Putting is one of the great mysteries in golf. It seems so easy to just knock the ball in the hole, and for the select few it is. Everyone knows that to score well is to putt well, and yet it’s secrets continue to elude the majority.

What I’m offering here is a new approach. One that involves using your natural predatory instincts. It’s time to forget putting, and start hunting. This approach evolved from some research I was conducting into the use of "intent" when putting. Anyway, I found that, for some reason, I had started to look upon the hole as a small animal, my prey.

As I adopted the manner of an accomplished hunter, the hole seemed to surrender as I walked onto the green. It seemed to rear up and shiver in fear. Consequently, it gave up it’s secrets without any more persuasion. Now before you accuse me of being on the funny pills, just consider for a moment, the hole as a small animal. What are it’s defenses? It would appear that the terrain surrounding the hole are it’s main defense. However, this is not the case.

It’s main defense is it’s ability to act like a mirror. This mirror reflects our doubts and fears back onto us. This has the effect of distorting the terrain, making it’s ridges and hollows virtually indecipherable. It also creates a feedback loop between the golfer and the hole which leads to the golfer getting ever more tense, anxious and timid.

Ok, I’ll admit, I did have an extra strong mint before writing this, but only one!

So where does this leave you, as a golfer wanting to improve their putting stats? Well, if I were you, I’d give it a go. There’s nothing to lose but your timidity. Also, no-one will notice your new hunting mentality, as it’s nicely tucked away inside. They will, however, notice more putts going in.

You will know your hunting is impeccable when you feel it coming through your eyes. Looking at the hole will lead to a sense of power, of knowing that the ball is going in the hole before putting it. When that happens, you’ve cracked it! The hole will gladly give up it’s secrets, the terrain will appear straightforward and easy to read, and the hole will be bigger, waiting for the kill.