Mastering Putting: How to Stop 3-Putting on the Green and Shave Off Strokes

6 min read

If you've ever watched in frustration as your ball rolled past the hole, only to face an even longer putt coming back, you're not alone. Three-putting is one of the most common challenges golfers face, from beginners to seasoned players. The difference between an enjoyable round and a frustrating one often comes down to what happens on the green. The good news? With proper instruction and dedicated practice, you can dramatically reduce your 3-putts and start seeing lower scores immediately.Before we dive into solutions, let's understand why 3-putts occur in the first place. Through years of teaching experience, our instructors have identified three primary culprits:Many golfers focus exclusively on line while neglecting speed control. Think of putting like throwing a ball into a basket—both speed and direction must be perfect. Too much focus on one element leads to inconsistency. Working with a qualified instructor helps develop the feel and technique needed for proper distance control.Reading greens is part science and part art. Many amateur golfers make the mistake of only looking at the break near the hole, missing crucial undulations and slopes that affect the ball's entire journey. Professional instruction can help you develop a systematic approach to reading greens accurately.Small variations in your putting stroke can lead to big misses. Without proper feedback, it's difficult to know if your technique is helping or hurting your performance. This is where professional instruction becomes invaluable.The "Ladder Drill" is a fundamental exercise that our instructors use to develop consistent distance control. Here's how to do it properly: 1. Set up five balls at increasing distances: 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 feet from the hole 2. Your goal is to get each ball progressively closer to the hole, creating a "ladder" effect 3. Focus on making your stroke length proportional to the distance 4. Keep track of how many balls finish within three feet of the hole Pro Tip: When practicing this drill with an instructor, they'll use video analysis to ensure your stroke length matches the distance needed. This visual feedback is crucial for developing consistency. * Practice the ladder drill uphill and downhill * Add breaking putts at various distances * Create competition by scoring points for putts that finish within different circles around the hole Green reading is often oversimplified in golf instruction. Our certified instructors teach a comprehensive approach that includes: 1. Initial Survey: Walk around the putt to get a general sense of the slope 2. Break Point Analysis: Identify where the ball will start curving most dramatically 3. Grain Assessment: Learn how to read grain direction and its impact on speed 4. Speed Consideration: Determine how pace affects break * Using the plumb bob method effectively * Reading grain in different types of grass * Understanding how time of day affects green speed * Adapting to different green conditions Our instructors use specialized tools and technology to help you understand how subtle slopes affect ball movement, something that's difficult to learn on your own.A consistent routine is crucial for putting success. Here's a comprehensive framework that our instructors help students develop: 1. Initial Read (45 seconds): * Survey the putt from behind the ball * Walk around to view from multiple angles * Identify the apex of the break 2. Visualization (15 seconds): * Picture the perfect line and speed * Imagine the ball rolling into the hole * Commit to your read 3. Practice Strokes (20 seconds): * Take two practice strokes while looking at the hole * Feel the perfect speed * Lock in your stroke length 4. Execution (10 seconds): * Address the ball with confidence * One final look at the hole * Execute with a smooth, controlled stroke To build confidence under pressure, our instructors recommend these advanced drills: * Place 6 balls in a circle, 3 feet from the hole * Miss one putt, start over * Progress to 4 feet once you can consistently make all 6 * Add breaking putts for extra difficulty * Set up 9 holes of varying lengths * Try to two-putt or better each hole * Keep score like a real round * Compete against yourself or others Long putts require a different mindset and technique. Our instructors focus on: * Longer, more flowing stroke * Maintaining perfect tempo * Using the big muscles for control * Reading multiple breaks * Putting to a 3-foot circle instead of the hole * Varying green speeds during practice * Understanding how slope affects distance * Developing feel for extreme distances The psychological aspect of putting is often overlooked but crucial for success. Our instructors help you develop: * Pre-shot visualization techniques * Breathing exercises for pressure situations * Positive self-talk routines * Recovery strategies after missed putts * Maintaining concentration during long rounds * Dealing with distractions * Building confidence through success * Managing expectations While these drills will help improve your putting, nothing replaces personalized instruction. Our network of certified putting instructors offers: * Video analysis of your current technique * Pressure testing under various conditions * Green reading evaluation * Mental game assessment * Customized drills based on your needs * Progressive difficulty levels * Regular progress tracking * Technology-aided feedback * High-speed video analysis * Putting stroke analyzers * Green reading technology * Practice aids and training devices Our network includes over 5,000 certified instructors across the country, each averaging 15+ years of teaching experience. We'll match you with an instructor who: * Specializes in your skill level * Uses teaching methods that match your learning style * Has experience solving your specific putting challenges * Provides ongoing support and feedback Remember: Every great putter started somewhere. With proper instruction and dedicated practice, you can master the art of putting and start seeing lower scores on your next round.Looking to improve your putting? Find a golf coach near you through our online booking platform. We'll match you with an expert who can help you achieve your golfing goals based on your: * Current skill level * Goals and aspirations * Schedule and location * Preferred learning style  Start your journey to better putting!

9 Common Mistakes New Golfers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

5 min read

Getting started with golf can be both exciting and challenging. While every golfer's journey is unique, many beginners encounter similar obstacles along the way. Recognizing and avoiding these common pitfalls can help accelerate your progress and make your time on the course more enjoyable.Many new golfers fall into the trap of buying clubs because their favorite pro uses them. However, what works for Rory McIlroy might not work for you. Instead of chasing premium brands, focus on finding clubs that match your current abilities.Tiger Woods emphasizes this point: "Golf is a game of feel, and equipment needs to match your feel. The wrong clubs can make the game much harder than it needs to be."Pro Tip: Book a club fitting session with a certified instructor. They'll help you find the right flex, length, and club type for your swing. Many of our coaches offer equipment consultation as part of their introductory lessons.Mindlessly hitting balls at the driving range might feel productive, but it rarely translates to better course play. As Ben Hogan famously noted, "The secret is in the dirt." The range should be your laboratory for experimenting with different shots and scenarios you'll encounter during actual rounds.Pro Tip: Structure your range sessions. Alternate between clubs, practice specific shots, and simulate real course situations. Your instructor can help design a practice routine that targets your specific needs.Golf etiquette isn't just about tradition – it's about safety and respect for fellow players. Arnold Palmer once said, "Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect." Common oversights include walking in putting lines, talking during other players' shots, or forgetting to rake bunkers.Pro Tip: Book a playing lesson with one of our coaches. They'll guide you through proper etiquette while helping you navigate real course situations.The allure of crushing long drives is strong, but accuracy typically leads to better scores. Gary Player's wisdom rings true here: "A good player who is a great putter is a match for any golfer. A great hitter who cannot putt is a match for no one."Pro Tip: Work with your instructor to find your optimal swing speed – one that balances distance with control. Remember: you can't score from the woods!It's tempting to jump straight into advanced techniques, but solid fundamentals are crucial. As Jack Nicklaus emphasized, "The most important shot in golf is the next one." Poor grip, stance, or alignment can create bad habits that are difficult to break later.Pro Tip: During your lessons, focus on mastering the basics before moving to complex swing mechanics. A strong foundation leads to faster improvement.Analysis paralysis is real in golf. While it's important to plan your shots, excessive practice swings and overthinking often lead to worse results and slow play. Brooks Koepka puts it simply: "Just get up and hit it. The longer you think about it, the more trouble you're in."Pro Tip: Develop a simple pre-shot routine with your instructor. Aim for no more than 30 seconds from club selection to strike.Death-gripping the club is a common reaction to nervousness, but it restricts your swing and reduces both distance and accuracy. Sam Snead's famous advice still holds true: "Hold the club as if you were holding a small bird – firmly enough to keep it from flying away, but not so tight as to crush it."Pro Tip: Practice holding the club as if you're holding a bird – firm enough that it won't fly away, but gentle enough not to hurt it.Indecision is a score killer. As Jordan Spieth says, "If you're not sure about a shot, you've already missed it." Whether it's second-guessing club selection or changing your mind mid-swing, lack of commitment usually leads to poor shots.Pro Tip: Work with your instructor to develop a decision-making process for each shot. Once you've made your choice, commit fully to the execution.Pride often pushes new golfers to play from championship tees, leading to frustration and slow play. Phil Mickelson advises, "The game should be enjoyed at the level you're playing at. There's no shame in moving up – it's about having fun."Pro Tip: A good rule of thumb: if you can't reach most par 4s in two shots from a particular set of tees, move forward.These mistakes are common, but they're also completely avoidable with proper guidance. As Harvey Penick, one of golf's greatest teachers, said: "Take dead aim." Our network of certified instructors specializes in helping beginners develop sound fundamentals and avoid these typical pitfalls. Whether you're just starting out or looking to break bad habits, book a lesson today and take the first step toward better golf.Remember, every great golfer started as a beginner. With the right golf instruction and practice, you'll be surprised at how quickly you can improve.

How Many Golf Lessons Do You Need to Fix Your Swing?

3 min read

Are you frustrated with your golf swing? You're not alone. Whether you're hitting slice after slice or struggling with consistency, the right golf instruction can transform your game. But how many golf lessons do you actually need to see improvement?Every golfer's journey starts with mastering the fundamentals. Your swing is a complex chain of movements that includes grip, stance, alignment, backswing, downswing, and follow-through. When one link breaks, the entire chain suffers. That's why proper instruction is crucial – an experienced coach can identify which elements need attention.If you're dealing with: * A persistent slice sending balls into the woods * A hook that ruins otherwise perfect drives * Fat shots that tear up the turf * Thin shots that barely get airborne Don't worry – these are all fixable issues. The key is understanding that these aren't just "bad habits" – they're symptoms of specific mechanical problems that a qualified instructor can identify and address.Every golfer's journey to a better swing is unique. Here's what influences your timeline: * Beginners (0-6 months experience) * 5-10 lessons to build fundamentals * Focus on grip, stance, and basic swing mechanics * Weekly lessons recommended for fastest improvement * Intermediate Players (6 months - 2 years) * 3-6 lessons to refine existing mechanics * Target specific issues like consistency or distance * Bi-weekly lessons for steady progress * Advanced Players (2+ years) * 1-3 lessons for specific adjustments * Fine-tuning for optimal performance * Monthly check-ins to maintain gains * Casual weekend golfer? 3-4 lessons might be enough * Aspiring club champion? Consider a 10-lesson package * Professional aspirations? Long-term coaching relationship * Visual learners benefit from video analysis * Feel-based learners need more practice time * Technical minds appreciate detailed mechanics. Our instructors adapt their teaching style to match yours. Your initial lesson includes: * Video analysis of your current swing * Identification of key improvement areas * Custom development plan creation * Weekly lessons for rapid improvement * Bi-weekly for steady progress * Monthly check-ins for maintenance Success between lessons requires: * 30 minutes of focused practice 3x weekly * Following your instructor's specific drills * Using practice aids recommended by your coach Most students see improvement within: * 3 lessons for major swing flaws * 5 lessons for consistent ball striking * 8-10 lessons for complete swing overhaul Don't let swing frustrations hold you back. Our network of certified instructors is ready to help you achieve your golfing goals. Whether you need a complete swing rebuild or just a quick tune-up, we'll match you with an instructor who fits your needs and learning style.Book your initial assessment today and take the first step toward the consistent, powerful swing you've always wanted. With the right instruction and practice plan, you'll be amazed at how quickly your game can improve.