3 putting questions…

[MannJ]

I have read these tips in multiple places and wanted to ask for input on if you do this and any additional feedback 

 

1) having a forward press while putting 

2) targeting a spot in line of hole/target line, a few inches from ball

3) no practice strokes before putt

[jholz]

Quick answer...

 

#1 really depends on personal technique and the putter you are using. Some find it indispensable, others find it really problematic. 

 

#2 is a very good technique that I use myself. Putting is fickle. Some days they go in. Some days they don't.

All you can do is take the best read you can and ensure you hit the putt solidly and on your intended line. Focusing on a simple point in front of the ball (rather than the hole) does help many of us to adopt this mindset. 

 

#3 - again, a personal preference in my opinion. I don't take practice strokes on the green as a general rule. Others would completely disagree. 

 

At the end of the day, I think there are three steps to avoiding three putts:

 

1. Find a putter you like that fits your stroke. 

2. Develop a decent mental perspective (the book "Zen Putting" isn't a bad place to start).

3. Get to the practice green regularly. 

[Itsjustagame]

These are all things some golfers do that helps their putting. 

Putting is very individualistic though, and you will only know if it help you by trying them.

Putting grip, stance, and ball position are other things you might consider, and a putter style/weight that you have confidence in.

 

[MelloYello]

39 minutes ago, MannJ said:

1) having a forward press while putting 

2) targeting a spot in line of hole/target line, a few inches from ball

3) no practice strokes before putt

 

None of these things are fundamentally good or bad, IMHO. 

 

I don't forward press. I think whether that feels good and helps is based on how a particular person feels when they putt and how they physically move the putter back and through. 

 

I have nothing to say about #2. I don't know how it would even be done. I use an alignment line so from an alignment perspective, I'm focused on the ball itself. I'm certainly not worried about the hole out in the distance or some other spot I shouldn't even be able to really see when looking down at the ball/putter. 

 

I don't really practice stroke/swing in any capacity on the golf course unless I'm particularly unsure of what I'm doing. If a shot/putt is particularly unique I may try and find a rhythm. Sometimes with putting it's beneficial to try a practice motion that is "too weak" followed by one that is "too powerful" so that the "perfect" stroke emerges as a goldilocks type of thing. Establishing an upper/lower limit like that can be particularly helpful on really long putts. 

Edited December 11, 2023 by MelloYello

[Sean124]

1. I‘ve never liked forward pressing, but it works for lots of people.

 

2. I do this most of the time on shorter putts. I look at the ball on longer putts. 
 

3. I might take a couple practice strokes from behind, but never after I approach the ball. 

[wrx_junki]

#1 I used to forward press as a trigger to start my putting stroke just like my irons.

#2 Yes and no. Makeable putts I use the line on my ball and longer putts I pick out a spot in front of the ball and try to get it started on that line and focus on speed.

#3 No practice stroke. Just a waggle back and or forth to loosen the shoulders/body.

 

Take a slow-mo video of the putter contact from face on and DTL to see which gets the ball rolling on line the best. If you want to get crazy, I like to change delivery depending on the hairyness.

[getitdaily]

1 - nope. Makes me hit down on the ball

2. Nope. 

3. Nope. I always take 2 or 3 without stopping so I have an idea of stroke length and affirm tempo. My practice strokes are always while looking at my target spot near the hole.

[Robert L.]

2 hours ago, MannJ said:

1) having a forward press while putting 

2) targeting a spot in line of hole/target line, a few inches from ball

3) no practice strokes before putt

1) No, I find it redundant. I'm sure it works for some, and I've tried it, but ultimately it's not for me. I use a different trigger, which leads to...

2) This is my swing trigger. As I'm getting ready I take one last look at the hole, then I let my eyes move so I'm looking at a spot a few inches in front of the ball on the line I've chosen, then pull the trigger. The ball MUST pass over that spot!

3) Definitely two or three practice strokes. I use Aimpoint, so all I have to worry about is pace. The practice strokes help me determine the pace of the putt.

[dfeldss]

All very personal things - probably won't be a consensus but:

 

1. I dont forward press

2. I do generally try and find a spot 

3. No practice strokes for me. Putting got so much better when i quit taking them. No longer worried about making the perfect stroke. Just trust my read and trust my brain to get me in the ballpark with distance. 

[ferrispgm]

1. I tried forward pressing before and all it did was mess up my face angle so I stopped.  I just set my hands slightly ahead now instead of pressing.

2. Yes, 6 inches or so in front of the ball I find a spot and try to roll it somewhere over that spot.

3. I stopped practice strokes a few years ago and my speed control got a ton better.  Just aim, make sure I'm set up properly and go.  I've always been someone who does better stepping up and just going in any sort of tossing sport.  Darts..grab a dart from other hand hand and look and toss immediately, no need to stare or rehearse the arm motion.  Corn hole, grab a bag and look/toss in 1 motion. Even in pool, no practice stroke, just aim and go.  

[MBAndrews21]

Probably don't want anything excessively forward or anything that leans back.

 

I pick out a spot in front of the ball to line the putt up but I don't think about that spot while I putt. 

 

I don't use practice strokes as I've found that they often aren't anything like your normal stroke. 

[sheepdawg]

1. Yes, get's things started.

2. Yes, on longer putts. On shorter putts it's something by the hole or the hole.

3. Not a practice stroke but a back and forth with the putter, sort of a rhythmic stroking. I fight taking the putter back too inside so this reminds me to take the putter back smooth and straight.

[hammersia]

1. I believe the forward press, done well, is more about setting a great putting rhythm, rather than a trigger as such. Watch videos of Daly from the 90s for example. Not mastered it myself as I get worried about changing face aim and loft. 

2. Not mastered it, but am trying to get into it using the Trevino "head moving the putterhead" backswing. 

3. Yep, no practice stroke is good.

[Moonlightgrm]

On 12/11/2023 at 10:58 AM, MannJ said:

I have read these tips in multiple places and wanted to ask for input on if you do this and any additional feedback 

 

1) having a forward press while putting 

2) targeting a spot in line of hole/target line, a few inches from ball

3) no practice strokes before putt

Your list of three is exactly how I putt. I have tried a fourth, using the line on the golf ball to line up putts, but find that it impacts my distance control. No practice stroke, intermediate target, forward press, then “let ‘er go”.

[EddieEdwards]

1.  Not necessary, as long as the ball rolls smoothly.

2.  You want to find a way to start it on your line.  Its definately one of the more popular ways to do it.

3.  I'll do it to get a feel for speed on unusually long putts.

[iacas]

On 12/11/2023 at 10:58 AM, MannJ said:

1) having a forward press while putting 

2) targeting a spot in line of hole/target line, a few inches from ball

3) no practice strokes before putt

 

1) Never needed it. Don't mind if some students do it though.

2) Typically just on shorter putts. On longer ones I pick a spot at the distance of the hole.

3) Almost always do, but almost always have.

[naval2006]

Those are all personal preferences when putting. No right or wrong.