Tension is killing your putting – here’s how to fix it

The best players in the world are meticulous in the build-up to hitting a putt.

They take in all the factors that could influence how the putt will roll on the green before making a firm decision. Once it comes to the moment of truth, however, they don’t waste time.

Instead, they roll the ball while they’re still relaxed enough to make a good stroke.   

If you freeze over the ball, negative thoughts, anxiety and tension can creep in.

• The key to lower scores? Not more birdies

• Shot Scope brand-new X5 GPS watch

If you can learn to take the putter back as soon as your eyes return to the ball, you should have a much more free-flowing, natural stroke. The human brain is capable of making very quick, accurate adjustments, so if the last thing your eyes see is the back of the cup, your brain will help get the ball there. 

Watch the best putters in the game, and you’ll see that none of them spend a long time looking at the ball before they start their stroke.

Imagine shooting a gun. You’ve locked in on your target and you pull the trigger without delay. If you stop and your mind’s inner chatter takes over, good luck hitting your target.

Alistair Kyle is the senior PGA Professional at Turnberry. You can find out more about his coaching HERE.