How to Improve Your Direction in Putting

On the surface, putting seems like it should be the easiest aspect of your golf game: you're working from close to the hole, the ball does not need to become airborne and the cup is more than twice the size of the ball. However, some golfers who have solid golf skills, including professionals, have been undone by their putting stroke. Improving the direction of your putting includes several steps, such as reading the greens better, adjusting your ball address and learning where to aim the ball.

Instructions

    • 1

      Practice as often as you can, at least three times per week. This will help you develop a consistent putting stroke that will allow you to make adjustments for various putting surfaces and conditions. Practice putting from various distances away from the course too, such as at your home or office. This will help you learn how to adjust your putting force on the course and make those adjustments quicker.

    • 2

      Improve your ability to read the putting green. Warm up on the practice green prior to starting your round, but don't just focus on getting the ball to the target. Learn the speed of the green and how much the ball breaks at certain putting speeds. Practice at different lengths along the same putting line and putt the ball at the same speed and motion; this will tell you how to adjust your stroke for putts that are farther away.

    • 3

      Observe the details of the putting green. Note where the drainage lines are on each hole. Walk around the hole and notice where each minor peak and valley is; be especially mindful of hole placement near a body of water, as many putts are designed to break toward the water.

    • 4

      Pay attention to conditions, but don't focus on them. Note the wind, but unless you are playing in gale-force conditions, it won't affect your putt. Check for dew or wetness from early morning watering, which could slow down your putt somewhat and likely will require some adjustments.

    • 5

      Watch others as they putt. Pay close attention to any shots that are on the same line as yours, as your ball will likely do the same thing when putted.

    • 6

      Review the putt closely. View it from at least three perspectives: from behind your ball to the hole; from behind the hole to your ball; and from at least one side of the green between your ball and the hole. This will let you see any undulations and other breaks in the green.

    • 7

      Address the ball properly. Make sure that your putter's face is square to the target, even if that target is not the hole itself. Take a comfortable stance that allows you to make a steady stroke. Line up your putt based on the information you have gathered; remember, most times you won't be aiming at the hole but to a spot where you believe the green breaks toward the hole.