GOLF TIP
by Denise Boutin"Before You Spend, Try This…"
Ah, what did we do before The Golf Channel? It’s our salvation during the cold, wintry months to come. The Golf Channel, that bastion of free enterprise and infomercials. But stop…before you plunk down another $99.99 or $49.99 or even $29.99 to solve your every putting woes, try this. Find two straight items that can be laid on the floor. (Dowels, 1"x 4"s, yardsticks, golf clubs) Okay, now lay them on the carpet approximately 4" apart. The exact distance will depend on the size of your putter head; but give yourself about ½" of play on either side of the putter head. This is your high tech, but low cost putting station. With this you can:
Check your Alignment: Set the putting station perpendicular to a full-length mirror. Now set up to the ball (placed between the parallel objects) and observe your alignment. Though many good players utilize a slightly open stance, it is imperative that your shoulders are parallel to the line you intend to stroke the ball. Then, check your eye position. Your eyes should be directly above the ball. If you suddenly have a bad day on the green, check your alignment, eye position and ball position first. Even subtle changes can dramatically effect the results.
Back and Through: Place an object (perhaps a paper coaster or a quarter) a few feet in front on your putting station and putt toward it. Concentrate on taking the club back straight and following straight through. Keep in mind that the length of your follow through should extend well beyond the ball.
Use your Imagination: Create a repeatable pre-shot routine that is not technical…but rather uses your imagination to see the ball go into the hole. Take a practice stroke, holding the putter in place at the end of the stroke. See the ball falling into the cup, and then return your focus to the ball. Again, in your mind’s eye, see the ball falling into the hole at the exact point you imagined.
This is the perfect time to work on perfecting your pre-shot routine. You’ll find it easier to ingrain the routine when you are not concerned about scoring. Come spring, your new pre-shot routine will become second nature and your buddies will be asking how much you paid for that new found confidence on the putting green.