4-8-FOOT PUTT GET MORE ASSERTIVE

As the stats suggest, we don’t hole enough putts in the 4-8ft range. Yet they are vital to your score. These are the parsavers, putts that can keep the momentum going and determine whether you will leave the course feeling you’ve scored as well as you could, or left a few out there. On these shorter putts, the typical club golfer struggles through becoming too tentative – either through the shortness of the stroke, or the importance of the putt. If you can get more assertive, your performance will improve … and we can often link this to improving rhythm and tempo.

There is no one tempo that is right for every golfer. You can putt assertively and confidently with a variety of stroke lengths and rhythms. The important thing is to find which one works for you. Here’s how you can find out. So set up three ‘gates’ of two tee pegs. Make sure that the middle gate is central. Place the ball here, and address the ball.

step 1 1 50- 50

Start by using the outer pegs to frame the backswing and throughswing lengths. Hit five putts using this 50-50, pendulum-type rhythm. How comfortable does this feel to you? Does the putter’s acceleration feel natural and consistent?

2 Two-thirds/ one-third

For the next set of five putts, swing back to the rear pegs but through to midway between the front two sets. This is more of a popping rhythm, used traditionally by Gary Player and more recently by Phil Mickelson. How does this feel?

3 One-third/ two-thirds

For the final set of putts, switch it around. Go back to midway between the back two sets, and swing through the level with the front gate. How smooth does the putter’s acceleration feel? How well are the five balls grouped?

STEP 2 Billiards drill

Even after 15 putts, you should have a good idea of which type of stroke works best for you. Whichever you choose, make sure you employ it with conviction. As a great practice drill before you play, place a ball six inches in front of the hole and try to knock it in with the one you’re striking. This will help you develop that all-important assertive rhythm for the round to come.