Putting Out of Your Mind

1. Develop a positive self-image as a putter

People tend to become what they think about themselves.

Selective memory. Great putters, like Jack Nicklaus, have the ability to forget missed putts and remember only their successes. This selective memory reinforces a positive self-image and builds confidence. To improve your putting:

• Focus on remembering your best putts from each round
• Visualize successful putts before bed each night
• Change your vocabulary to speak positively about your putting

By cultivating a belief in your putting abilities, you create a self-fulfilling prophecy of success on the greens.

2. Focus solely on the target when putting

A good putter's target is never simply the hole.

Target orientation. The key to successful putting is clearing your mind of all thoughts except your target. Choose a specific, small target:

• For straight putts: A blade of grass or discoloration on the edge of the hole
• For breaking putts: A spot on the green where you want the ball to start rolling
• For long putts: The apex of the break or the crest of a slope

Avoid thinking about your stroke mechanics, the outcome, or external factors. Train your mind to focus exclusively on rolling the ball to your chosen target.

3. Gain control by giving up control

The proper role for a strong will at this stage of putting is to support a firm belief in the golfer's mind that all the preparation is done and the ball will go in the hole if he turns control of the action over to his subconscious.

Paradoxical control. To putt well, you must learn to relinquish conscious control over your stroke. This counterintuitive approach allows your natural athletic ability to shine through. To achieve this:

• Trust your subconscious to execute the stroke
• Avoid trying to steer or guide the putter
• Putt as if the outcome doesn't matter
• Embrace a sense of nonchalance or playfulness

By letting go of the need for perfect control, you paradoxically gain more control over your putting performance.

4. Establish a consistent putting routine

A good putter's routine can be that predictable.

Mental and physical consistency. A well-established routine helps you stay out of your own way and putt with confidence. Develop a routine that includes:

• Reading the green and deciding on a line
• Clearing your mind of distractions
• Visualizing the ball going into the hole
• Taking a consistent number of practice strokes
• Maintaining a smooth rhythm in your setup and stroke

Practice your routine diligently until it becomes second nature, allowing you to putt freely and confidently in any situation.

5. Embrace pressure and nerves in clutch situations

Good putters learn to welcome nervous symptoms, rather than fear them.

Positive reframing. Instead of fearing pressure situations, learn to embrace them as opportunities to showcase your skills. Recognize that nerves are a sign you're in a meaningful situation. To handle pressure:

• Rely on your established routine
• Focus on the present moment, not past or future outcomes
• Remind yourself that you've prepared for this challenge
• Use nervous energy to heighten your focus and engagement

By welcoming pressure, you can perform at your best when it matters most.

6. Trust your touch and don't obsess over speed

The light is always green.

Instinctive pace. Obsessing over the speed of your putts can lead to tension and poor performance. Instead, trust your natural ability to judge distance and pace. To improve your touch:

• Practice putting to the fringe of the green
• Vary your distances during practice
• Focus on rolling the ball to your target, not controlling speed
• Treat every putt as a "green light" opportunity to make it

Remember that your brain and nervous system are capable of remarkable adjustments if you trust them to perform.

7. Practice effectively to build confidence

When you practice with a ball and a hole, always putt to make it.

Quality over quantity. Effective practice builds confidence and reinforces good habits. Focus on:

• Short putts (2-7 feet) to see the ball go in the hole often
• Using games and drills to add pressure and engagement
• Practicing without a hole to work on touch and pace
• Utilizing the chalk line drill for alignment and stroke path

Avoid mindless repetition or practicing in ways that reinforce negative thoughts or mechanics.

8. Debunk the myths of perfect putting mechanics

There is no such thing as perfect putting mechanics.

Individual style. Don't get caught up in the pursuit of a "perfect" putting stroke. Recognize that:

• Many different putting styles can be successful
• The ball doesn't know or care about your mechanics
• Focusing on mechanics during play often leads to poor performance

Instead of obsessing over technique, focus on developing a stroke that feels comfortable and allows you to putt confidently to your target.

9. Overcome the yips through mental discipline

The yips originate in the mind. Their prevention and cure are mental challenges.

Mental reset. The yips are a psychological problem, not a physical one. To overcome or prevent them:

• Accept that missed putts are part of the game
• Develop a short memory for misses and a long memory for successes
• Avoid perfectionism and excessive analysis of your stroke
• Focus on the joy of putting and the challenge it presents
• Commit to a consistent routine and trust your subconscious

By rebuilding your mental approach to putting, you can overcome the yips and rediscover confidence on the greens.

Last updated: September 13, 2024