Friday, September 21, 2018

Improving Your Golf Putt




Kraig Culbertson, chief archivist at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, has more than a decade of experience working at libraries. During his free time, Kraig Culbertson enjoys playing golf.

One of the most crucial skills in golf, the putt, can save several strokes. Many skills make the difference between good and bad putting, however.

During a putt, the golfer should hold the club as loosely as possible, to encourage good follow-through. Some putters’ grip is so relaxed that they drop the club occasionally, but this method gets results.

A golfer's arms should hinge at the shoulder, rather than the elbows or wrists, during the shot. The head should remain as low to the ground as possible, and the momentum should remain relatively consistent through the whole swing, with only a slight acceleration when approaching the ball.

Finally, to avoid small movements that direct the ball off-course, golfers should avoid tilting their heads to visually follow the ball. Counting to two at an even, deliberate pace before looking can help control the impulse.