Jamie Oleson:
Putting is a Reflection
of Individualism

LPGA Member T & CP Division
1st Assistant Golf Professional/Teaching Professional
Leisure World Country Club, Mesa, Arizona

As we all know putting is a very important part of the golf game. But it doesn't get nearly as much time as the actual golf swing when we are practicing. Putting is a reflection of individualism. There are as many different forms of putting strokes as there are styles of putters But the basic fundamentals remain the same. Creating a routine with basic fundamentals will help in the execution of a stroke that should work for you.
Creating a Routine:

A. Read the contours of the green.
B. Think about distance of the putt.
C. Visualize the putt.
D. Align yourself, the head of your putter, and the name of your ball to your target.
E. Take the stroke.

Basic Fundamentals:

1. Grip the putter as if you are holding a soft-boiled egg.
2. Your stance should be about a foot apart with the weight equally distributed.
3. Point your knees in towards each other slightly.
4. Bend from your waist and allow your shoulders, arms, and hands to work together as one unit.
5. Keep your head as motionless as possible and keep your lower body stationary.
6. In the putting stroke, the follow through should be the same distance as your back stroke with the putter head low to the ground keeping the tempo steady.

"The USGA definition of a Putting Green is all ground of the hole being played which is specially prepared for putting or otherwise defined as such by the Committee. A ball is on the putting green when any part of it touches the green."

Next, we will talk about chipping and pitching.