How to master The slopes

1

I’ve set up three ‘gates’ to putt through – I’m using balls, but you can put tee pegs down – which simulate the break and help me to practise sloping putts. The first gate is about six feet away, and then I have one in the middle and one at the end. You may have to move the gates around; then it’s about rolling the ball through each one. Observe the break and what happens at the hole. It’s a satisfying exercise to work out the break and successfully roll the ball through the gates.

I’ve split this 30-foot putt into three sections, which is an effective way to improve your green reading and feel. Think about the line you are going to start the putt on, where the apex of the break is and what the speed will be as the ball starts rolling towards the hole.

2

Once you’ve worked out a line, try identifying an immediate target in front of you – maybe a foot to 18 inches. It’s easier to roll the ball over a closer target, as opposed to fretting over the hole 30-40 feet away. It gives you a good starting point.

3

Caution: You’ve missed and the ball trundles on… don’t turn away in disappointment. You’ve got a free read for the putt coming back so stay focused.

You must stalk the green. I’m feeling with my feet, trying to find the slope round the hole and behind it. Look for the slope and make sure you think about where the ball will be coming in from.