The average golfer takes 43 percent of his or
her shots from the putting green. This means that putting plays a pivotal role
in the game of golf.
Golfing success demands the composite of a great
player and a great putter. Perfect putting is the dream of any golfer.
Putting on the green is an art in itself.
Putting
is an art because there are no hard and fast rules regarding how one
should deliver the perfect putt. Putting is an art because it is a reflection
of the philosophy and personal traits of the putter. As such, most golfers have
come to believe that "putters are born, not made." Be that as
it may, these personal characteristics, such as the power of imagination, the
finesse of touch, and the accuracy of judgment
can be cultivated and acquired simply by changing the way you think
about putting.
The Basic Elements of Perfect Putting
A good putter must have the capability to assess
the green.
A good putter must have the vivid imagination
and sharp eyesight requisite in a good survey of the green to predetermine the
amount of break on side-hill putts, thereby instrumental in determining the
"line" of the putt.
A good putter must be able to analyze the unique
characteristics of a green, such as the speed of the green -- fast, hard, slow
or soft, and to determine the contour of the green -- sloping one way or the
other. An acute awareness of the particular characteristics of the green may
help the decision on the strategy before even stepping on the first tee.
A good putter must be able to gauge the distance
consistently, especially on long putts. Accurate judgment may help striking a
"specialized" stroke.
A good putter must be able to control the stroke
and the placement of the ball. A good putter must putt the ball consistently
and confidently, such that the ball is put within an inch or two of the
targeted spot. Such confidence is often reflected in the positive attitude, the
targeted concentration, and relaxed mentality of the putter.
A good artist relies on his or her tools, and
this is also true of a good putter, who needs to experiment different equipment
before "feeling good" on one that will inspire confidence in
delivering the perfect putt.
A good putter must know how to choose his or her
equipment. The art of choosing the right size of the equipment depends on the
physique, the height, and the arm length of an individual; while the choice of
the weight of the equipment is contingent on the individual's preference for
power deliverance or delicacy of touch. A heavier equipment may give you more
power at the expense of being more difficult to exercise control on a slick
green. You must learn the art of arriving at a compromise between power and
touch in your choice of your equipment, such that your equipment may become an
asset, not a liability, in your putting.
Stephen Lau
Copyright© by Stephen Lau
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