Putting Stroke Instruction

Golf Putting Tips

The Pendulum Putting Stroke

Here is a basic putting golf tip for acquiring a consistent putting stroke. If you’ve ever seen a pendulum, or a metronome sitting atop a piano, you have seen a great model for developing a consistent, repeatable stroke. Tic, toc. Tic, toc. Tic, toc.

When picturing a pendulum, remember that there is no wasted motion. The pendulum stroke goes straight back and straight forward, without any moving from side to side. That should mirror your stroke on the green.

The focal point of the stroke is the shoulders. Rock your shoulders back and forth, keeping your head still and your eyes over the ball. Your arms and wrists shouldn’t be entirely rigid, but think of them as only a function of your shoulders and you will be fine.

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Also remember that a pendulum has a consistent path. It starts slowly on one end, accelerates through the middle, and finishes its arc on the other side at the exact same height it began. Your stroke should be the same.

Bring the club back to a distance appropriate for the length of the putt, and then rock your shoulders to move the club forward. The club should be moving at its top speed when it makes contact with the ball, and then accelerate smoothly for the follow-through. That keeps the club face square all the way through the stroke, making it easier to hit the golf ball on the sweet spot and direct it as intended.

The key word there is “smoothly.” Remember, a pendulum doesn’t jerk back and forth, but is smooth and consistent throughout. Take the club back smoothly, and finish your putting stroke the same way. Don’t rush things. Golf is a pleasant experience – there’s no need to rush things, right?

Final Putting Golf Tips

The fringe benefit of the pendulum stroke is that it can be a great way of clearing your mind. There isn’t much to think about once you get your aim down and stand over the ball, so let the tension melt away before you swing. Back and forth, back and forth … the simple way to hit the golf ball consistently well every time.