Few tee shots scare golfers more than the great, downhill putter. The combination of speed and slope make these shots difficult to judge, causing many players to misread the line or instinctively aim their putter toward the hole—resulting in a shot that misses the low side or races to the cup.
Fortunately, the solution is simpler than most players realize. According to GOLF Top 100 Teachers David Armitage, The mistake most amateurs make in these tricky breaking shots isn’t with their shot or technique – it’s focusing on the wrong target.
Stop focusing on the hole
To master sliding, sideways shots, Armitage says players need to rethink their approach.
“They (amateurs) are trying to almost make the shot go into a corner,” says Armitage. “The hole is the distraction.”
Instead of trying to drive the ball, Armitage says to think of breaking shots as straight shots to a specific point: the apex, or the highest point on the target line before you break toward the hole.
Focusing on the tip allows you to start your shots down the line and let the green do the work. And to find the peak, you just need a reliable green reading routine. Whether you prefer to walk around the putt to study the slope from multiple angles, use AimPoint or another method, the key is to develop a consistent process that you trust.
“Reading the greens is a skill set you have to practice,” says Armitage. “You have to have a process — something you believe in.”
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Mark the top with a tee
While many amateurs can correctly identify the tee by reading the color of the green, they usually forget it once they stand on the ball.
“They (amateurs) are reading the green right up to the ledge, but then they’re looking at the hole,” says Armitage.
To keep yourself locked in at the peak, Armitage recommends practicing with a tip. When you address each putt, zero in on that spot – not the hole.
“Forget the hole,” he continues, “let the hole be the last drop, but don’t let it be the end of all.”
Once you’ve chosen your line and set up your tee shot, your job is simple: roll the ball to the tee, trust your read, and let the green do the rest.
