Putting is arguably the most crucial part of golf, and the principles of a good putting stroke—a consistent routine, a smooth tempo, and a confident mindset—are universal. In a fascinating video, disc golf world champion Kristin Tattar shares her top five putting tips. While the sport is different, her insights into putting psychology and technique are highly valuable. This article breaks down her five tips and explains how you can apply them to your regular golf game to start putting better today.
Tip 1: Master Your Alignment and Stance
For Tattar, a solid putt begins with perfect alignment. She emphasizes lining her body and hips up straight with the basket to “leave less room for errors”. For regular golf, this translates to:
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Aim First: Line up your putter face precisely with your intended line.
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Square Your Stance: Ensure your feet, hips, and shoulders are square to your target line, not open or closed. This provides a stable base for a consistent stroke.
Tip 2: The Importance of a Controlled, Slow Motion
Many golfers try to “pop” the ball into the hole, leading to inconsistency. Tattar advises against using quick, high-speed movements, noting that your “hand must move quite slowly in a controlled way”. This applies directly to putting in traditional golf. A smooth, rhythmic stroke is much more repeatable than a jerky one, which helps eliminate pulls and pushes.
Tip 3: A Confident Follow-Through
Tattar’s most memorable tip is to “reach out your hand toward the basket like you want to shake hands” with it. This is a powerful visual for any golfer:
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Straight to the Target: Instead of stopping your stroke at impact, continue your motion down your target line towards the hole.
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Let the Putter Guide You: The follow-through confirms that you’ve kept the putter face square to your intended path, ensuring the ball rolls on your desired line.
Tip 4: Erase Negative Thoughts
This tip is purely mental, and it’s a game-changer for any sport. Tattar stresses the importance of focusing only on making the putt and having confidence, not “caring about what happens” if you miss. For your game, this means:
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Visualize Success: Before you putt, visualize the ball rolling into the center of the cup.
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Trust Your Practice: Once you’re over the ball, let your body take over and trust the technique you’ve practiced. Don’t let thoughts of missing creep into your head.
Tip 5: The Golden Rule of Repetition
While having the right technique is essential, Tattar’s final tip is about putting in the work. Practice is the only way to perfect your technique and build the confidence to perform under pressure. By consistently practicing the fundamentals of putting—your stance, stroke, and follow-through—you build the muscle memory you need to trust yourself on the course.
Conclusion
Kristin Tattar’s tips are a powerful reminder that the best putters, in any form of golf, rely on a few universal principles: a solid routine, a smooth stroke, and a positive mindset. By incorporating these five tips into your practice and your game, you can develop the confidence and consistency you need to putt better and start lowering your scores.
Ready to see the tips in action? Check on YouTube