How dialing in a pre-shot putting routine gets you better feel and accuracy

Some of the most worrisome thoughts in golf arrive on the putting green. The dreaded 3-4 foot putt that gives you fits every time you hover over it. Or, the long lag putt that you have no confidence you can get it within five feet of the hole. However, no amount of worry is going to make a putt go in the hole, in fact it can severely hinder your stroke and feel. The remedy is a solid pre-shot routine to consume your thoughts and focus so anxious thoughts stay at bay.

In putting, there are three factors that affect the outcome of a putt: Alignment, Speed and Connectedness. On any given putt you need a correct combination of alignment and speed with a solid connection of the putter face with the ball.

Your pre-shot routine should start as you approach the green. This is where you begin to read the slope of the green. Reading your upcoming putt from all sides is crucial for your confidence in your alignment, although it can be time consuming. So, to save time and pace of play, you need to plan ahead. Attempt to walk onto the green from the hole side of your putt, that way you can get a glimpse of the slope behind the hole. Then, as you walk to mark your ball, keep observing the slope of your putt as you walk to your ball. 

Now that you have looked at the slope, you need to choose a line and visualize how the ball will roll to the hole. When visualizing your intended path, I suggest visualizing a line the width of the cup. This visualization keeps your mind from being “line bound” which can cause tension. After visualizing your intended path, you need to pick a target. When a putt has slope, the hole cannot be your target. You need to find a new target straight out from the apex of the curve your putt will make. 

In the image above, you have a sloped putt. The straight line is your new intended target that you will putt your ball too. You need to pick and focus on a target that is about the distance of the putt you are executing. If your target is where the ball starts to curve in the putt, this will affect your feel for distance, more than likely leaving it short. 

Now you need to align your ball with the intended new target. You can point the markings of the ball at the new target or I suggest marking your ball with a clearly visible line.

Leaving your marker on the ground, point the line as close as possible to your intended target. Once satisfied with the direction of your line, you can pick up the coin.

Now that alignment for the putt is determined, the next step is the speed or feel. Practice strokes are to develop the feel of your putting strokes. Look at hole from the side of the ball or behind the ball and do a few practice strokes visualizing the ball rolling perfectly. Now you can step up to your putt using the line on the ball for a confident aim. The line on the ball increases your confidence that your putter is aimed correctly. Do not 2nd guess yourself once you have addressed the ball (start over if you do). Use the feel you determined from your practice stroke, keep an image of your intended target in mind and make a confident stroke! Trust it!

Additional tips:

1. For downhill putts make your intended target closer to the ball.
2. For uphill putts make your intended target a little farther than the hole.
3. If you are close enough to the hole to see it in your peripheral vision, keep focused on the hole in your peripheral vision as you putt the ball.
4. For longer putts, open stance to let arms swing more freely.
5. If you have trouble keeping negative thoughts away while you are in the act of putting, there are ways to keep the mind focused.
   1. Develop a saying in your mind as you putt (i.e. “back and through”, “nice and smooth”, “bingo” at impact, “perfect roll”, etc.)
   2. Count as you execute. Count one looking at ball, two look at target, three look back to ball, four take back swing, five at impact of putt. Must be done rhythmically.