Putt the same way every time and you will develop habits that will help you make putts even blindfolded!

This hub will discuss length of the putting stroke. Controlling the length of the stroke controls the overall distance the ball rolls.

Tip 1: Always stroke the putt using the same tempo. The tempo of the stroke should stay the same and the length of the stroke will control your distance.

Tip 2: A putt is never made on the back stroke. Don’t rush it.

Tip 3: Take the face of the putter to the target on the follow through.

Practice game 1: Take a cloth tape measure to the practice green with you. Measure off 5 feet, 10 feet and 15 feet. Mark those spots. Now make 5 putts in a row at each location laying the tape measure on the ground at each location and see how far back and through the putter must travel for each distance. Within a few weeks you will develop a good feel for how far back and through the putter must travel for each distance. It will become habit and second nature for these distances. Think of this: If you have a 14 footer for birdie or par you know exactly what it takes for 15 feet. The most you will miss by is one foot. But remember, use the same tempo on every putt. Change the distance by the length of the stroke. A putt is much the same as a swing. You shouldn’t alter the tempo of an eight iron nor should you alter the tempo of a putting stroke.

Practice Game 2: Measure from the back of the hole and mark 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, and 6 feet with a tee on the practice green. If you are practicing on the carpet at home, just mark with a piece of tape. Now we want you to make 3 putts from each distance starting at three feet. If you miss before you get through the six feet mark you have to go back and start all over at the three feet mark. After awhile you will recognize that the tempo is the same on all these lengths. You will also realize whether you are decelerating the putter head through impact. Deceleration leads to aimed putts and inconsistent rolls usually causing a pushed putt. This drill will get you rolling the same speed on all these putts and prevent you from aiming at the front of the cup. Instead you will end up aiming at a point about one of two feet past the cup.

Practice makes perfect. Remember, get a putter that feels good and that you have confidence in. Practice with it. You will get better and probably sooner than you think. Any tour pro or club pro will agree with this.