Putting is often cited as the most important part of golf, accounting for nearly half the shots taken on the course. Unsurprisingly, mastering your putting stroke and finding the right putter for your game can make a dramatic difference in your scores. We get it, hitting a hundred putts might seem less fun than smashing a hundred drives, but here at OGP you can have fun doing both, and, if you want to, we can help you find the perfect putter.
The Importance of Putting
While driving distance and iron play are important, putting is where most golfers can see the biggest improvement in their scores. Shaving just a few putts per round can often take several strokes off your total. Consider this: if you average 36 to 34 would save you 2 strokes. That could be two birdies or two huge par saves! Many golfers, and I know this personally, don’t spend time after a bad round reflecting on that one wayward drive. Rather, we pine over that “easy 5 footer that we totally could’ve made”.
Putting also has a compounding effect. Making more putts means you’ll be more confident over the ball, meaning you’ll stroke it well and continue making them. It’s a cycle that can really boost your scores.
One putt can be monumental, so take it into your own hands to hone that skill as much as possible.
Mastering Your Stroke
To become a great putter, consistent practice is key. Spend time on the green and focus on developing a smooth, consistent stroke. With our Wellputt BigTilt putting platform, you can project a stroke grid onto the green and over time, you’ll get really comfortable matching your feel and tempo to stroke length and distance control. The BigTilt putting platform is a complete putting training solution that aids the golfer in developing green reading skills as well as the “Make-it-mindset”.
Check out this reel on the platform to learn more.
Understanding speed and line
In putting, it is important to not only read the green correctly, but also to understand how speed and line interact. You can start a ball on two very different lines, but both lines can lead to that ball dropping-it just depends on your speed. This is all easy to say and much harder to see and feel. With the BigTilt platform however, you can see start lines that correspond to the amount of tilt in the platform and therefore the slope of the green. You will be given different starting line options and can experiment with your speed in response to these lines. The way you visualize a putt falling into the hole is extremely important, and this technology allows you to practice this concept.
Short and Long Putts
With the BigTilt platform, you can practice putts anywhere from under 4 feet to 15 feet away from the hole. You can tilt the platform to the left or to the right depending on your preference, or you can practice super-straight putts and dial in your stroke. With the option to practice both the long and short putts, you can see how the influence of slope differs according to distance.
The Putter
It’s also important to find the right putter for your stroke. Putter designs vary in things like head shape, face angle, length, and grip style. The best putter for you will match your natural stroke and hand position. Here at OGP, we can fit you with the perfect putter and grip. See our last blog post to learn about the clubs we offer! Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different putter options. The “right” putter can be highly personal and individual to each golfer’s stroke. What works best for your friend or favorite pro may not be ideal for your game.
With dedicated practice and the right putter in hand, putting can become the strongest part of your golf arsenal. Stay patient, trust your stroke, and watch those scores drop.
Visit us to try out our BigTilt platform or to book a putter fitting!
Happy putting!
