**The Secret to Breaking 90: Mastering the Art of Putting**
As golfers, we’ve all been there – standing over a putt, feeling the pressure, and hoping for the best. But what if you could develop a consistent putting stroke that would help you break through the 90 barrier and become a more confident golfer on the course?
According to eight-time PGA Tour champion and Rory McIlroy’s putting coach, Brad Faxon, it all starts with a solid setup. In this article, we’ll explore the key elements to check before you even start putting, as well as some expert tips to help you master the 60-40 technique and take your game to the next level.
**Check Your Setup**
Before you even start putting, it’s essential to ensure your setup is correct. Faxon emphasizes the importance of having a consistent setup, which he calls the “four don’ts.” These are:
1. **Correct Posture and Body Alignment**: Faxon divides body alignment into two parts: lower body and upper body. To achieve proper lower body alignment, he recommends keeping the ankles, knees, and hips in line with each other. For upper-body alignment, he suggests keeping the nose, shirt buttons, and belt buckles in a straight line.
2. **Center of Gravity and Ball Position**: Faxon recommends having the center of gravity slightly forward and the ball positioned slightly inside the front heel. He also suggests imagining a weight distribution of 55-45, with more weight on the left or front side.
3. **Forearm at Right Angles to the Target Line**: Faxon emphasizes the importance of keeping the forearm at right angles to the target line. This ensures that the putter face is square to the target and helps maintain consistency.
4. **Correct Distance from Ball and Eye Position**: Faxon suggests maintaining the correct distance from the ball and eye position, which can be calibrated using a putting scope. He recommends holding a mirror at right angles to the target line, placing a ball on the mirror, and setting it. This will help you achieve the optimal eye position.
**Adopt the 60-40 Technique**
A common misconception among golfers is that they need to accelerate at impact to achieve a consistent putting stroke. However, research by Joe Hallet and Joe Plecker, two golf top 100 coaches, shows that accelerating the ball or going from short to long is actually detrimental to the stroke.
Instead, they recommend the 60-40 technique, which involves a longer backstroke and shorter straight stroke. This technique has been shown to reduce acceleration instability, increase speed control, and minimize clubface rotation at impact.
To try out the 60-40 technique, place two lights on the putting green, one 10 feet from the hole and the other 20 feet away. Practice hitting putts from the 10-foot distance to the 20-foot distance, focusing on maintaining a consistent stroke and avoiding acceleration. As you get the hang of it, you can gradually increase the distance and challenge yourself with more difficult putts.
**Frequently Asked Questions**
Q: What are the benefits of having a consistent putting setup?
A: A consistent putting setup can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve accuracy and consistency, and increase confidence on the course.
Q: Why is it important to keep the forearm at right angles to the target line?
A: Keeping the forearm at right angles to the target line ensures that the putter face is square to the target, which helps maintain consistency and accuracy.
Q: How do I determine the correct distance from the ball and eye position?
A: You can determine the correct distance from the ball and eye position by holding a mirror at right angles to the target line, placing a ball on the mirror, and setting it. This will help you achieve the optimal eye position.
**Conclusion**
Developing a consistent putting stroke is essential for breaking through the 90 barrier and becoming a more confident golfer on the course. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can master the art of putting and take your game to the next level. Remember to check your setup, adopt the 60-40 technique, and practice consistently to achieve optimal results. Happy putting!**Unlock the Secrets to Becoming a Better Putter**
Becoming a skilled putter is a crucial aspect of mastering the game of golf. In this article, we will explore three key elements that will help you improve your putting game: setting up your putter correctly, learning to read greens, and practicing consistently.
**Setting Up Your Putter Correctly**
The first step to becoming a better putter is to set up your putter correctly. To do this, place tee boxes into the ground to mark the length of your shot. One tee box should represent the length of your backstroke, which should be two-thirds of the length of your straight stroke. For example, if your backstroke is six inches, your straight stroke should be about three inches.
Mark your ball locations to calculate the distance of each ball, and then place the ball parallel to where you set your shot. Retract your putter and stop the backstroke at the corresponding tee. From here, let your putter “drop” into the ball and stop straight on the front tee. By following this setup, you will start to notice that your putters are a few inches away from each other, and over time, you should make more consistent mid-face shots, allowing for better distance control and improved feel on the greens.
**Learning to Read Greens**
The right setup and solid shots will take you a long way, but if you want to become a truly great putter, you have to learn to read the green. This super simple method from Carly Schneider can help.
To use Schneider’s method, ask yourself two questions:
* Uphill or downhill?
* Is it moving to the left or to the right?
You can answer these questions by looking at your putter from the side, the other side of the hole, or even using a handy green reading book. When you understand the contours of the green and how they will affect your putts, you’ll make your putts closer to the hole and reduce those pesky three-putts.
**Practice, Practice, Practice**
Now, I know I said there were only three keys, but in order to become a great putter, you have to put all of them into practice. There are tons of helpful drills that can help you control distance, lock in short putts, and even feel more confident on those tricky sliders.
**FAQ**
Q: What is the most important element of setting up my putter correctly?
A: The most important element is to make sure your backstroke is two-thirds the length of your straight stroke.
Q: How do I adjust my putter to take into account the contours of the green?
A: You can use Schneider’s method by asking yourself two questions: “Uphill or downhill?” and “Is it moving to the left or to the right?”
Q: What is the most effective way to practice my putting?
A: The most effective way is to put all three keys into practice: setting up your putter correctly, learning to read greens, and practicing consistently.
**Conclusion**
Becoming a better putter takes time, practice, and patience. By following the three keys outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to improving your putting game. Remember to always practice consistently, read the greens carefully, and set up your putter correctly. With dedication and persistence, you’ll be sinking more putts and dominating the greens in no time.
