Tom Watson has been in the news lately with mixed publicity, most notably as Ryder Cup Captain and most recently as honoree of the NAIA Champions of Character Foundation.Golf for Beginners considers Mr. Watson to be a distinguished sportsman as well as one of the greatest short-game players to ever grace a green.
In this golf blog we will review a few of the putting tips that helped "Huckleberry Dillinger" win thirty-nine events on the PGA Tour as well as five Champions Tour major events.
In Watson's book, "Getting Up and Down", putting takes center stage and with good reason; Tom mentions that "putting is half the game so it deserves half of your practice time." Feel, set-up, aim and a good judge of distance are essentials to being a great putter.
To practice his putting when not on Tour, Tom has just installed a SYNLawn putting green in his own backyard (and what a view!)
Tom Watson's putting green installed by SYNLawn!
Golf putting tips from short game master Tom Watson:
Aim the Putter, then Align Your Body
Just like a golfer sets up at the tee box, the same is true when standing over a putt. Proper set-up is the beginning of a solid putt.Sometimes, the best golf advice we ever receive is from our dads. Such is the case with Watson who, in the November issue of Golf Digest Magazine, offered up this simple dimple tip.
Eye on the Ball
"Pick out a dimple in the middle of the back of the ball and hit that dimple with the middle of the putter, keeping your eyes on it as you swing through." Eyes focused on the dimple keeps your head still and gives you a more "consistent stroke".Swivel your head, don't lift it: "You'll see the line of the putt and you'll be less prone to look up too soon."
Most importantly, DON'T LOOK UP! Watson follows Sam Snead's advice of not looking where the golf ball goes but listening for the hopeful clink into the cup!
Finally, something every golfer who thinks about pulling out his wedge should consider - as Tom Watson states, "even the best chippers putt when they can."
Share how you practice your putting with Golf for Beginners blog and SYNLawn Golf: Twitter @Golf4Beginners and @SYNLawn_golf.
Photo credit: SYNLawn Golf, SF Gate blog
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