Here's a lesson on putting for senior golfers:

  1. Grip:
  • Choose a grip that feels comfortable and promotes stability. Popular options include the traditional overlapping grip, the cross-handed grip (left hand below the right for right-handed golfers), or the claw grip.
  • Ensure a light grip pressure to promote a relaxed stroke and prevent excessive tension in your hands and forearms.
  1. Setup:
  • Position your feet shoulder-width apart or slightly narrower.
  • Bend slightly at the waist to create a comfortable and balanced posture.
  • Keep your eyes directly over the ball or slightly inside the target line.
  • Place the ball slightly forward of center in your stance.
  • Position your hands slightly ahead of the ball to promote a forward press and maintain control.
  1. Alignment:
  • Use alignment aids, such as alignment sticks or markings on the putter, to ensure you are aligned properly to your intended target line.
  • Take the time to line up your putter face to the target before every putt.
  • Develop a consistent pre-putt routine that includes alignment checks.
  1. Stroke Technique:
  • Maintain a smooth and pendulum-like stroke.
  • Focus on rocking your shoulders back and forth, keeping the wrists and hands quiet.
  • Avoid any sudden or jerky movements in your stroke.
  • Keep your head steady and avoid looking up prematurely.
  • Accelerate the putter through the ball to ensure a consistent speed.
  1. Distance Control:
  • Develop a good sense of distance control by practicing different length putts.
  • Work on your feel and touch to gauge the appropriate amount of power for each putt.
  • Spend time practicing lag putts to improve your ability to leave yourself with shorter, more manageable second putts.
  1. Reading Greens:
  • Spend time learning to read greens and understand how they break.
  • Take note of any subtle slopes, grain, or other factors that can affect your putts.
  • Visualize the ball's path and pick a spot where you want to start your putt to help you aim and account for break.
  1. Putting Drills:
  • Gate Drill: Set up two alignment sticks or tees just wider than the width of your putter head. Practice putting through the gate to improve your accuracy.
  • Distance Control Drill: Set up a series of markers or targets at different distances and work on consistently hitting putts to those targets, focusing on speed and distance control.
  • Pressure Putting Drill: Create a game-like pressure by setting up challenging putts and keeping track of your score. This helps simulate on-course situations and trains you to handle pressure.
  1. Mental Approach:
  • Develop a positive and confident mindset when it comes to putting.
  • Visualize successful putts and focus on a smooth stroke.
  • Stay patient and avoid getting frustrated with missed putts.

Remember, practice is key to becoming a proficient putter. Spend time on the putting green and incorporate putting drills into your practice routine. By focusing on your grip, setup, stroke technique, and distance control, you can improve your putting consistency and lower your scores. Consider working with a golf professional who can provide personalized guidance and adjustments based on your specific needs and putting style.