Having recently watched players at tournaments, it really did hit home how important when it comes to putting, that pace control is arguably the most crucial aspect. The top players in the world average a 50% success rate from 8 feet, making the ability to consistently two-putt a key skill. Understanding how to control your pace will help you better choose your start line.
Inconsistent pace complicates the final decision-making process of blending green reading, speed, and start line.
Let us explore some areas where you can improve your speed on the greens.
Before diving into other aspects, it is essential to strike the ball from the centre of the putter face. This affects ball speed and spin. Consistently striking the centre builds a solid foundation for controlling distances on the greens. Later in this article, we'll provide drills to help you develop this skill.
Stroke Length and Tempo This is a critical recipe for good pace control. Great putters may have different techniques, but they consistently maintain stroke length and tempo. Are you smoother with a longer stroke or shorter with a quicker tempo? Matching your stroke length and tempo creates a reliable formula for better putting.
Green Reading Mastering green reading is vital for excellent pace control. Understanding the contours of the greens greatly influences how well you control your pace. Recognize the high and low points to adapt your start line and chosen pace. How well can you adapt to various green speeds? If you struggle with green reading:
• Pay closer attention as you approach the green. Where are the high and low sides? Imagine where water would flow if it rained.
• Observe your playing partners' putts and recall your past experiences on similar greens.
• Remember that downhill putts break more than uphill putts on the same slope.
• Integrate this information into your personal practice to see lines and speeds more clearly.
Strike Drills
1. Centre Strike Drill: Place two dots of blue tack or two elastic bands a golf ball's width apart on the centre of the putter face. Avoid hitting the blue tack. Repetitive centre strikes build consistent pace. Use tee pegs at set distances to monitor backswing and follow-through lengths. Try to hit the exact same length putt three times in a row.
2. The Fringe is Lava: Place 10 balls a yard apart, with the first ball 15 feet from the fringe. Each ball must travel past the previous putt without hitting the fringe. The game ends if a putt falls short or hits the fringe. Variety is key to developing pace control skills.
The best putters can adapt to different surfaces, from slow and smooth to fast and bumpy. Practice at different venues to improve your ability to adjust quickly to varying surfaces, which can change throughout a round due to weather conditions and surface deterioration. To summarize, speed control is probably the most important element of putting. Incorporate it into your weekly practice. Remember, the best putters adapt the quickest.
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