Hey Guys, BIG trouble!

Hey Guys, this is my FIRST post, as i just read the site quite a bit, but now i HAVE to post this for some help from some gracious people.
Heres my story...

Im a senior in high school in a small town in North Dakota, i have a 6 handicap, and usually shoot 1 over or better at my home course, a 9 hole course. My average drive is 285 yards and am a pretty good chipper, and iron player, BUT im starting to get VERY frustrated in my putting. This high school golf season, we have had 7 tournaments, have won 4 and 2nd in 3. The 3 seconds shouldve been firsts too but my putting let me down in all of them. Even in a couple first place my putting has not been very good. This year im averaging 32! putts per round. i just dont know whats going on. Ive tried every grip, stance, and stroke possible to get this part of my game going, but just doesnt get kickstarted. I have trouble making every putt from 4 feet on out. Ive been practicing HARD on my putting the last week but nothings improving. I am a left hand low putter as of now, but can change quickly.... Does ANYONE have any TIPS or TRICKS that can help me, I NEED HELP!!!!

Thanks Guys!!
Aaron

Do you consistently miss to the right or left? Is your speed control good? Do you consistently hit the ball on the center of the face? Have you checked your set-up alignments? Are your forearms parallel to the line you are putting on? What stroke variations have you tried? I would suggest using a small mirror on the floor, can be purchased from home depot, use a piece of tape or two so that you have some lines on the mirror that you can check your alignments against (make the lines parallel to the edges of the mirror). Also, I would check out the putting stroke Jack Nicklaus outlines in Golf My Way. Other than that, I am curious to hear your answers to the above questions. Best of luck,

Matt

Originally Posted by mrodock Do you consistently miss to the right or left? Is your speed control good? Do you consistently hit the ball on the center of the face? Have you checked your set-up alignments? Are your forearms parallel to the line you are putting on? What stroke variations have you tried? I would suggest using a small mirror on the floor, can be purchased from home depot, use a piece of tape or two so that you have some lines on the mirror that you can check your alignments against (make the lines parallel to the edges of the mirror). Also, I would check out the putting stroke Jack Nicklaus outlines in Golf My Way. Other than that, I am curious to hear your answers to the above questions. Best of luck,

Matt

When i miss a 3-5 foot putt it is usually on the right side, have a lotta trouble lining up straight putts and all other putts i usually miss on the low side, then when i try to correct that im wayyy to high

my speed control is very good, very rarely 3 putt any greens..

i usually hit the ball on the center of the face, but i know sometimes i dont, probably 1/5 times i dont...

for set-up alignments, i know thats a BIG problem in my putting, but i have no clue on how to work on that, except for the drill you gave me there now which i will do...

what do you mean by "stroke variations" not to up to date on that...sorry, can you please explain?

All I meant by stroke variations would mean, for example: using an arm stroke, shoulder stroke, right hand stroke, etc. The major power source of area of concentration for the stroke. I would put a ruler down showing the line you are going to put down and then have someone look down-line to see where your forearms are aligned. I'd bet $50 they are open to your intended starting line. If so, I would get your right elbow much closer to your side (use a mirror to verify where the correct position is) and see if that doesn't correct the pushes. I'm guessing when you miss the sweet spot it is off the toe?

Matt

P.S. Keep in mind, I'm just a 2 handicapper that has read a lot on putting, I'm nowhere near an expert. There are certainly some of those on this site, but until they take over, I am more than willing to help you if I am thusly capable.

Ok, by those examples im probably using an arm stroke...

im not 100% sure when you say that my forearms are open to the starting line, what way would i turn my forearms to correct that...

yes when i do not hit the center of the putter, it is off the toe..

well i would sure love to get down to a 2 handicap, alot better then a 6 imo, so im sure you can help me ...

Originally Posted by mrodock All I meant by stroke variations would mean, for example: using an arm stroke, shoulder stroke, right hand stroke, etc. The major power source of area of concentration for the stroke. I would put a ruler down showing the line you are going to put down and then have someone look down-line to see where your forearms are aligned. I'd bet $50 they are open to your intended starting line. If so, I would get your right elbow much closer to your side (use a mirror to verify where the correct position is) and see if that doesn't correct the pushes. I'm guessing when you miss the sweet spot it is off the toe?

Matt

P.S. Keep in mind, I'm just a 2 handicapper that has read a lot on putting, I'm nowhere near an expert. There are certainly some of those on this site, but until they take over, I am more than willing to help you if I am thusly capable.

Originally Posted by air0208 When i miss a 3-5 foot putt it is usually on the right side, have a lotta trouble lining up straight putts and all other putts i usually miss on the low side, then when i try to correct that im wayyy to high

my speed control is very good, very rarely 3 putt any greens..

i usually hit the ball on the center of the face, but i know sometimes i dont, probably 1/5 times i dont...

for set-up alignments, i know thats a BIG problem in my putting, but i have no clue on how to work on that, except for the drill you gave me there now which i will do...

what do you mean by "stroke variations" not to up to date on that...sorry, can you please explain?

LISTEN TO V.J.!!!!!No disrespect to anyone else

To add to VJ's excelent post - check you eye alignment - using the CD or something like the 'pro aim' glasses ect. I found that I had been setting up with my eyeline pointing right of my line, causing all kinds of compensations during my stroke.

Your eyeline and shoulder line are critical alignments.

Put your mind in your hands.
Do not move the putterhead move your hands. Focus on your hands and right forearm same as a full swing.
Focus in your hands, Feel the lag.

Work out your stroke on the practice green.....

The technique for a putt really is simple once you narrow it down....there's lots of info. in here.

...

Once you get that I think it's really important to give yourself instructions only related to the target....no "hows" on the course....just "whats"...

i.e. "ok, let's put this one in the hole."

(your brain works out the rest and will execute the stroke you've practiced)

Once I've done that ("programming") I recite a Clear Key while over the putt....I really believe in Carey's stuff.

...

Keep doing this....very little mechanics on the course. Some, of course....but if you start thinking about all the "hows" when you're supposed to be executing you'll putt like Sergio.

Hey guys, thanks for all your advice, I WILL give a go to your advice, i have a tournament on monday to qualify for state, hopefully this can translate over! thanks again for all of your help!

aaron