Ditch The Three-ball Routine and Do This Instead
Welcome to the putting green! Today, we're not just going through the motions; we're going to show you a pre-round putting routine, demonstrated by my mate Brian, that will truly prepare you to sink putts under pressure on the course. Forget casually knocking a few balls around – this is about training your brain and body to perform when it counts.
What we often see is a missed opportunity for real improvement. Golfers grab a handful of balls, aim at a random hole, and hit them without a clear process. While one might go in, the subsequent putts don't replicate the pressure and decision-making you face on the course. Remember, on the course, you only get ONE putt from each spot. So, let's train like it matters!
Here's the routine Brian is demonstrating, which you should incorporate before every round:
Read the Green First: Just like on the course, your routine starts behind the ball. Take your time to assess the slope, grain, and overall speed of the green leading to your chosen hole. Ask yourself: "What do I think is going to happen after I hit this putt?"
Make Your Plan: Once you've read the green, move in and formulate your strategy. This involves two key elements:
Aim Point: Where do you need to aim to account for the break?
Stroke Size: How big of a swing do you need to hit the ball the required distance?
One Ball, One Putt: This is crucial! Just like on the course, hit only ONE ball towards your chosen hole. This forces you to commit to your read and plan.
Review the Result: After your putt, walk up to the ball, regardless of whether it went in or not. Analyze what happened. Did you misread the green? Was your pace off? This review process is how you learn and improve.
Simulate Course Pressure: We're not just aiming for feel; we're training your brain. Treat each putt like it's a crucial one on the course. Feel the disappointment of a miss and the satisfaction of a make. This mental engagement is key to performing under pressure.
Create a Game: To make your practice more engaging and realistic, pick nine different holes. Give yourself the rule of one putt per hole and track your "score" over these nine putts. This adds an element of consequence and encourages focused effort.
Consequences Matter: Notice Brian's reaction to missing putts. That frustration is a good thing! If you don't feel some level of disappointment during your pre-round practice misses, you're likely not replicating the mental intensity of being on the course.
Repeat the Routine: For each of the nine holes you've selected, go through the entire read, plan, execute, and review process with a single ball. This reinforces good habits and prepares you for the real deal.
By following this pre-round putting routine, you're not just getting a feel for the greens – you're actively training your mind and body to read, plan, and execute putts effectively under pressure. This focused approach will translate to fewer putts and lower scores on the course. So, ditch the casual roll and start practicing with purpose!
Ready to transform your putting game? Book a lesson with Paul Williamson today!
