Inside Golf - September 2010

September 2010 www.insidegolf.com.au........................................................................................................................................................... ONCOURSEINS TRUCTION

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Now that we have an understanding on what affects the speed of a green, I would like to show you some simple drills that will help you develop a better understanding for getting a good speed for your putts.

Firstly, getting the correct speed does take practice and patience, however I believe if you can practice these next two drills regularly, you will get a better understanding of how to properly putt the ball at different distances when you are required during a round.

The first drill that I would like you to consider is a drill that I call “The speed drill”. To practice this drill you will need four balls and four tees. Simply place the four tees as seen in picture 1 — roughly four -metres apart on the green. Then, practice putting each ball to a different tee. Do it from both ends a couple of times. Try not to be too concerned with the line of the putt, simply try to get the ball the same distance as the tee.

Once you have developed a good feel for each putt, then mix it up by putting to the first tee and then the fourth tee. Doing this will help you get a better feel for longer and then shorter putts. Before you finish doing this drill you can challenge yourself by only finishing when you have done four great putts to each tee from both ends. If you can practice this drill for only 20 minutes a week, I’m sure that you will have more confidence at putting the ball at a good speed once you are out playing in your next event.

The second drill that will help you is very simple one. I call it the “Goldilocks Drill” Simply line up to a putt from over two metres, and then have a practice stroke that you think would make the putt go too far past the hole. Next, have a practice stroke that you feel would make the putt go well short of the hole. For the third stroke I want you to line up to the ball and have a stroke that you feel will be in the middle of those two strokes and then putt the ball to the hole. Quite often your putt will roll very close to the hole.

This drill reminds me of the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, where Goldilocks tries each of the beds; one is too hard, the other is too soft, but the third is just right (can you tell that I have kids?).

If you can practice this drill from different lengths on the putting green I’m sure that you will gain a better understanding of getting the speed correct.

So, the next time you are out practicing on the putting green try these two simple drills and I’m sure that they will help you improve.;

The Speed Drill will help you generate a good feel for putts of different lengths and speeds

Kurt Stegbauer is the 2009 NSW PGA Coach of the Year, and is the Head Professional and Director of Coaching at The Ridge Golf Course and Driving Range. Phone: 02 9541 4960 or www. theridgegolf.com.au