MORE TUITION ARTICLES All Fired Up - JM Olazabal Girl Power Move Over... Then Hit It Sling Shot Utility Wood IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Putting on the Style
Nick Dougherty

The great danger for juniors is being told to focus too much on technique when they putt perfectly well with great feel and intuition. But there are certain things that you need to be aware of that will help you to develop a solid stroke, and some of these pointers are outlined here.

Above all, the drills that I am going to show you are designed to enable you to practise your putting with the emphasis on feel. That's the way I do it, and that's the way to hole more putts.

Routine business

Your putting style has to be your own individual design, something you feel totally comfortable with. But at the same time you want to make sure that your routine in setting up to the ball allows the arms to hang and fall into a comfortable position, one that gives you the makings of a safe, pendulum-type stroke.

When I practise I always like to work on exactly the routine I use on the course. I like to create a nice angle at the hips so that my hands fall into the comfortable position you see above, with the arms nicely extended. I have my putter adjusted to 34 inches in length to accommodate my posture and you should check with your pro that the length of your own putter suits your style.

Now let me show you some great practice drills.