Building Confidence with Golf Putting Exercises

Choose a putter that gives you confidence and suits your body type and playing style. Most golfers prefer a shorter, conventional putter that allows you to lean over the ball and mostly requires you to use your shoulders and arms for the stroke. However, if you have back or wrist problems or are exceptionally tall, you may opt for a belly or long-putter. Experiment with different designs until you find one you are comfortable with.

Stay relaxed and focused, and hold your putter just tightly enough that it won't slip out of your hands when you swing. Try holding the club at different points on the grip until you find the spot where your hands are most comfortable. Use your non-dominant hand to push the putter back and then pull it gently through the stroke. Your dominant hand should provide stability and balance.

Practice putting from various distances and on many different slopes and angles. Stop and line up each putt before you approach the ball, trying to envision the path the ball will take to the hole. As you address the ball for your putt, keep your eye directly over it and breathe deeply. Make your putting stroke one fluid motion, follow through and watch the line the ball follows. The more you practice, the more accustomed you will get to your stroke and the better you will be at predicting and anticipating the putt in any situation.

Have fun, and your practices will be easier. Invite a friend to the practice green and make a little competition out of it, or take your own putter and balls to the mini-golf course one afternoon.

Avoid becoming so consumed by the learning process that you become frustrated and start dreading your time on the green. If you are having a hard time with your putting practice, take a break and work on another aspect of your game. Come back to putting when you are ready.