Get ready to learn my secret trick for how to putt with Tiger Woods like focus!
There are a lot of components to putting - reading the green's slope, speed, grain, etc. While a lot of attention these days goes into these topics, little attention is given on perhaps the most important aspect of putting - the mental approach to focusing your attention. Just as the AI swing analyzer helps golfers identify mechanical breakdowns in the full swing, developing elite focus on the greens requires its own systematic approach.
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A lot of golfers over the years have struggled with the so-called "yips". I say "so-called" because the yips are not some sort of real, medical condition that some golf instructors seem to think it is.
Rather, it is a breakdown in the mental processes and being overly concerned with the consequences of the outcome of the putt.
This image shows the three stages of focus in my putting routine, each getting more focused than the last. Click image to enlarge it.
To help you overcome the fear of a missed putt we could talk about the mental aspects of golf all day long, and I have written numerous articles on the topic. Instead, I want to give you the keys to my putting routine that will not only help you overcome your putting fears, but also help you hole more putts from any distance.
FIRST LOOK - SET UP TO THE PUTT
When I first approach the ball to get set up to make my putt, I set the putter down on my intended line and get my initial look at the target. I don't want to try and get too locked in on the details just yet because the first setup needs room for correction. I shuffle my feet slightly, adjust the putter head alignment, etc. during this phase of the setup. Again, I'm just trying to get my initial direction here.
SECOND LOOK - NARROWING IN
Now that I am settled in, I make micro adjustments as needed. My targeting process is getting narrower. As I look up the second time, the area I am focusing on becomes smaller as my putting setup routine gets more exacting.
FINAL LOOK - THE CRITICAL KEY
As I look up a third time, my focus becomes extremely tight. I am looking for the smallest possible target to focus on.
Depending on the distance and the break of the putt, it may be as small as a piece of grass or a mark in the back of the cup.
At this point, nothing can break my concentration as I have moved through a "funneling" process to slowly let my mind engage in the target rather than trying to demand that my mind take a giant leap from setting up behind the putt to instantly getting over the putt and locking. This same principle of progressive focus applies whether you are building a consistent putting stroke or training full-swing mechanics with the GOAT Drill system.
Your focus should be as tight as possible, even an individual blade of grass.
The mind can be like a wild horse, and it is better to try and reign it in slowly and gently through a process rather than try and jump on its back and force it into submission.
THE SECRET: PULL THE TRIGGER WITHOUT HESITATION
Now for my secret putting key for how to putt like the putting greats. Once I have my extremely specific target in site and I look back to the ball, I pull the trigger - even before my head has stopped moving. This makes the process more natural, fluid, dynamic - and keeps you from getting tense over the putt. It all happens as one smooth motion.
My mind never has the time to switch modes from being locked in on my target to worrying about the outcome. If you struggle with your putting, this will be a huge mental relief for you. You won't have time to talk yourself out of making the putt. It will be a more natural, athletic putting process for you.
I liken it to a basketball player shooting free throw. A great free throw shooter never stops moving from the dribble to the release. It's all part of the sequence.
Unless you're Shaq. He did stop moving, and he had the equivalent of the yips in basketball!
WHAT ABOUT BREAKING PUTTS?
The only difference with a breaking putt is where my focus is, but the putting process is exactly the same.
Instead of putting my "rings of focus" around the hole, they may be on the apex of the putt or on a specific spot I want the ball to roll over during its way to the bottom of the cup.
Go out and try this technique today. It will not only free up your nerves to allow you to make a great putting stroke, but it will help you make more putts by being more specific with your target.
The more you can narrow in that "Final Look", the more accurate you will be with your distance control and green reading.
How to Putt with Laser Like Focus
Learn to enhance your putting focus for better performance on the greens.
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1
Set Up to the Putt
Approach the ball and set the putter down on your intended line. Take an initial look at your target without getting too detailed, allowing room for adjustments.
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2
Narrow Your Focus
After settling in, make micro adjustments to your stance and alignment. As you look up a second time, narrow your focus on a smaller area to enhance your targeting.
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3
Final Look at Target
On your third look, focus on the smallest possible target, such as a blade of grass or a mark in the cup. This tight focus helps engage your mind in the target.
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4
Pull the Trigger Smoothly
Once your target is in sight, look back at the ball and pull the trigger without hesitation. This fluid motion helps prevent tension and keeps your mind locked on the target.
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5
Adjust for Breaking Putts
For breaking putts, adjust your focus to the apex of the putt or a specific spot for the ball to roll over. The overall process remains the same, just with a different focus point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key stages of focus in my putting routine?
The key stages of focus in your putting routine include three distinct looks. The first look involves setting up and getting an initial direction without locking onto details. The second look narrows your focus as you make micro adjustments, and the final look is where your concentration becomes extremely tight, focusing on a small target like a piece of grass or a mark in the cup.
How can I overcome the fear of missing a putt?
To overcome the fear of missing a putt, it’s crucial to develop a systematic mental approach. This involves focusing progressively through the three stages of your routine, which helps to build confidence. By concentrating on a very specific target and pulling the trigger without hesitation, you can alleviate tension and anxiety associated with the outcome of the putt.
Why is the mental approach to putting so important?
The mental approach to putting is vital because it directly impacts your performance on the greens. Many golfers experience a breakdown in their mental processes, leading to issues like the 'yips.' By focusing on the right mental techniques, such as progressive focus and pulling the trigger smoothly, you can enhance your concentration and improve your putting consistency.
What is the secret to putting like the pros?
The secret to putting like the pros lies in having a specific target in sight and executing the putt without hesitation. Once you have narrowed your focus to an extremely small target, you should pull the trigger even before your head has stopped moving. This fluid motion keeps you from overthinking and allows for a more natural putting stroke, similar to how a basketball player shoots free throws.
Watch part 2 now to see how you're moving your body in the opposite direction of the pros!
