'Drive for show, but putt for dough' is the phrase we've all seen and learned from watching professional golfers in every tournament and championship either live or on TV.
The champions of golf can drive a ball from here to kingdom-come, but it all comes down to how many strokes it takes to get the ball in the hole. The long accurate drives don't mean anything if you're unable to putt accurately.
Your choice of putter is very important, but using the putter you have consistently, is even more so. I've had the same putter for fifteen years, so I know what it feels like in my hand, I know it's weight and I know how that plays into my putts.
Now putting takes a huge amount of practice. Think about this: we drive the ball roughly eighteen times a game (once per hole), but putt at least twice that amount. So, surely it make sense to practice putting at least twice as much as driving? Therefore, if you just can't get to the practice green that often, you could practice on your carpet at home.
But bear in mind that the ball will never make it to the hole, if it doesn't have enough wallup behind it to get it in there. So, why not take the time to get down on the ground to look at the path your ball must run to the hole. Does it slope one way or the other? Does the path run uphill or downhill?
So, stand with your feet spread apart for balance and line up the putt. Keep you hands, arms and shoulders completely still. Imagine that you are a "bobble head" but that you move from just below your chest. Keep your head directly over the ball. Pull your club back; keep your hands, wrists, arms and shoulders steady - the movement comes from your chest. Hit the ball, following the ball through with your club.
Be sure to learn from each putt and remember the lesson. Practice, practice, practice!
