The heading for this tip may seem like it does not make sense, but if you think about it, is your putting at a level to win?
No golfer likes to lose nor wants to lose, but are you skilled and prepared to win? Most golfers will answer yes to being skilled and prepared to win, but what or who are they comparing themselves too? It is very common when speaking with golfers that the reason a player did not end the round well or win the match was simply because the player did not putt well.
The questions can be asked, “Was the golfer unlucky?” “Was the golfer put off by the putting surface?” or “Was the golfer not skilled enough?” The answer can be any of the above, but to the player who consistently putts well, there is a formula which makes them a great putter. The formula for great putting is simply this: Have a putter that is fitted for you, learn to read greens well, be taught a consistent technique, and be positive.
All the above points are important, but it is very hard to have a consistent stroke if you do not practice, it is hard to learn how to read greens if you do not practice, it is hard to be positive if you do not have a consistent stroke, and it is difficult to have a good stroke if your putter is not fitted to your setup. Many golfers believe that all putters are the same with different branding and price tags, but if you take the time to try different putters or simply get fitted correctly, you will be amazed at the positive results. I hear many golfers who have the same $5 putter which they bought in a bargain barrel 20 years ago. They feel that they putt well with it, but who or what are they comparing their putting too? As I keep saying to those who I assist with their putting, either with a Puttlab session or a basic putting lesson, there is no reason why any golfer, of any handicap or age, cannot be the best putter in the world!
There are many ways to get fitted. Being tested on my Puttlab program is one way, because it gives you a detailed report on your stroke and putter when being fitted. You can simply get measured as to how tall you are and how long your arms are, but this does not tell us what your stroke path is like. If you are serious about improving your putting, tick off the points I have stated above and I can guarantee that your putting will improve!