Putting is often referred to as the “heart” of golf. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, it’s no secret that a strong putting game can make a significant difference in your overall score. For senior golfers, focusing on the short game becomes even more crucial. As age may affect strength and mobility, honing your putting skills becomes a key strategy for staying competitive on the greens. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into a myriad of putting tips tailored specifically for senior golfers, addressing the unique challenges and considerations that come with age. From refining the stroke to understanding green reading and enhancing mental focus, these valuable tips aim to elevate the putting game for senior golfers and bring joy to their time on the greens. How to be a better putter.
Putting Tips for Senior Golfers
The Fundamentals of a Solid Putting Stroke
1. Grip and Posture:
- Begin with a comfortable and relaxed grip. For seniors, a slightly thicker putter grip can reduce hand tension. Maintain a posture that is athletic yet comfortable, with a slight bend in the knees.
2. Alignment:
- One of the most critical elements of successful putting is proper alignment. Start by positioning your feet parallel to the target line. Align your eyes over the ball and make sure your shoulders are square to the target. This setup will help you achieve a more accurate and consistent putting stroke. Take the time to practice and refine your alignment on the practice green to build confidence in your setup.
3. Smooth Stroke:
- Focus on a smooth and controlled putting stroke. Avoid abrupt movements or overcompensation. Seniors may benefit from a pendulum-like motion, allowing the arms to swing freely. A smooth putting stroke is vital for consistent results on the greens. As a senior golfer, focus on developing a pendulum-like motion with your stroke. Avoid using excessive force as it can lead to inconsistencies. Instead, concentrate on maintaining a steady rhythm and tempo throughout your stroke. By keeping your movement fluid and controlled, you’ll improve your chances of sinking those putts with ease. You can find free metronome apps for your phone in app stores.
4. Weight Distribution:
- Distribute your weight evenly between both feet. This balanced stance provides stability during the stroke. As you swing, let the weight shift naturally with the motion of the putter.
5. Putter Length:
- Choose a putter length that suits your height and putting style. There are various types and lengths of putters to choose from, including the Broomstick and Armlock putters.
When putting, the best rhythm is 2 to 1. This means 0.6 seconds on the backstroke and 0.3 seconds on the forward stroke, adding up to a total stroke time of 0.9 seconds, which is just under a second.
Professional players typically maintain a combined tempo and rhythm ranging from 72 to 80 beats per minute when using a metronome. Around 90 percent of players operate at 76 beats per minute. Mastering speed control and distance control is crucial to becoming an excellent putter.
Distance Control and Feel
1. Pace of the Greens:
- Pay attention to the pace of the greens. Seniors often benefit from a slightly firmer stroke on faster greens and a softer stroke on slower greens. Adapt to the conditions for improved distance control.
- Various kinds of golf balls can impact how the green feels. They can affect the ball’s trajectory and control when hitting it. The construction and compression of the ball also play a significant role in how it behaves on the green.
2. Practice Distance Putts:
- Dedicate practice time to varying distances. This helps in developing a consistent feel for different lengths of putts. Seniors can focus on honing their touch and control through regular distance putt practice.
3. Visualization:
- Visualize the path and destination of the putt before executing the stroke. Creating a mental image helps seniors commit to the line and improves the chances of the ball finding its intended target.
4. One-Two-Three Putting Drill:
- Practice a one-two-three putting drill for distance control. Place three balls at varying distances and try to hole each one with just one, and two putts. This drill hones both accuracy and feel.
5. Consistent Routine:
- Develop a consistent pre-putt routine. This not only instills confidence but also helps in maintaining a steady tempo and rhythm during the stroke. Take a few deep breaths, visualize the putt going in the hole, and then make your stroke. This will help you eliminate any distractions and make a more confident stroke.
Green Reading Strategies
1. Read from Behind the Ball:
- Approach the ball from behind to get a clear view of the entire putt. Assess the overall slope and contours of the green. Seniors may find this perspective valuable for accurate green reading.
2. Peripheral Vision:
- Engage your peripheral vision to detect subtle breaks in the green. Seniors can enhance their green reading by paying attention to the surrounding terrain and how it influences the putt. Take the time to study the contours, slopes, and grain of the greens. Look for subtle visual cues such as changes in color or patterns that indicate the direction of the break. Additionally, pay attention to the speed of the greens as it will affect the roll of the ball. With practice, you’ll become more adept at reading greens and making accurate judgments for successful putts.
3. Feel the Slope:
- Use your feet to feel the slope of the green. Seniors may find it beneficial to stand on either side of the ball and sense the gradient. This tactile approach can complement visual assessment.
4. Identify High Points:
- Locate the high points and low points on the green. These areas indicate the general slope and can guide your read. For senior golfers, it can be especially helpful to pay attention to subtle slopes that may not be immediately apparent. As we age, our eyesight can deteriorate, making it more difficult to see slight differences in elevation. By taking the time to carefully observe the green and look for these subtle slopes, seniors can improve their accuracy and make more putts.
5. Consider Breaks Late:
- Adjust your focus to the last few feet of the putt. Seniors can prioritize reading the break close to the hole, as this is where the putt has the most significant influence on direction.
Mental Focus and Confidence Building
1. Positive Visualization:
- Cultivate a positive mindset by visualizing successful putts. Seniors can recall past instances of successful putts to build confidence and reinforce a positive mental outlook.
2. Breathe and Relax:
- Prior to each putt, take a deep breath and consciously relax your body. Tension can adversely impact the putting stroke. Seniors may find this simple practice aids in maintaining composure.
3. Focus on the Process, Not Outcome:
- Shift your focus to the process of making a good stroke rather than fixating on the outcome. Seniors can benefit from emphasizing the journey of executing a solid putt rather than the result.
4. Embrace Routine:
- Develop a pre-putt routine and stick to it consistently. Routine instills a sense of familiarity and comfort, helping seniors enter a focused and composed state before each putt.
5. Learn from Misses:
- Approach missed putts as learning opportunities. Analyze the factors that contributed to the miss and use this information to refine your approach. Seniors can view challenges as stepping stones to improvement.
Adapting to Physical Limitations
1. Putter Customization:
- Consider customizing your putter to accommodate any physical limitations. Seniors may explore options such as longer or shorter putter shafts, thicker grips, or even counterbalanced putters.
2. Utilize a Putter Aid:
- Explore the use of putting aids designed to enhance stability and control. Seniors may find aids like a putting alignment mirror or a training arc beneficial for refining their stroke.
Use Coupon code “1USA” to get a 20% discount on the PUR Truth Trainer from Senior Golf USA.
Apply the coupon code on the PUR website when you’re in the cart.
3. Adapt Stance for Comfort:
- Modify your putting stance to suit your comfort level. Seniors may experiment with a slightly wider stance or a posture that alleviates stress on joints while maintaining balance.
4. Strengthen Core Muscles:
- Incorporate exercises to strengthen core muscles. A stable core is essential for maintaining balance during the putting stroke. Seniors can benefit from exercises that enhance core strength and stability.
5. Warm-Up Routine:
- Implement a thorough warm-up routine before hitting the greens. Seniors should focus on stretching and loosening up joints to ensure flexibility during the putting stroke.
Continuous Improvement and Practice
1. Regular Putting Practice:
- Dedicate time to regular putting practice sessions. Seniors can focus on drills that target specific aspects of their putting game, from distance control to green reading.
2. Vary Practice Environments:
- Practice putting on a variety of greens to adapt to different speeds and slopes. Seniors can benefit from exposure to diverse putting conditions, enhancing their ability to adjust during actual rounds.
3. Putt with Purpose:
- Approach putting practice with a purpose. Set specific goals for each session, whether it’s improving distance control, focusing on short putts, or refining the overall stroke.
4. Simulate Game Scenarios:
- Simulate real-game scenarios during practice. Seniors can create pressure situations, such as needing to make a crucial putt to win a hypothetical tournament, to build mental resilience.
- Use a mirror or video camera to analyze your putting stroke. If you want to understand and improve your putting stroke, you can use a mirror or a video camera to observe and analyze it. By doing so, you’ll be able to see how you move and position yourself when making a putt. This visual feedback can be really helpful in identifying any flaws or areas that need adjustment in your stroke. So, grab a mirror or set up a video camera, and take some time to study your putting technique. It could make a significant difference in your overall performance on the greens.
5. Seek Professional Guidance:
- Consider seeking guidance from a golf instructor or putting coach. Seniors can benefit from personalized feedback and tips tailored to their unique needs and challenges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, putting is an art form in golf, and for senior golfers, it becomes a blend of skill, experience, and a touch of wisdom. By focusing on the fundamentals of a solid putting stroke, honing distance control and green reading skills, and nurturing mental focus and confidence, senior golfers can elevate their putting game to new heights. Adapting to physical limitations, embracing continuous improvement through practice, and seeking professional guidance all contribute to a well-rounded approach to putting that enhances the overall golfing experience. So, seniors, step onto the putting green with the knowledge and tips provided in this guide, and let each stroke be a masterpiece that reflects the joy and mastery of the game. May your putts be true, your rolls smooth, and your enjoyment of the greens boundless. Happy putting!
Putting Drills & Tips
Golf Lessons For The Flat Stick by Golf Distillery
In this section of the site, we’ll focus on what I truly believe is the most important club in the bag… the putter.
The putting tips and lessons below cover good putting fundamentals such as alignment and stance, the putting stroke, the putting grip, reading greens and distance control.
I’ve also included some putting drills and games so that you can make the most of your time when you practice putting.
How Many Putts Do You Take?
I don’t think most golfers appreciate just how many shots they are throwing away with their putter. If you want to better your scores on the golf course and lower your handicap as quickly as possible – improve your putting.
- Count the number of putts you take per round over an average of 3 rounds.
- If you’re taking more than 36 putts per round, you’re wasting shots on the golf course.
- If, like many higher handicappers, you’re taking 40+ putts per round, it’s like taking half a dozen air shots on the first tee. You wouldn’t do that too often before doing something about it!
- There’s no reason why any level of golfer can’t become a very good putter with proper instruction and a bit of practice.
- Unlike the physically demanding full swing, putting is a skill that can be mastered regardless of age and physical strength.
Lag Putting Drill
2-Putt everything from anywhere on the green
The distance from the hole for your first putt is always determined by the quality of your approach.
Sure, you will sometimes be able to put your ball within 10 feet for a real chance at birdie. But more often than not you will be faced with putt distances where the odds are against you. Instead of going for it every time it may be best to take your medicine and protect your par from a three-putt bogey rather than going for the one-putt birdie.
Follow these steps to practice your lag putting:
- If at all possible position yourself far away from three different holes on the putting green and drop three balls in front of you.
- Strike your first ball towards one of the holes while trying to see the ball coming to rest within three feet of the hole. This circle around the hole is the target, not the hole itself so the pace of the putt is more important than the precise line.
- Strike your second ball towards a second hole with the same objective of seeing the ball come to rest close to the hole.
- Finally, strike your third ball towards the last hole, again with the same objective.
- Go to your first ball and try to hole it in what would be a two-putt par. Likewise, try to convert your second and third ball and see how many three-putts you were able to save.
Target the Very Center of the Cup Drill
Take dead aim… at the very center of the hole
Harvey Penick used to say that golfers should take dead aim. While he may have been talking about golf shots using longer clubs and full swings that saying can certainly also apply to putting.
Indeed, rather than aiming at the general direction of the hole it can be quite useful to aim at the very center of the hole. That way, missing that very precise target can still result in holed putts.
Follow these steps in order to make a precise target in the middle of the hole:
- Plant a tee straight onto the inside of a hole on the practice green.
- Push it through the ground sufficiently so that there is enough room for the ball to fall in the hole should it strike it.
- Practice putting from in front of the tee while trying to see the ball hitting the tee before falling into the hole.
Alternative
If you want to make sure not to damage the inside of the cup as prescribed or if there is a hard plastic liner preventing you from doing so there is an easy alternative.
Indeed, practice your putting as you normally would on the putting green but instead of aiming at the holes simply aim at a tee (or tees) that you previously inserted into the ground. Imagine that you must hit the tee in order for the putt to count as made. Any putt that missed the tee can be deemed not to fall in.
The Smaller the Target the Greater the Margin of Error
Performing this putting drill will train you to focus and aim at a very specific target.
This is in contrast to aiming at the general direction of the hole. Picking a smaller target will get you to really apply yourself to make sure you hit a great putt and that the line you picked was the correct one.
And best of all, when you take that focus onto the golf course and when you miss that small target your putts may still fall into the hole nonetheless.
- Senior Golf Players: Managing the Costs of Golf
As the golden years approach, many senior golf players find themselves with more free time to pursue their passions, and for many, that passion is golf. The sport offers a perfect blend of physical activity, social interaction, and mental stimulation. However, as with any hobby, there are costs associated with playing golf, and these can… Read more: Senior Golf Players: Managing the Costs of Golf - Senior Golfers: The Ultimate Guide to Building a Garage Golf Simulator
As we age, our passion for golf doesn’t diminish, but our ability to get out on the course as frequently as we’d like might. That’s where a garage golf simulator comes in handy. For senior golfers, it’s the perfect solution to keep your swing sharp, improve your game, and enjoy golf year-round, regardless of weather… Read more: Senior Golfers: The Ultimate Guide to Building a Garage Golf Simulator - Golfing Made Easy: The Club Booster V2 Electric Caddy
As we get older, the joys of golf can start to feel overshadowed by the physical demands of the game. Lugging clubs around a hilly course or struggling with a heavy push cart can quickly drain your energy and enthusiasm. But fear not, the Club Booster V2 is here to change the way you experience… Read more: Golfing Made Easy: The Club Booster V2 Electric Caddy - Senior Golf: The Greatest Quotes About Golf
Golf is a sport that encourages creative expression and stirs emotions that connect with both players and fans. From the calm beauty of a well-kept golf course at sunset to the exciting thrill of making a perfect shot, the game has a strong appeal that keeps us coming back. It can turn even the most… Read more: Senior Golf: The Greatest Quotes About Golf - As a Senior Golfer: “Why I’m Losin it”as I Get Older
Hey there, fellow golf enthusiasts! Let’s chat about something we’ve all noticed as we’ve gotten a bit more seasoned. You know how it goes – we step up to the tee, give it our best swing, and… well, the ball just doesn’t fly quite as far as it used to. Frustrating, right? Don’t worry, you’re… Read more: As a Senior Golfer: “Why I’m Losin it”as I Get Older