THERE is one area of golf that has improved dramatically over the history of the game and that is the art of putting.

Granted, modern putting surfaces have enabled more putts to be holed but the improved technical element of the stroke has had greater influence.

The game’s best players work extremely hard on their putting techniques, which was not something that was done in years gone by. If you were to watch videos from past great champions in the era of Ben Hogan and Sam Snead, this highlights the gap in technical know-how compared to modern golf professionals.

Putting doesn’t require the athleticism necessary to launch 280 metre drives down the fairway, hit high long iron shots or strike crisp spinning wedge shots from close range.
Most golfers – from the grass roots to the elite level – have the potential to be good putters and, therefore, play off lower handicaps.

Improving your putting will take shots off your handicap easier, and faster, than any other single element of the game.

Very few golfers take the time to work on their putting. These players are often with the belief you are either a good putter or a bad putter and some days we will putt well and others not. As a result, many club golfers don’t realise the importance of the correct technique required for putting.

For more on this story and other stories within the Better Putting Special Section purchase a copy of the September Issue of Golf Australia.

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