An important aspect of putting is confidence, which generally stems from past success in speed control on breaking putts, reading greens properly and starting the ball on the intended line.
I like to use a drill with a yardstick that is excellent for visual feedback necessary to improve. Here’ s how it works:
Get a wooden or metal yardstick and find a straight putt.
Place the stick on the green with it ending at the hole. It’s important that the putt doesn’t break right or left.
Place your ball at the start of the stick and take your address.
Hit the putt and keep the ball on the stick until it drops in the hole.
Because the yardstick is elevated and narrower than the width of the cup, you’ll quickly see if your ball is heading off line. If you leave the clubface open, the ball will fall off the right side; if the face is closed, it will fall to the left.
Consistently hit the ball down the yardstick without it falling off and your short putts will be easier and your confidence will grow.
Devan Bonebrake is owner of the Southern California Golf Academy at Carlsbad Golf Center and one of Golf Digest’s Top Young Teachers in America. He can be reached at (503) 706-7187 or southerncalgolfacademy.com.
