Why do I feel insecure when faced with a two-foot putt?

When you feel insecure it is probably because you have put too much importance on getting the ball into the hole and are focusing on a certain score. Certainly it is frustrating to miss a putt.  Missing is part of the game. The more you dwell on missed putts, the more insecure you will feel.

There are only two ways to miss a putt, either by miss-hitting the ball, or miss-reading the line of the putt. Through practice you can learn to combine the right speed and direction. The challenge is in getting those two parts of the equation to work together, and accepting the end result.

Most good putters focus their attention on rolling the ball on line.  When you pick the right line and roll the ball on that line that is all you can do. The results are out of your control. Prepare your mind by using the same pre-shot routine every time. This will enhance your chances of accomplishing holing the putt without interruption or distraction.

If you have feelings of fear, doubt or worry, know that your mind is wandering into thinking about your past or future putts, and away from the task at hand. To refocus, use the time while waiting your turn to prepare your mind.

• Take in as much information as you can about the green.
• Choose your plan to roll the ball on the line into the hole.
• Rehearse it in your mind until it is very clear.
• Give every size putt the same amount of time and attention.
• Breathe deeply to relax your mind and body.
• Take practice putting strokes to access your feel and tempo.

Create good putts by using your imagination and creativity. Putting is an art form. Allow your mind to re4act to the information and allow the intuitive part of you to determine the distance and speed. It is essential that you trust your senses by letting go of thinking as you putt. Your attitude will determine how well you can do this.

Trust that your plan is a good one. Good putters don’t spend time thinking about missing. They only remember the good putts they made that build their confidence. If you know you have stroked a good putt according to your plan to hit it solidly, on your target line and with the right speed, and it doesn’t go in, be confident that you are a great putter.

Play “in the zone” with Joan

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