Long putts can be intimidating for golfers of all levels. The pressure to get the ball close to the hole can lead to common mistakes. One of the biggest mistakes golfers make on long putts is focusing too much on the hole instead of the distance. This mistake is easy to fix with a few simple adjustments.
One big mistake golfers make on long putts—but it’s easy to fix.
The Mistake: Over-Focusing on the Hole
When faced with a long putt, many golfers fixate on the hole. While it’s important to know where the hole is, focusing solely on it can disrupt your putting mechanics. This focus often causes golfers to mishit the ball, leading to poor distance control and missed putts.
Why This Happens
- Pressure and Anxiety: Long putts naturally come with more pressure, leading to anxiety. This anxiety causes golfers to concentrate too much on the hole, hoping to sink the putt or at least get close.
- Incorrect Prioritization: Golfers often believe that looking directly at the hole will help them judge the distance better, but this is not the case.
The Fix: Focus on Distance Control
To improve your long putts, shift your focus from the hole to the distance. Here’s how:
1. Visualize the Path
Before you putt, stand behind the ball and visualize the path it needs to take. Picture the ball rolling along the green, taking into account the slopes and speed of the green.
2. Practice Distance Control
- Lag Putting Drills: Practice lag putting drills to improve your distance control. Set up targets at various distances and practice getting the ball close to these targets rather than aiming for the hole.
- Use Your Peripheral Vision: While lining up your putt, use your peripheral vision to gauge the distance rather than staring directly at the hole.
3. Focus on a Spot
Pick a spot a few feet in front of your ball on the intended line. Aim to roll the ball over this spot. This helps you start the ball on the right line and focus on the stroke rather than the hole.
4. Rhythm and Tempo
Maintain a consistent rhythm and tempo in your putting stroke. A smooth, controlled stroke is more effective for long putts than a hurried or forced stroke.
Benefits of Focusing on Distance Control
- Improved Accuracy: By focusing on distance rather than the hole, you’ll develop better control over the speed and direction of your putts.
- Reduced Three-Putts: Improved distance control means fewer three-putts, leading to lower scores.
- Increased Confidence: As you become more consistent with your long putts, your confidence on the greens will grow.
Practice Drills for Better Long Putts
Incorporate these drills into your practice routine to improve your long putting:
1. Distance Ladder Drill
- Set up tees or markers at intervals of 10, 20, 30, and 40 feet.
- Putt from the same spot, trying to stop the ball as close to each marker as possible.
- Focus on maintaining a consistent stroke and adjusting the power for each distance.
2. Clock Drill
- Place 12 balls in a circle around the hole, each at varying distances (e.g., 5 to 20 feet).
- Putt each ball, focusing on getting it close to the hole.
- This drill helps you practice putts from different angles and distances, improving your overall feel for long putts.
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By shifting your focus from the hole to the distance, you can correct a major mistake that many golfers make on long putts. Practicing distance control, visualizing the path, and maintaining a smooth stroke will lead to more consistent and accurate long putts.