Putting - 'the game withina game'. Putting is simple, you just need a technique that allows you to start the ball on your intended line, a feel for distance and enough practice to be able to read and predict the break.

Master these three areas and you will be a great putter.

• solid technique to control start direction
• a subconscious reaction for distance control
• the ability to read and predict the break.

Practice should encompass plenty of challenging games and competitions always with a consequence to every shot. Technical practice should be performed away from a hole and off the putting green. Practice should be more difficult than the actual game!

Here is a typical practice set up for short putts:

Key Points for Putting Warm Up Drill

• No Hole
• Target is smaller than a putting cup
• Start at 12 inches and then every putt is approx 3 inches furthe back. Use a tee as a marker
• Alignment aids shouls be used, sticks, chalk line, string etc
• Goal is speed control - every shot should finish within your putters grip of the second coin -the zone. If you miss then you have to start again. it doesnt matter if you miss the first coin. just notice where it goes.
• The first coin is the imaginary hole. The ball should finish as close as possible to second coin
• For added pressure, compete against someone else. if you miss the zone you lose

My No.1 Putting Practice

I developed a putting game I call 'Holers and Laggers' based on scientific research into the key skill aspects of putting.

The key features of the game are:

• Just one ball
• One chance at each putt so very random elements
• The practice is harder than the actual game especially if you use a hole reducer.
• Played competitively against an opponent
• Additional pressure on the 3-6 footers
• Have to lag it close
• Great fun
• Shapens your skills and prepares you for competition

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