Speed instincts? Every year, the speed of the greens at Augusta National Golf Club is one of the main discussion points at the Masters. Below is a thought from Pat O'Brien and SPi Instructor John Higgins.
When consistent contact is achieved, a golfer can correctly develop feel for distance control. By having a correct, neutral setup, the putter can swing as it was designed. Essentially, only one variable remains - the length of the backswing will control the length of the putt. When the golfer does not have to worry about stroke related thoughts, the focus can be on creating a good picture and tapping into the instincts. This is the only true way to match line and speed.
Speed Instinct Drills
1. Draw-Back
Either alone or in competition, draw-back is one of the best games to develop better speed instincts. Every putt that doesn’t reach the hole must be drawn back a club length farther away from the hole. So if a putt is left three feet short of the hole, the player will end up hitting their next putt from approximately 6 feet (If putter is around 35 inches). Each putt that reaches the hole or travels past the hole we will be played traditionally.
Of course, if one competitor is putting with a long putter, hopefully their competitor with the shorter putter will show some mercy and allow everyone to only move the ball back about three feet.
Draw-back teaches the golfers to consider speed when preparing for the putt, because it promotes every player to get the ball to the hole and give it a chance to go in.
2. Eyes Closed
After setting up to the ball utilizing RifleScope Technology (RST), practicing hitting putts with the eyes closed enhances feel and can build confidence in speed control.
3. Fringe Putting
To promote a player to not focus too much on the line of the putt, it’s often effective to practice a speed drill that does not reward a good line. On the green, practice hitting short and long putts while trying to have the ball stop as close to the edge of the green without touching the fringe.
If you would like to get more putting instruction
Share with Friends below
