The toughest thing for many golfers is to get their putting stroke started off on time, with good rhythm! Excessive tension, doubt and fear of the outcome often lock a player up inhibiting their ability to create a confident, flowing stroke. If you find yourself in this category, I recommend incorporating a putting “countdown,” into your routine.

In practice, make rehearsal strokes until you find the length and pace you feel is “perfect” for the putt. Once you feel the perfect stroke, walk into the ball counting down from 10 until you effortlessly pull the trigger. You’ll find that without any pressure, you’ll have a natural rhythm where it takes about the same amount of time to walk in and go. Whatever that amount of time is, subtract the “excess” time in your 10 second gap to find your countdown number. For example, I find I operate best putting within 5 seconds of my perfect rehearsal. After my preview, I walk in and count downwards: 5-4-3-2-1. “One,” is the moment I pull the trigger, letting go and putting with confidence.

You’ll find that with consistent attention to this practice you’ll relax your body, free your mind and get even your most difficult putts off on time!

Jeff Ritter teaches at the Raven Golf Club – Phoenix. For more information visit JeffRitterGolf.com

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