Putting is one of the most important and most commonly frustrating parts of golf. Many players see their performance hindered by their short game as they over and under-hit their shots on the green. While many can consistently tee off with precision and get to the green with plenty of shots until par, why do we find it so hard to put the ball into the hole? Many blame it on their nerves or the pressure they feel while others stand around them watching them put as they wait to move onto the next hole. While this is a factor, it is not the biggest factor. The biggest factor is vision.
How does vision shape our putting?
Once we step onto a green, many create a tunnel vision view. They see their ball on the green and the hole they are targeting. However, this creates an effect of the hole being at the periphery of our vision. The tunnel vision we create can severely damage our depth and length perception.
When we step up to put a ball, our eyes take in thousands (if not millions) of crucial information points. Our brain incredibly processes all this data and aids us to make an educated decision on how to step up to sink the put. However, while this data is invaluable in giving us a chance to make the shot, we often sell ourselves short in terms of the data we provide our brains in sporting scenarios. By opening up our field of vision, we can drastically improve our accuracy without practising a single stroke.
How do we fix our putting?
While the science behind this phenomenon is somewhat complex, the solution for fixing it is simple. When stepping up to the green and before setting yourself up for a shot, take a second to take in your surroundings fully. Look at the edges of the green. Look at the camber beyond the hole. Acknowledge the areas just off the green and how they differ from the green. Visualising this whole area will significantly increase your likelihood of lining up with the correct amount of power.
While this is not a magic bullet for your game in isolation, it can revolutionise your short game. Next time you are on the course, try this simple strategy and see the increase in accuracy.
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