How to Stop Pulling Putts

Pulling putts is one of the commons mistakes you see among average players. Most of the time, players either look up to see the ball rolling or try to guide the ball toward the cup. Even the pros sometimes make this kind of mistake. Payne Stewart said he tried to keep his head down to avoid looking up during the final round of the 1999 U.S. Open. He putted so well on that day and won the tournament.

 

Lots of teachers might tell you to keep your head down. It's important to keep that in your mind. But I think it's much more important that you pay attention to the face angle through impact. The  face angle is much more important than the stroke or swing path in putting. If you can focus on the face angle through impact, you will keep your head down as a result.

 

Right Shoulder Moving toward the Ball

When you pull your putts, your right shoulder moves toward the ball on the downswing. If you can stop your right shoulder from moving toward the ball, you will be able to stop pulling putts.

 

Here is a good drill.

1. Set up to the ball as usual

2. Now, take your left hand off the grip and put it on your right shoulder

3. Hit putts with your right hand only

 

Make sure that your right shoulder does not move forward. By putting with your right hand only, you can't manipulate the stroke with your hands. To hit the putts consistently with your right hand only, you need to use the weight of the putter head and swing with a pendulum motion. This is really good drill to help you achieve more consistent putting stroke.

 

Reference: http://www.golfsamurai.net/short-game/stop-pulling-putts.htm