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They practice. They hit putts from every possible distance from side to side
and up and down the green.They enjoy practising. Many of them have games they play when
they practice. One ball against another is popular.
They work on the philosophy that when they get on the course they are not going
to find a putt they haven't had some experience with back on the putting green.
They spend a lot more time knocking in putts up to 2 yards or metres in length
because they know that to shoot a good score they are going to have to hole out
from this range.
They have a routine that is the same for every putt they hit. It does not
change from stroke to stroke. You might see them practice their routine on the
putting green. Their routine involves them in finding a line from their ball to
the hole.It also includes a number of practice strokes that simulate the stroke
they are going to make when they hit the putt. What they want to do is "feel"
the stroke before they hit the ball. They find the line and the stroke quite
quickly - there is no time wasting.
When they get over the ball they always have a very clear and precise mental
picture of what the ball is going to do once they hit it. They can "see" how it
will break on route to the hole.They "see" the ball going in the hole. They run
their eyes up and down that line as they stand over the putt just like a driver
studies the route on road map.
Their concentration is total but at the same time they are relaxed. A study of
their posture and grip would show no stress or tension.
The one stand out feature of their stroke is that it is rhythmic. The length of
the stroke itself may vary but their rhythm is constant. A long and smooth
stroke or one that's short and fast - it doesn't matter, the rhythm is the same.
When they hole a putt they enjoy the moment. While they might not do a lap of
the green pumping both fists you will know that holing a putt gives them a lot
of satisfaction.They understand it is quite an achievement to roll a ball any
distance on into the hole. In some instances a putt finishing close to the hole
is itself an achievement.
They are alert to all the factors that can affect the ball rolling across the
green. Wind, moisture, grain, length of the grass, drainage, wear around the
hole and contours on the green are the more obvious ones.
They watch other golfers in their four putt because they know they can get
feedback from watching how the ball rolls on the green in terms of its speed
and line. They pay close attention to how the ball 'behaves' when it gets to
the hole.
They are always believe they can hole any given putt. They know this is one of
the challenges of putting because we miss more than we hole but they "keep the
faith."
You will never hear them criticise themselves. They know some days will be
better than others and that at times they may miss because the greens are not
running true.They have a putting philosopy that is positive and optimistic and
forgiving.
They putt with a putter that 'fits' them in terms of its length, lie and grip
thickness. They might experiment from time to time with another putter but they
have complete confidence in the one they use. They also play and putt with the
same brand and make of ball round after round because they know that is one
factor they can control.
Finally they know that they have never shot a good score without having putted
well. That's why they work so hard at it.
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