If you're a golfer who consistently shoots over 100, and are looking to break through, chances are the only thing that is stopping you is that you need to improve your putting. Forget about spending more time t the driving range, putting improvement should be at the top of your "to do" list. How many times are PGA Tour events and Major Championships won, and lost, on the green. No one was ever declared the Tournament Champion because they outdrove their opponent by 10 yards off the tee. Once on the green, low scores are achieved by dropping the ball in the cup in the fewest number of strokes possible. This is even more true for the average golfer, struggling to break 100. As you spend more time on the practice green and develop a consistent putting routine and stroke. As your 3 and 4 putt greens disappear, your scores will drop, quickly.

It just so happens that putting is also the easiest part of the golf game to improve. All that is required is some coordination, knowledge and experience. Most golfers have already developed a putting stroke that is comfortable for them. They have subconsciously compensated for their own coordination/abilities. There is generally no need to alter your putting stroke as it is tailored to your physical ability. What most amateurs are lacking is the knowledge and experience to be better putters.

The secret to dropping putts, is to hit the ball at the right speed along the right line. Although this sounds incredibly simple, and obvious, in order to be able to do this you must:

Accurately estimate the distance of the putt
Accurately read the green (breaks)
Accurately estimate the speed of the green

Distance can be roughly estimated by pacing the distance from the ball to hole as you survey the green.

Reading the green requires the most experience, although there are some tips like plumbing the green with your putter. This is when you hold your putter vertical (plumb) so that it passes through your ball and the hole. By comparing where the green intersects your putter you can estimate how much the green slopes, and to which side.

The speed of the green can be estimated by knowing if you are putting into or with the grain. The grain refers to the direction that the grass of the green is growing in. Even though it is only 1/10th of an inch long, it will slow your ball significantly. Remember, grass grows toward the sun. So if the sun is behind you, you're putting against the grain. If the sun is in front of you, you're putting with the grain.

Remember, low scores are earned on the greens. The fewer putts you take, the lower your score will be.

By: Mark Rocco
I'm Mark and I've enjoyed playing golf since I first taught myself how to play when I was 16 yrs old. Many years, and several lessons later, I've learned that the only way to get better is by practicing the proper technique. Hours at the range will not straighten your slice if you don't practice the proper swing. But if you don't know how to fix your own swing, why not ask someone who can. The same is true for putting. Wouldn't it be much easier to ask a pro how to read a green and estimate its speed? In addition, why not find out what drills tour pros use to keep their putting skills sharp. If you're serious about dropping your score start by improving your putting.