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Let's talk something that I've always struggled with.

I'm going to try and qualify for the USGA Mid-Am this upcoming year, and my putting is the thing I see holding me back. I'm streaky as could be, and will shoot +/- 5 strokes a round because of the inconsistencies. I make an effort to practice putting every week, but have always struggled with what to do during that practice. Does anyone have any recommendations of drills/routines/tips they like and make the practice green transfer to a putting situation in a round better?

    Flagstick in and pool noodle in the cup F’d me mentally this season. I’ve found most of my putts end up short in fear of ricocheting off of the stick or bottoming out on the noodle and coming back out. I was always an aggressive putter and lost that this season due to Covid rules.

    What are your misses doing and how’s your mental aspect to putting? What has changed?

    4 years ago I was the worst putter on the planet. 4-5 3putts a round EASY.

    1. I sold my CT Rat Long Neck (hurt so much, it was beautiful).
    2. Realized I was a shitty putter.
    3. told myself, “I want to become a great putter”
    4. Practice my balls off.

    I bought a TM Spider and haven’t looked back. I’ve made the decision that I’m a straight back and straight through person. I practice THAT stroke. I’ve used a ton of tools but, the three tools that work the best for me,

    1. Alignment sticks. They’re straight. I lay one down and stroke the ball maybe 50-100 times from 4-5ft.
    2. Pelz marble thingy. Keeps my face square and ball rolls where I want.
    3. Tees. Make a gate and putt through that joint. Tighten it up.

    If these don’t piss you off while practicing putting, you’re not doing it right. I’ll say shit I don’t even know I knew when pissed off on the practice green. I’ll curse in foreign language, I don’t even know any other languages. Good luck in the Mid-AM! Get some reps in with the USO Local/US AM qualifiers.

    3ft putts. Practice those like your life depends on it because, your round will.

    bigjohntripod Tees. Make a gate and putt through that joint. Tighten it up.

    If these don’t piss you off while practicing putting, you’re not doing it right.

    This.

        Jaybananapantsarthur
        ckay

        I wouldn't say I'm inconsistent when practicing. I struggle most with making the birdie putts when I feel like I have to make a birdie. From caddie-ing for years, I'd call myself vastly above average greens reader, if not great. I struggle putting the read together with hitting the putt like I read. I probably say a pull is my miss, but simulating in-round putt situations would be my struggling point.

        bigjohntripod This is hugely helpful. Thank you!

                Hope you make it to the mid am! Spent all summer working for Sankaty and got to play Miacomet too.

                It's good that you're talking about practicing putting - the greens are no joke!

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