Tips From the Pro's

Putting There is no skill in golf where confidence demonstrates itself so dramatically as in putting. Good putting starts with a good attitude, and that attitude is I CAN PUTT!
Attitude is important	Although one may not believe in psychokinesis (the ability to move objects with one's mind), it almost appears possible in putting at times. Any golfer who has experienced the feeling that a particular putt was going to drop, even before he or she hit it, and then makes it happen gets the sensation that one can literally will the ball into the hole. What is actually happening is that a positive attitude allows the player to make his best stroke which markedly increases his chances for success.
Detrimental yips	On the other end of the spectrum is the feeling that "there is no way I'm going to make this putt." This attitude can cause dire consequences, especially on short putts. The spasmodic reflex action of the hands over a short putt is commonly referred to as the "yips". Players seldom yip long putts because they are not expected to make them. A higher expectation level happens on short putts and the yipper feels greater levels of self-imposed pressure. It is this pressure to "not fail", which, when it gets out of hand, expresses itself in many of the classic symptoms of acute fear: tremors of the hands, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, weakness in the knees, etc. The fear of missing putts comes from remembering past missed putts.
Tips to Combat the "yips"	Employ selective memory. Forget the bad experiences and shots, focus on the good ones. Get things into perspective. Making or missing a putt has little influence on mankind or the course of history. A miss will not cause the player to lose his life, health, family, home or anything of real value...so what's to fear? Develop a routine which totally occupies the mind so that the act of putting becomes so methodical that once the routine is set in motion the act of putting becomes automatic. Mechanics are very important in successful putting. Develop a routine focusing on these three things: proper alignment, no movement with the lower body and little or no breaking of the wrists.
Drill Idea	A good drill for learning to keep the wrists firm is to place a ball between your right wrist and the grip. Then hit some practice putts, making sure the ball stays in place. To do this, the hands simply hold the putter rather than swinging it. Use your forearms to create movement of the stroke, if you make a wristy stroke, the ball will drop out

Home ~ Club House ~ Course ~ Pro Tips ~ email