In 2019, 108 million Americans played, watched, or read about golf. That amounts to one in three people ages 6 and up!
And with the benefits of golf ranging from physical exercise to mental stimulation, it’s no wonder that interest in the sport is rising.
But you don’t have to be a pro golfer to reap the benefits of putting! If you’re just starting out, here are some of the best golf putting tips for beginners.
- Practice Your Stroke
The average cost for beginning golf equipment — woods, irons, and a putter — will run you about $200. Before you invest in a putter, it’s important to know which ones will suit your stroke style.
The arcing stroke is when the putter’s path curves, creating an “arc” or “rainbow” path as you complete the back-and-forth putting motion.
The straight back, straight forward stroke is exactly as the name suggests: The putter’s path stays straight as you complete your swing.
Practice both and get a feel for what works best for you. Then, look for putters designed for that type of stroke — that way, you won’t have to replace a putter that isn’t meeting your needs.
- Learn Speed Control
The wrong speed could cost you valuable points. Hit the ball too slowly, and you’ll come up short and never reach the hole. Hit it too fast, and you’ll end up feet ahead of where you were aiming.
A good rule of thumb is to use enough force to send the ball 6-12 inches ahead of the hole. That way, if you miss, you won’t have to make too many maneuvers to get the ball in the hole.
The right tees will go a long way as you practice your putting speed. Consider using durable tees that double as ball markers, like those from Yatta Golf. This will help you evaluate the accuracy of your strokes.
- Use Repetitive Drills
The age-old adage “practice makes perfect” rings just as true for golf. Each practice session, aim for 100 putt repetitions. You can improve even faster and take several strokes off your score by increasing your reps.
Additionally, consider using drills that replicate the circumstances you might encounter on the greens. For example, how will you work under pressure? Over long distances? On a slope?
To enhance your putting precision, try the gate drill. Place two tee pegs on either side of the hole, and see how many holes you can land without brushing the pegs. This will help you reduce your score, without the pressure of an actual competition.
For putting on slopes, try the clockface drill. Find a hole on a slope, and treat it like a clock. Place four balls two feet away at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 intervals on the clock face.
Focus on landing each ball in the hole, and once you do, gradually increase your distance from the hole — 3 feet, 4 feet, and so on.
Countless other drills have proven successful for pro golfers. The trick is finding what works for you.
More Golf Putting Tips
As with any sport, golfing takes practice. One of the biggest golf putting tips to remember is not to give up when you get discouraged. Assess your weaknesses, and find the right techniques to address them.
Whether you golf in your own backyard or with a club, these tips will help establish a solid foundation in no time.
Looking for more ways to perfect your game? Check out the sports section of our blog for more helpful tips and tricks!