NEVER 3 PUTT PUTTING
By Arlen Bento Jr. Top 100 Golf Instructor
Putting is more than just a part of the game—it’s an art. It’s a skill that takes time, practice, and patience to develop. No matter how long you’ve played, putting is never fully mastered; it’s constantly evolving, just like the game of golf. If you’re a new player or someone struggling on the greens, don’t worry—putting can be learned and improved with the right mindset and techniques.
In golf, putting is a game within the game. It has the most significant impact on your score, and the good news is that anyone can become a better putter. Tour professionals and low-handicap players will tell you that making putts can save your round, especially when other parts of your game aren’t going well. That’s why building strong putting fundamentals is crucial from the start.
Why Most Golfers Struggle with Putting
One of the main reasons people struggle with putting is a need for more knowledge. Many golfers want a quick fix without truly understanding what it takes to become a good putter. They blame their stroke or ability to read greens, but more often, it’s about not learning the basics properly.
You’re about to learn a simple, effective method for improving your putting. By focusing on two key elements—stroke length and force of contact—you can control distance and speed with greater consistency.
Two Ways to Control Distance
When it comes to putting, controlling the distance is crucial, and there are two primary ways to do this:
- Length of Stroke
- Force of Contact
Let’s break these down.
Length of Stroke
The length of your putting stroke will directly influence how far the ball travels. If you have a short putt, you’ll need a shorter stroke. For longer putts, your stroke needs to be more significant. Think of it like this: the size of your motion will match the size of the putt.
Here’s a quick drill I teach to all my students, from juniors to seasoned golfers:
- Setup: Stand in your normal putting stance, with the ball positioned just off the inside of your left heel (for right-handed players). Use a light grip, keep your elbows soft, and make sure your eyes are directly over the ball. The stroke should be smooth, with your shoulders rocking back and forth while your head and body remain still.
- Stroke Drill: Imagine pulling your putter back 12 inches and then following through by moving it forward 12 inches after contact with the ball. This creates a balanced, symmetrical stroke.
The goal of this drill is to focus on stroke length and feel, not the hole. This is why I call it the ‘Putt to Nowhere’ drill. It’s a simple yet effective way to develop a consistent stroke length and feel for distance.
Force of Contact
The other way to control distance is to vary how firmly you strike the ball. Using the same 12-inch stroke but applying more force will cause the ball to travel farther. While this can be effective, I recommend focusing on stroke length because it’s easier to control.
A Simple Putting System: The 1-2-3 Method
I’ve developed a straightforward system that helps players of all levels understand the relationship between stroke length and distance. It’s called the 1-2-3 Method, and it’s as simple as using the width of your feet to guide your setup.
- Position 1: Your feet are spaced wide enough to fit one shoe between them. Use this stance for short putts (8-12 feet).
- Position 2: Your feet are spaced wide enough to fit two shoes between them. This is for medium-length putts (15-20 feet).
- Position 3: Your feet are spaced wide enough to fit three shoes between them. Use this stance for longer putts (25-30 feet).
The idea is simple: as the putt gets longer, you widen your stance and lengthen your stroke while keeping the stroke smooth and consistent.
The ‘Putt to Nowhere’ drill is a game-changer. It helps dial in your stroke length and develop a consistent feel for distance. Here’s how to do it: This drill enables you to dial in your stroke length and establish a consistent feel for distance. Here’s how to do it:
- Lay a club on the ground and aim for an empty area on the putting green (no hole).
- Set up with your feet in Position 2 (two shoes apart).
- Take practice strokes, pulling the putter back to your right toe and finishing forward the same distance.
- Put five balls without looking where they go. Focus on the feel of your stroke.
- Once you’ve hit all five putts, see where the balls finished. Most should be close to each other, forming a small cluster. This shows consistency.
By practicing this drill regularly, you’ll develop a strong sense of controlling distance and feeling on the greens.
Feel drills are a game-changer when it comes to developing touch and control. They’re not just another drill-they’re the key to mastering putting. Feel is one of the most critical aspects of putting. It’s the ability to gauge the force and direction of your stroke to control the speed and distance of the ball. Here’s a drill that will help you develop the touch and hand-eye coordination needed for putting:
- Toss Drill: Hold a golf ball in your right hand (or left if you’re left-handed) and toss it into the air. Try catching it first with your palm and then with your fingers. This helps develop touch and feel, which are crucial for putting.
- Tree Toss Drill: Find a tree branch about 6-10 feet above you. Toss a golf ball up, aiming to graze the branch. Repeat this with both hands, developing your ability to control height and speed.
These drills may seem simple, but they can significantly improve your hand-eye coordination and your ability to control speed on the greens.
Summary: The Key to Great Putting
Putting may seem complex, but focusing on stroke length, force of contact, and developing feel can simplify the process and improve quickly. Use the 1-2-3 Method to control distance and the “Putt to Nowhere” drill to build consistency. Finally, practice the feel drills to sharpen your touch.
Master these basics, and you’ll be well on your way to lowering your scores and enjoying the game more.
Want more? Contact Arlen Bento Jr. at (772) 485 8030 for information on Lessons, Classes, Online Learning, and more!