Top short game coach John Cook begins his new exclusive Masterclass series
As we have seen in many a major tournament recently, golf at the top level has become somewhat of a putting contest.
And while putting at club level is a game within a game it's important to consider what normally goes wrong when you start missing those putts that are within five to six feet (1.5 metres) of the hole.
There's usually a tendency to look up too soon and this causes your shoulders to point to the left at impact.
The only way you can then get the ball going towards the hole, is to steer it. Short putts become a nightmare.
When you address the ball, ensure that your feet, knees, hips and shoulders are on a parallel line to the line you wish the ball to take on its route to the hole.
Position the ball a little forwards of the centre of your stance, this will allow the ball to be struck slightly on the upswing and give it a better roll.
On all putts within 6ft. don’t watch but listen for the sound of the ball dropping into the hole. This will keep your head still and stop your shoulders opening during impact.
It's a quick way to solve those short putt problems but like everything in golf will demand you dedicate some practice time to it in order to perfect your short putting.
John Cook’s short game clinics, which are running throughout the summer at The De Vere Belfry PGA Academy, near Sutton Coldfield, range from a full-day’s coaching for £179 to two days of short game coaching, including accommodation and all meals from £335. For more information or to book, visit www.johncookgolf.com
