Speed Control
I can’t seem to consistently make putts from 5 feet and in. My speed control is bad leaving me tough putts for come backers. Can you help? Tom
I want to sincerely thank all my students for writing in questions like Tom did.
I truly enjoy helping each of you with your game and will from time to time, instead of answering on the blog, take your questions and write an article to help them and each of you.
Tom expresses concern on his short putts and the main reason for this problem according to him is his distance control. I break putting down into three areas and you will learn this soon when I release my putting DVD, but the key to making putts boils down to speed, roll, and break. In its simplest form speed is a result of practice and a great drill to help Tom with his speed control is my front, middle, back drill.
- First find a straight putt from about 4 feet.
- Hit the first putt where the ball barely drops in over the front edge.
- Hit the second putt where it falls in the middle of the hole.
- Hit the third putt where it hits off the dirt in the back of the cup before falling in.
- Spend about 5 minutes varying up your objective from front, middle, and back.
- Now practice this drill from about 15 feet with a big breaker and choose your speed and break accordingly. I am not concerned with makes and misses, but most importantly your distance control.
I cover these principles in greater detail in my newly released…
Click here for Putting Series.
Most people struggle with distance control because they do not practice the proper way. Speed in its simplest form boils down to practice and I promise you that most people do not practice their speed control on short putts. In order to improve your short putts it is essential that you practice your speed control on these putts. Working on the front, middle, back drill is a great way to improve your control on these short putts and lower your scores as a result.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
P.S. In my other golf coaching programs, I show you how to get “from tee to green” in far fewer strokes … overnight!
And now that you’re on the green … it’s time you saw just exactly how to sink any putt from any spot!
Check out our newest release by clicking here … The Putting Series.
4 Comments
GOOD ADVICE THAT MOST OF US CAN USE TO OUR FULL BENEFIT.
YESTERDAY WAS MY WORST PUTTING DAY THAT I CAN EVER REMEMBER HAVING IN MY 45 PLUS YEARS OF PLAYING GOLF. IT MADE NO DIFFERENCE IF I HAD A 4 FOOT PUTT OR A 40 FOOT PUTT I HAD NO RHYTHM, NO FEEL, NO TOUCH BUT PLENTY OF THE YEPS. I COULD NOT MAKE A PUTT.
TODAY WAS A NEW DAY AND IN 18 HOLES I ONLY 3 PUTTED 1 HOLE. DO YOU THINK I DID SOMETHING THAT UPSET THE PUTTING GODS YESTERDAY AND THEY WERE PUNISHING ME? OH WELL LESS SEE WHAT TOMORROW BRINGS.
Sam L. Brown,
My putting DVD will teach you plenty of practice drills for speed and that is the key. Please let me know how tomorrow goes.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I have just purchased the dvds and watching and ready to start practicing. I have alot of trouble with the second shot. Here on a lot of the north Tx courses the bermuda is flat and leaving you with a tight lie. I end up topping or hitting it fat (and sore wrists). What can I do to hit the ball clean and crisp?
Tom Hines
Tom Hines,
I understand the lies your discussing as I teach in Dallas. The reason you are hitting these chips fat or thin is because you are breaking your left wrist through impact. I use a term of burning yourself. Have you seen my short game DVD? I give two great drills to fix this, but very quickly make sure your weight is on your left side and make sure you don’t break your left wrist through impact. that will cure your woes for sure. Please keep me informed and let me know if this helps.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ