The fastest way to cut 4 to 6 strokes off your round is to develop a solid short game. Here are some thoughts about
putting that may help.
If you can read your putts, in other words, see the line--anticipate the correct break--and judge the speed, you are on
your way to being a good putter. You may be having problems in keeping your putter head square to the intended line.
Consider this:
Are you making a "straight back--straight thru" stroke? Check your stroke with the railroad track drill: Place 2 clubs
on the putting green about 4 feet from the hole. keep the clubs about 6 inches apart--Just wide enough so your putter
head moves straight back and thru without the head touching the "railroad tracks" on the ground. NOTE: find the
straightest and flat spot you can on the putting green!
Make some short putts to the hole. Does the putter head hit the railroad tracks in the backswing? It shouldn't. The
putter head should move straight back and thru. Now you have a square putter face. This will help you keep the putt on
line.
Does your stoke resemble a pendulum swinging or have you developed a "flip" (hands too active) in your stroke? Try
hitting a few putts with headcovers under you arms. This will help you feel as if the arms and shoulders are connected
thru the putting stroke. Important: the arms and shoulders should feel like they "ROCK" back and forth thru the stroke
with the lower half of your body completely still.
These are a few of the ideas we use at the Jeff Symmonds Golf Schools--of course there are many more drills to become a
better putter. If you have any questions I encourage you to call me personally, 800 965-9985.
