Coaching
This section provides material on how to improve the golfer's skills to execute a putt.
The core putt drill
Calibrate your body and brain for the actual green speed of the day.
How to find the fall line
Five drills to discern the direction of maximum slope.
Slope in percent
Measure the height difference and turn it into a percentage.
The CORE Putt DRILL
Making three consecutive putts on a plane surface with the same movement, speed and rhythm is known as a "core putting drill". The goal of this drill is to develop a consistent and repeatable putting stroke, so that the three balls will roll the same distance.
The drill is done by placing three golf balls on the putting green, lined up in a row, with no target. The golfer then takes their time to practice the same stroke on each putt, focusing on maintaining the same speed, rhythm, and movement, and you should not turn the heads until you have completed the third putt.
The idea is that if the golfer is able to make all three putts with the same stroke, it means that they have a consistent and repeatable putting stroke. This drill is a great way to develop a good pace for putting and to build a good sense of distance control. It can also help the golfer to identify and correct any flaws in their putting stroke that may be causing them to miss putts.
It is recommended to perform the core-putt drill at least four to six minutes before practicing or playing a round on the course. This will give you a good sense of the green speed and allow you to adjust your putting technique accordingly. By calibrating your body and brain with the core-putt drill, you will be able to make more accurate and consistent putts during your round.
Finding the fall line and the slope
The fall line refers to the line down an inclined surface (or a hill) which is most directly downhill; that is, the line on which a ball or other body would take if it were free to move on the slope only driven by gravity. Within a certain distance to the hole, the fall line can be well approximated by a straight line to the hole on a flat and tilted surface. The slope of the fall line (measured in %) has to be estimated afterwards. Knowing the fall line and the slope is essential to determine the concept of aim point and distance point.
There are several methods that can be used to determine the fall line.
In the intricate pursuit of understanding the fall line on a putting green, a method that combines movement, observation, and iterative refinement can be particularly enlightening. This approach involves a deliberate and dynamic process of walking around the green, estimating the fall line, and fine-tuning your understanding through a series of strategic putts.
Embarking on the journey to find the fall line on a putting green involves a method that integrates both physical movement and sensory perception. One effective and hands-on approach is to take a stroll around the hole, maintaining a distance of approximately 3 to 4 steps. Through this method, golfers can tap into the subtleties of the green's contours and discover the elusive fall line with an intuitive blend of movement and observation.
A practical and straightforward technique for determining the fall line involves a strategic positioning below the hole. By standing below the hole and keenly observing the cup's topography, golfers can uncover valuable insights into the green's subtle slopes that significantly impact putt direction and speed.
One imaginative and insightful technique for identifying the fall line involves the visualization of water gracefully flowing out of the cup. Envision a scenario where the cup is a source, and the water spills over its edges, naturally following the path of least resistance.
An often-overlooked aspect is the alignment of your body with the fall line, especially around the hole. One unconventional yet effective method to achieve this alignment is by incorporating push-ups into your practice routine. By finding a strategic position around the hole where push-ups can be performed with ease, you set the stage for a training technique that not only enhances your physical fitness but also aligns your spine parallel to the fall line.
Using a combination of the different methods can help to increase the accuracy of finding the fall line. Each method has its own limitations and by using multiple methods, you can cross-reference and confirm the fall line. Additionally, it's also important to note that the fall line can change depending on the location and conditions of the green, so it is important to always re-evaluate and confirm the fall line before making a putt.
How to find the slope in percent
To find the slope in percent (%) for a putt, you need to determine the vertical height difference, measured from a reference point that lies in a defined reference length from the hole (in centimeters or inches). Then, divide this number by the reference length and multiply it by 100. This will give you the slope in percent.
Example in inches
Reference length 100 inches (8.33 feet = 100 inches), height difference 3 inches. Then the slope in percent is: (3/100) × 100 = 3%
Example in centimeters
Reference length 300 centimeters (3 meter = 300 cm), height difference 3 centimeters. Then the slope in percent is: (3/300) × 100 = 3%
Important: It is important to practice this procedure in order to have the necessary data and measurements to perform the calculation. This will help ensure that you have accurate results when completing the calculation. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the procedure is followed correctly in order to ensure accuracy.