Putt Through The Gate
Improve your speed using this gate drill
We all struggle with getting the right speed on our putts to get the ball into the hole. What some amateurs do is bring the putter back outside their foot and decelerate into the ball to control speed. It can work, however, to remain consistent and make more putts, a short backstroke is a better option. The next step is to accelerate into the ball through impact. This will give the ball an end-over-end roll towards the hole.
Set up the gate
Insert two tees into the ground far enough apart that the ball will pass through and not as wide as your putter. Place a ball in between the tees so that your putter will contact the ball before the tees.
Make your regular putting stroke
Set up to the ball and make your regular putting stroke. If you find that you cannot get the ball to roll forward with enough power you are most likely decelerating before you get to the ball.
Practice accelerating into the ball
The goal for this drill is to hit a ten foot putt without knocking the two tees out of the ground. Work on this drill until you can put a solid hit on the ball and get a consistent end-over-end roll on the ball. This drill will give you more confidence on the putting green and you will be sure to sink more putts.
Mallet Putter vs. Blade Putter
Finding a putter that you like can be a daunting task. It can be an overwhelming sight walking into a golf shop and looking at all the putters lined up along the wall. There are fat ones, skinny ones, long ones, short ones, and quite a few different manufacturers. There are mallet putters and blade putters.
If you are fairly new to the golf world, you probably bought a full set from a friend or from the local golf store. And, you probably took whatever advice they told you about the putter in the bag. That is, if they even mentioned the putter.
Was the putter uncomfortable to use? Did you seem to miss a lot of putts that you felt you could make? Was the shaft to long or too short? Did the grip feel too skinny or too fat?
Answering yes to any of these questions would have prompted you to visit your local golf store and begin the process of picking a new putter. With over 100 putters to choose from, where do we start. Most golf stores have staff that can help you choose a putter that will work for you. Most likely the first question they will ask is: Do you like a mallet or blade putter?
What is a Mallet Style Putter?
A mallet style putter usually has a large squarish or semi-circle head. The shape of the head can also be quite unorthodox. There are various alignment aids on the top of the head to aid the golfer. A mallet putter stroke is normally straight back and straight though. The face is square with a standard loft of about 4 degrees.
One of Golf Digest’s Hot List Mallet Putters
Odyssey Tank Cruiser #7 Mallet Golf Putter, Right Hand, 35-Inch $245.54
What is a Blade Style Putter?
A blade putter is designed to be smaller and less complicated than a mallet putter. Full sets generally come with a blade putter. The putter head has minimal alignment aids. Most blade putters have a similar shape. The blade putter stroke is normally done on a slight arc back and through. The face is square with standard loft of about 4 degrees.
One of Golf Digest’s Hot List Blade Putters
Odyssey Metal X Milled # 6 Putter, Right Hand, 35-Inch $299.99
