Struggling with Short Putts?

If you struggle with putts inside of 10 feet ensure you starting with a wrist position that enables you to maintain passive hands. Notice the angle between the shaft and forearms in picture #1. This angle results in the hands potentially becoming active during the putting stroke in an attempt to keep the putter head traveling online through the putt, resulting in inconsistency.

To improve your consistency from inside 10 feet, set up and check the angle of your wrists to your forearms. Without moving your arms, allow your wrists to bend as though you were trying to push your thumbs down so they point at your toes (see picture #2). This will lock your hands and engage your forearms to maintain connection as your shoulders rock back and forth to control the path of the putter.

Working on your putting can be very monotonous and time consuming; however it is essential in lowering your scores. To work on your new putting technique, try the following game with one of your practice partners:

• Set up four tees around the hole at 3 feet, 6 feet and 9 feet (cross formation, see image below)
• Begin by putting the 3 footers and advance around the hole in a clockwise pattern as you make each one. After the 3 footers are made, move onto the 6 footers and then the 9 footers
• If you miss a putt, play reverts to your partner
• When it is your turn again, you must begin by going back to the last putt you made and make it again
• If you miss 3 times in a row you must go back to the start (very first 3 footer)
• The winner is the player who makes the last 9 footer

Good luck!

The Brent Morrison Golf Academy is located at Pheasant Glen Golf Resort, 1025 Qualicum Road, Qualicum Beach, B.C. V9K 1M5. (250) 752-8786. For more information on instruction programs for adults and juniors, contact the Academy office.

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