Putting is an extremely important – and often overlooked – skill.
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Spinning your first shot within striking distance is an extremely important skill. If you can eliminate those pesky three strokes, you will probably see your scores drop.
Three-shot frequency is one of the biggest differentiators between handicap groups. So if you’re serious about lowering your handicap, becoming a better late player is a great place to start.
Below are 10 keys to improving your latency.
1. Focus on technique
As with most elements in golf, technique when setting the delay is extremely important. Make sure you have a good set up position and a grip that will give the ball a square face. It is also important that you have a stroke path that is neutral and repeatable.
2. A strong grip
There are many different effective deployment gloves out there, but the key is to choose what works best for you. And don’t be afraid to experiment. If one handle doesn’t work, try something a little different. Before long, you’ll find something that’s durable, comfortable, and repeatable.
3. Eliminate yps
If you suffer from an uncontrollable crash near impact – the throat – you need to work to correct the problem. First identify which hand is causing the stroke. From there you can change your technique to improve the problem.
4. Look at the face
Speed is the most important part of putting lag, but don’t forget to take a look at the angle of your face as this will determine the aim of your putt. There are many training aids that can help you improve here, such as the placement overview linked below.
Perfect mirror for placing rollers
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Perfect Roll Mirror The Perfect Roll Mirror is a compact, low-profile mirror that helps you improve your putting motion. It’s only 1/8 inch thick, so your shooting head and strike aren’t raised like some other mirrors. The mirror measures 6″ wide x 12″ tall, so it’s easy to store in your golf bag and take with you to the practice green. The Perfect Roll mirror has a slanted entry gate that makes it easy to roll a ball in the same fixed spot every time. This helps you develop consistent setup and swing mechanics that will lead to more shots being made. The mirror also includes pin holes that can be used to secure it to the green if desired. These holes can also be used as guides for shots with heads 5 ½” or smaller. The white and green lines on the mirror provide additional feedback on your swing path and the square of your putting face. These lines complement the TrueSquare™ spaces through hitting area, which help you make square contact with the ball. The Perfect Roll Mirror is a portable practice mirror that’s perfect for improving your swing. Order yours today and start rolling more! Here are some additional benefits of using the Perfect Spin Mirror: Helps you develop a consistent putting stroke Improves your drive Ensures you’re making square contact with the ball Reduces common putting mistakes Makes you safer on the green If you’re serious about improving your fit, the Perfect Roll Mirror is the perfect training aid for you. Order yours today and start seeing results!
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To truly master distance control, you must eliminate any extra movement during your swing. Work to make sure you are keeping your head still and have proper weight distribution during the stroke.
6. Backstabbing is key
The length of your backswing will determine how far your ball spins, so focus on how far you’re driving your head back. Don’t change the power of your kick, just change the length of your backswing.
7. Rhythm is crucial
Keeping a smooth rhythm in your stroke is also essential. Practice keeping things even and smooth to generate the best results.
Exercise to try
Below are some of my favorite drills for practicing delay placement.
Place a few balls on the practice green and place them three feet away moving further and further away from the hole. The aim for any putt should be to put it within range of the hole. After a while, you’ll know exactly how big a shot you need for each distance.
9. Uphill/downhill training
Your stroke size will need to change to account for the hills as well. Go back and forth between uphill shots and downhill shots and notice how the severity of the incline changes the size of your shot.
10. Work at different green speeds
Every course you play will have different green speeds, so you’ll need it consistently calibrating your speed. Make sure you’re dialing in your speed before each round to ensure you’re giving yourself the best chance for success on each different course.
