Golf games are often settled on the green. Knowing how to interpret drops, master short shots, and measure the distance and strength of your shot make all the difference in your round. Golfers will therefore find it useful to improve their short putt, a carefully measured shot that aims to get the ball in the hole from a short distance. If you want to learn how to putt like a pro, then read on to discover a number of putting tips and techniques for short putts.
Short putt in golf: a decisive shot
If you’ve got this far, you probably already know what a short putt is and what you really want to know is how to do it well. But it never hurts to describe what it is. Some readers, after all, might not have it entirely clear or may confuse it with other short game shots like the chip shot.
The short putt is the final shot that gets the ball in the hole. It requires high levels of accuracy and self-control, as the pressure you might be feeling at this point in the game - with your ball on the green, some 4m from the hole - is high.
Tips to help you master your short putt
1. Choose a good putter at your go-to pro shop
A short putt needs a putter - a golf club designed for the green - which is used quite a lot in comparison to the woods and irons in your bag. First make sure that the degree of your putter is 5° as you want it to roll, not jump. It’s important to get used to using the putter so you can feel more comfortable during the game. A golf fitting is sure to help you out in this respect.
2. Check your grip and don’t move your wrists too much
How you hold the golf club is a significant factor in your technique, as it helps prevent injuries and achieves the desired force and effect. On your first shot, the drive, you want the ball to rise up in the air, something you don’t want to happen with your short putt. You should therefore try to reduce your wrist movement when using the putter for a short or long putt.
3. Find balance and lightness in your stance
Your stance is just as important as your swing. To get the ball in the hole, or not far from it, it’s a good idea to stand parallel to your target line, without separating your feet too much. Shift your body weight slightly to the left. And, of course, place the clubface perpendicular to the ball so that when you look down from above it’s in a straight line.
4. Don’t use too much movement in your swing
The movement of your club should be light and precise when hitting a short putt. The aim is not to hit the ball far, but rather to get it in the hole which is just a few metres away from where you are. Avoid moving your head and your lower body: you want to be able to hear the sound of the ball going into the hole, rather than seeing it. Your backswing - the action taken when swinging back - should be longer than the movement forwards.
5. Study the green before taking your putt
We aren’t telling you anything new when we say that there are some factors in golf that are completely outside your control. No matter how good your putting skills, if you can’t read the slopes in the green, the height of the grass or the damp-levels of the course, you risk not achieving what you set out to. Our final tip is, therefore, to study the terrain before taking your putt. If you can read the signs, you’ll get some highly valuable insights.
Practise your short putt in the Costa del Golf
The best way to learn how to do short putts well is by practising. So garner your excitement and find yourself a great course to feel what it’s like to hit the ball onto the green and then take your final shot: your short putt.
If you fancy putting these tips into practice, the Costa del Sol is a great place to do so. An exceptional destination for golfers from all four corners of the globe, the province of Malaga has an enviable selection of golf courses complete with practice tees, pro shops where you can get all the kit you need and a wonderful atmosphere. Absolutely everything you need for an unforgettable experience. Discover the wonders of the Costa del Golf.
