And then bury that 3-foot putt

Your ability to control distance on 25, and 35, and even longer putts will drop strokes off your scorecard. That will be helpful if you can bury the ones you leave a little longer than a gimme length.

“Square the face every time”

Kirsten Pike, Golf Professional, Las Colinas CC

“You are going to leave the ball short or push it a little past the hole on longer putts. Being able to finish those shorter putts every time helps to drop your handicap. The secret to that skill is a square face with contact square to the target line. The ‘yardstick drill’ is great practice.”

“Place a yardstick with one end at or near the edge of the cup. Place the ball anywhere on the yardstick, depending on the length of the putt you want to work on. Now make your putt, attempting to keep the ball on the yardstick so that it leaves the end and drops in the hole.”

“This drill improves your ability to bring the putter face back to square and on the right path.”

Three influences on face angle

Because the putt is the shortest swing, many forget the fundamentals. Grip and especially setup and posture impact your ability to square the face of the putter at impact. So does the balance of the putter. Your stroke needs to fit your putter’s balance. A putter and putting assessment starts the journey to lower scores.

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