter just firmly enough to maintain control of it.
Keep your putting simple. Hold the triangle that is formed between the shoulders and the arms constant during the putting swing, allow that arm - shoulder triangle to do the putting. Concentrate on keeping the hands and the wrists out of the shot completely.
It is also important to address the ball correctly. Your feet, hips and shoulders should be loosely squared with your feet shoulder-width apart, the ball slightly to the left of center and your eyes directly over the ball. Keep your head lowered as you turn to look at the target. This will give a more accurate view of the path the ball must take towards the target.
Study the ground beforehand and check the line of the green from several angles. Watch your golf partner and see how the ball reacts for them, do not putt until you are ready but do not agonize over a putting shot for too long. Check the fall of the green and take note of any wind on the day.
If it has to be a long putt, then distance is more important than trying to hole the putt. Practice putting a target with your eyes closed..... hit a putt and try to estimate how far the ball has gone. You will very quickly learn to gauge the distance a particular shot will drive the ball.
And finally, when you develop a putting technique that works for you, STICK WITH IT!
For more information and tips on improving your game of golf, check out
My name is Joe O Grady and I have a passion for golf. I have spent the last few years learning the game and trying to perfect my play each time.My wife has also taken up golf and is just as enthusiastic as I am. It keeps us fit, active, alert and has made us so many new friends. It is hard not to seem over enthusiastic but the difference that such a relatively new hobby has made to our lives is incredible and it is so exhilarating to learn something new and to be so competent when you are in you 60s. To check out more click on http://www.mollieogrady11.com/products/golf/
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