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Tip No. 3: Improve


Your Timing The tempo and rhythm of your


putting stroke may be the most critical factor in controlling the speed of your putt. I sometimes hear golfers talk- ing about acceleration or deceleration in their putting strokes. However, the stroke that results in the most con- trolled contact and distance is actually a stroke that has a consistent rhythm throughout the stroke. I like to use a beat, or a cadence, to ensure a consis- tent timing in my putting stroke. That consistent beat ensures the acceleration in my putting stroke is exactly right every time.


Drill No. 3: Metronome Practice tapping your putter on


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the ground to a count of five. As you count, 1-2-3-4-5, tap the putter on the ground for each number. I like to use a metronome with my students to maintain a consistent beat. I ask them to download a free app to their phones, and we set it to 76 beats per minute, the same rhythm often used by tour players and elite junior golfers. Now add a ball. Keep counting


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and tapping the putter to the ground. On the count of 3, start your back- stroke. By the count of 4, you should be at the end of your backstroke and beginning the forward stroke. At the count of 5 you should be impacting the ball. Now add a target. I would start


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with your stock distance of 20 feet from the hole. Practice stroking balls


to the hole using the beat. Count out loud as you practice to help set the proper beat. Improving the timing in your


stroke will generate a new consistency to your distance control that is reliable. As a bonus, your mechanics may improve because the consistent rhythm often eliminates wristy or quick movements.


Quail Lodge Golf Academy


Work with Katherine Marren, known as one of the best short game instructors in Northern California. Improve your distance control and scores via the Short Game School—an optimum learning environment in groups of five or less, and a focused look at four scoring shots: putting, chipping, pitching and sand.


Fee: $180 (15% off for NCGA members)


Calendar: (three-hour sessions) Feb. 6, March 13, April 17, May 8*, June 12, July 10*, Aug. 9*, Sept. 26*, Nov. 15*


*Play after the school for a the special academy rate of $50.


Bonus Tip: View this drill at NCGA.org/Metronome to learn more about it.


Stand straight, putter in front


Bring elbows in slightly


Bend at hips, putter head rests on the ground


WINTER 2015 / NCGA.ORG / 53


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