Golf Fit Series: Make More 3-8′ Putts

Golf Fit Series: Make More 3-8′ Putts

Our Golf Fit topic this week is to make more 3-8′ putts! Everyone has heard the phrase, ” You drive for show, and putt for dough.” If this is true then we need to make more putts. According to Coach David Marchand, strive to make more 3-8 foot putts to improve your golf score. How we are going to do that?

5 simple ways to make more 3-8 footers

  1. Putt straightMake sure you are aiming where you think you are aiming. Draw a straight line on your ball. When putting, aim the line on the intended target line. It should be easier to line your putter up to hit the putt where you want it to go.
  2. Make sure your eye sight, (your eyes) lie over or just inside of the ball. To check this, assume your putting stance over the ball. Then hold another ball directly from where your eyes are. Drop the ball. It should hit the other ball or just inside the ball. If it is outside the ball, you should adjust your posture.
  3. Keep the lower half of your body still. One of the biggest differences between amateur putters and professional putters is the amount of lower body movement on putts. Amateurs move their lower body way too much making it hard to be consistent.
  4. putting set upKeep a consistent stance. Once you find your best putting posture, make a note of your stance in relation to the ball position. For instance your feet may be 2 putter widths from the ball and just inside your lead heel. Finding the same position again and again automatically will help your putting consistency.
  5. Practice! Practice! Practice! Groove your putting stroke with repetitions. Try this putting drill:

 

 

Golf Fit Series: 3 Strategies to Better Your Score

Golf Fit Series: 3 Strategies to Better Your Score on the Course

Now that you’ve properly warmed up, it’s time to play golf! PGA Professional David Marchand shares 3 strategies to utilize early on to lower your score on the golf course.

 

In my opinion, the first step to achieving a better score is to get with your coach.  I highly recommend some lessons early in the year with your favorite PGA Professional to help you identify the good, the bad, and the ugly in your game. Having another set of eyes will help you gain confidence and quickly regain the form you might have lost over the winter break. My 2015 journey started last week with a visit to Metairie Country Club to meet with PGA Professional David Marchand. The million dollar question, “How do I begin to shoot lower scores?” Here is what we came up with:

3 Strategies to shoot lower scores:

1) Minimize the 3 putts by making more short to mid-range putts (3-8 feet). A great tool for practicing your putt is the Accelerator Pro putting mat.

2) Eliminate penalty strokes.  Penalty strokes often come when golfers try to hit low percentage shots. Be realistic with your shot selection. Look for the best option. You should be at least 80% confident that you can make the shot you are trying to hit. If not, re-think the shot. Be 100% committed to the shot before pulling the trigger.

3) Establish a good pre-shot routine.  Find what helps you relax your shoulders and arms, whether a waggle, a practice swing, or a press, and do it every time. Then, find the distance, pick the club, and go with it.

STAY TUNED FOR OUR UPCOMING GOLF FIT TOPICS EVERY THURSDAY:

  • Games and challenges: 5 exercises to increase flexibility and mobility.
  • Golf pain: Improve posture and postural strength to get rid of pain.
  • Putting: Secrets to better putting.
  • Distance: How to hit the ball farther.
  • Performance: Strength and power exercises for golf.
  • Course management. How to get around the course with the right mindset for each shot.

Stay tuned for the next Golf Fit series on Games and Challenges next week!