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