Sinking putts is vital to maintaining a low handicap. Finding ways to increase your putting consistently can help.

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Ah, miniature golfing! The joy of sinking putts with ease, it's a feeling like no other. I'm with you on that one. But here's the thing, even if we're killing it on the practice green, it doesn't always translate to the golf course greens. Putting consistently is a whole different ball game.

Personally, I think it's all about mindset. When I'm on the practice green, I'm relaxed and not under pressure to perform. I can take my time, and I'm not trying to impress anyone.

 

Once I get on the green to putt, my thoughts get in the way.

 

 

But when I step onto the golf course, all the thoughts come flooding in. "Is my putter working today?" "Am I reading the green correctly?" "This is a downhill putt, don't overshoot it!" And then what do I do? Swing too hard and miss the mark, or swing too easy and fall short.

It's frustrating, to say the least. I can't tell you how many times I've been lining up my putt and thinking about what to make for dinner. It's like my brain just can't focus on the task at hand.

 

Improving my putting has been an ongoing journey.

 

I know I'm not alone in this. As they say, "drive for show, putt for dough." Putting is so crucial to getting those low scores, and it's very individual. But there are some techniques that can help, regardless of your putter or grip.

 

 

For me, finding a routine that I can repeat is key.

Here's what I do:

• I read my line to the hole, focusing on visualizing the ball going into the hole.
• Then, I take 1 or 2 practice swings to get my tempo and say "tick-tock" in my mind.
• I step up to the ball and lay the putter down, only thinking of rolling the ball to the hole.
• I make sure not to force or manipulate the club in any direction other than towards my target.
• Finally, I take a smooth swing back and through, watching as the ball heads toward the hole

 

Does this always work?

 

Not always but it helps minimize my 3 putt greens. Confidence is everything when it comes to putting. If I'm doubting my line or my abilities, I'm more likely to miss the mark. Of course, this routine doesn't always work. I have good days and bad days, but it definitely helps minimize my three-putt greens.

So unless I can putt without missing, like in the scene from Caddyshack (haha) I will continue practicing and improving.

 

Hope these jokes put a smile on your face:

 

• "I have a love-hate relationship with putting. I love sinking a long putt, but I hate missing a short one."

 

• "Putting is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get. Except when you're me, then you know you're gonna get a bogey.

 

• "Why did the golfer wear two pairs of pants while putting? In case he got a hole in one!"

 

• "I told my caddy I needed a putter that would help me sink more putts. He said, 'Why don't you try a magic wand?'"

 

• "I once tried putting with my eyes closed, but I didn't improve my score. Turns out, I was just playing blind golf.

 

• "I thought I finally figured out how to putt when I got a hole-in-one on a miniature golf course. Then I realized I was playing with a kid's putter."

 

• "Why did the golfer wear a helmet while putting? He didn't want to get a concussion from hitting his head against the flagstick."

 

• "My putting is so bad, I once three-putted on a two-putt green. My caddy said I had the yips, but I think I just have a case of the oops."

 

• "I tried to improve my putting by taking a lesson from a Zen master. He said, 'The key to putting is to think of nothing. Except for sinking the putt, of course.'"

 

• "I read that putting is all about feel. No wonder I can't putt, I have no feeling in my hands!"

At the end of the day, putting is all about relaxing and having fun. And if you're struggling, don't worry. There are plenty of resources out there to help you improve your game.

So, what are your putting woes? Let's commiserate together. And if you've found any tips or tricks that work for you, share them with us below!

 

Most importantly, relax and have fun!