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.

Do you want to learn how to lower your golf handicap fast? As we all know golf is a very fun game, but can really be tense when you are not playing well. Here I am going to show you three ways that you can improve your swing fast and start playing better golf today!

1. The first thing that you need to do is examine how you grip the club. This is the only connection you have to the golf club, and is essential to your handicap improvement. If you lower your scores, shoot lower scores then make sure you have a neutral to strong grip, which will help you hit the ball straighter and longer.

2. In addition to the grip, it is very important, it is essential that you perfect the takeaway. The takeaway is an important part of a better swing because it will dictate the the tempo with which you swing, which we all know is very important to playing better golf. Your arms and shoulders should move back in sequence while keeping your lower body stable.

3. A Part of the swing golfers often have a hard time with is the downswing, which is very important in your quest to play better golf. With the downswing it is important that you let gravity be your friend. When you complete your backswing just turn your hips and let your hands drop naturally. This will bring you into the ball on the proper swing plane and allow you to hit better golf shots time after time.

In order to lower your golf handicap fast follow these simple instructions and you will reach your goals. This strategy worked for me and I am sure that it can work for you.

By: Matthew Lord
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These preventative steps incorporate a series of golf fitness flexibility and strength exercises. The goal of these exercises is to create the supportive base in terms of flexibility and strength within the musculature of the lower back to support the golf swing.

First and foremost the process by which the lower back becomes injured from golf is quite simple. Each swing of the club requires the golfer to draw the club through a large range of motion, maintain a set spine angle, and generate power. In order to complete these physical tasks correctly a specific level of flexibility and strength is required of the lower back. If the golfer lacks the required flexibility or strength to execute these physical actions the lower back will be stressed more than necessary. This will lead to fatigue and possible injury to the lower back.

Secondly, the golf swing is a repetitive athletic action. The swing is executed over and over again utilizing the same muscles. Over time these muscles become fatigued. Once muscles are fatigued, they can easily become injured. This statement holds true for the lower back as well as all the other muscles of the body incorporated with the swing. To counteract fatigued in the lower back created by the golf swing, it is necessary for one to develop the strength and endurance parameters of these muscles. This result again can be accomplished by the completion of golf specific strength exercises.

Now that we understand the processes by which the lower back becomes injured from the golf swing, we can begin to develop an injury preventative program. As stated previously such a program would incorporate a series of golf specific flexibility and strength exercises.

The flexibility exercises focus on developing the required ranges of motion in the lower back to execute the golf swing efficiently. Exercises I often utilize for this goal are cats, openers, rotators, and windmills. All of these exercises create extensibility in the muscles of the lower back, and if performed consistently will assist in the prevention of injury.

The strength exercises of such a program look to develop strength and endurance in the muscles of the lower back to execute the golf swing over and over again. Prone holds, bent knee back holds, alternating arm and leg extensions, and hip circles are common exercises I implement into this phase of a program.

Remember, the lower back is placed under large amounts of stress each and every swing. To counteract the possibility of injury from the golf swing, we can incorporate a series of golf specific flexibility and strength exercises. These exercises will develop the ranges of motion required for the golf swing, develop the strength necessary to execute the swing, and finally create endurance within these muscles.

By: Sean Cochran
Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly working with professional golfers, most notable PGA and Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean Cochran and his golf fitness exercises and training programs go to http://www.seancochran.com

When I decided to take up golf, I was told, "you'll either love it or you'll hate it". I was somewhat familiar with the game but I had never actually played. My husband, who is an avid golfer, had tried for years to get me to play. He knew if I just tried it, I would love it. I finally gave in and, needless to say, he was right. I love this game!

One very important thought to keep in mind when you're first learning the game is that everyone started where you're starting - even the pros. Some start earlier than others, some may have more natural ability, some have no fear...we're all different but we all started where you're starting.

To get you on your way, I've outlined below some essential steps toward making your journey into the game a little more enjoyable.

#1 - Schedule a lesson

Contact a golf course or driving range and sign up for a lesson or clinic. The golf pro will teach you how to address the ball along with proper stance, grip and swing techniques. These skills are essential for the beginner. We've all heard the phrase, "Practice makes perfect" but in this case, as my husband would say, if you practice with the wrong techniques, your practices will make your swing perfectly wrong.

#2 - Familiarize yourself with the game.

I had the luxury of being married to my "coach" so I had instant answers to most of my questions however, I also read books and magazine articles, watched a video or two and even started watching golf on television, something I never thought I'd do. Learn the various parts of the golf course, score-keeping, proper attire, etc. One very important aspect of the game that could use some extra attention is golf etiquette. These are the "do's and don'ts" which can help make or break your day on the course, not to mention everyone else's day.

#3 - Practice, practice, practice!

One can never get enough practice. In the beginning, your swing will be uncomfortable and awkward feeling. You'll work muscles you didn't realize you had! Practice your swing as taught in your lessons. If you're having trouble, it may be helpful to video your lesson - It may be more clear to you if you see yourself in action. Your instructor may even suggest one or more training aids available to help you master the swing. Eventually, your swing will begin to feel more natural and comfortable to you, so much so that you'll be able to tell immediately when you've made a bad swing.

#4 - Equipment

If you really want to get the most from your game, you'll want to arm yourself with the best equipment for you. Now, this doesn't necessarily mean you need to run out and buy the most expensive set of clubs you can find. I started out with just a few clubs. My husband had a driver, a 5 iron and a putter for me to use. They weren't exactly the perfect fit but close enough for the moment. I'll admit, I didn't want to invest any more than necessary because I really didn't know if I would want to play or not. On our first trip to the course, we played the front nine. We didn't keep score because the main focus was making contact with the ball. I discovered during this trip that I could hit the ball. My husband was so excited that he bought me a new driver and 5 wood that day. Later, a new putter. Then new irons. Borrowed or 'hand-me-down' clubs are fine when you're starting out. Replace them as your game warrants or when you feel like you're ready. Either way, I would suggest seeking the advice of a golf professional prior to making a purchase as there is a wide variety of clubs from which to choose.

#5 - Setting Goals/Keeping Score

Eventually you'll become more comfortable and you'll hit the ball more consistently. Now you'll want to set some goals and keep your score. I'm one of those people who wants to see the results on paper or, in this case, the score card. My score started out well in the 100's for 18 holes. Each time I played I set a goal to score better than my previous round, even if only by 1 stroke. I only average about 12 rounds during the summer so I thought it would take forever to break into the 90's but at the end of my second summer, I made that goal. If you're scoring in the low 120's, set your goal for 115 - 120. Once consistently there, set it for 110 - 115. This type of goal is motivating to me. You'll need to set reasonable goals that will motivate you. Play when you can and, before you know it, your improvements will be evident on your score card.

I used to ask "how can anyone enjoy chasing a golf ball around all day?" Now I know...the challenge, the scenery, the friendships. It's more than just a game!

By: PJ Greene
PJ Greene is a golf entusiast and co-owner of a driving range and pro-shop.
For more articles and tips visit http://www.golfblog.blogspot.com