| If you're a beginner, learning the basics of | | | | powerful swings. But if you take a wild whack |
| golf putting can be like playing in a one-man | | | | at a ball, the odds are great that it will |
| band. You have to successfully blend | | | | fly off into the not-so-distant horizon. And |
| different styles, processes and elements | | | | that is not what a good putt makes. |
| together into one harmonious golfing | | | | |
| symphony. | | | | A putt, by definition, is a light and gentle |
| | | | stroke meant to cause the golf ball to roll |
| Since your posture and stance can affect how | | | | straight into the hole. Without restraint, |
| well you putt, the first thing to consider is | | | | those light and gentle strokes won't be easy |
| the way you stand. To execute the ideal putt, | | | | to accomplish, let alone master. Putting, |
| your arms and shoulders should be left to do | | | | therefore, requires a lot of discipline and |
| majority of the work. Because stooping | | | | control. Keep in mind that your objective is |
| prevents you from swinging your arms freely, | | | | to make the ball roll not fly. If you can |
| it is important for you to stand tall and | | | | muster Zen-like calm with each putt, then so |
| with your legs slightly astride. Some experts | | | | much the better. |
| suggest that you to spread your feet apart no | | | | |
| greater than the width of your hips. This | | | | Another key element in putting is where you |
| will ensure greater balance and mobility as | | | | set your sights. You should keep an eye on |
| you take your swing. | | | | the ball before you make your swing. But you |
| | | | must also take care to keep your head |
| Once you've adopted the right posture, | | | | perfectly still during and moments after your |
| finding the best position for the golf ball | | | | stroke. No matter how slight, any unnecessary |
| can make all the difference. As a general | | | | movement while swinging could throw your aim |
| rule, the ball should be close to you, enough | | | | off and ruin your putt. Instead of physically |
| to make it nearly parallel to the tip of your | | | | tracking it, make it a habit to visualize the |
| nose. This allows you to swing at it without | | | | ball's path in your mind's eye. |
| over-stretching your arms. The ball should | | | | |
| also be positioned towards your stance's left | | | | Above all, practice. Whether you're swinging |
| of center so that it can connect squarely | | | | on the greens or putting into a cup set on a |
| with the putter's clubhead. | | | | carpeted floor, practice, practice, practice. |
| | | | Experiment with different speeds and |
| How you grasp the putter also determines your | | | | distances. Set goals as to the number of |
| putting success. Clutching it in a | | | | balls you can sink in succession and then |
| stranglehold could throw your swing off. By | | | | gradually increase your limit as you improve. |
| holding the club lightly in your hands, you | | | | Take note of the techniques that bring you |
| will be able to swing it with greater comfort | | | | the most excellent results. |
| and ease. Therefore, your grip should, in | | | | |
| effect, be more of a relaxed non-grip. For | | | | By constantly challenging yourself and |
| best results, you should treat the club as an | | | | refining your methods, you'll eventually |
| extension of your hands. | | | | discover the rhythm that works best for you. |
| | | | Once you have that down pat, you'll be able |
| Restraint is another element that is vital in | | | | to compose and orchestrate a symphony of |
| putting. Many beginners equate golf with | | | | putting perfection. |