Drive for show, putt for dough

One thing I notice every day is how many people play our course, walk straight past the putting green and on to the first tee. The greens change weekly in pace so it's so important to get a feel for the green before you go out on to the course. Putting makes a massive difference to your scores but we are all obsessed with distance, so putting is the last thing people want to practice but is often what saves you the most shots. Next time you play keep your putting stats and let me know how many putts you've had. You should be around 31 putts a round. If you are struggling here are some tips to practice.

Tip No. 1 
One of the most important factors in golf is the ball position. Don't forget it is the back of the ball that you are stroking with the putter, and not the centre. I always teach that the back of the ball is in the middle of your stance, or slightly forward of this, if you are using a square-to-square stroke.

Tip No. 2 
Gripping the putter can be done in so many ways, but it is important not to have a dominant hand, as you are looking for a relaxed combination of shoulders, arm and hands for a smooth stroke.

Tip No. 3 
The top half of your body should be towards a horizontal position, ie your shoulders, neck and back of your head. If you are standing too upright, there is a tendency to direct the weight of your body towards your heels. You should be looking straight down over the ball and through the centre of your eye and not out of the lower part of the eye.

Tip No. 4 
You never, ever hit at the ball! You stroke through it. Try putting as normal, probably with a half distance back the same distance through. Did the ball jump and move off line? - and when it slowed, did it take the break quickly? If the ball is hit with a sharp hammer type stroke, the first few inches of the ball's movement will be airborne.

Tip No. 5 
If you watch your playing partners or pros on TV, see what happens. First the back stroke, then the through the ball stroke and then their finish. Yes - what about the finish? Normally the club head recoils. Try having a practice putting stroke where the finish is held still. This will give you a different feel - more positive - I'm in control!!

Testimonials

I received a couple of great testimonials this week, it always feel good to know you've helped someone improve their game.

Hi Pat, 

Just wanted to say thanks. With your help a PB of 85 yesterday and an average of 89 for the last 6 rounds. 

Hi Pat, 

Just a note to thank you for your patience and perseverance over the last year. After considering giving up the game of golf last November you have certainly turned round my fortunes. Despite an eight on the ninth hole last Saturday I still managed a nett 69 last Saturday to leave me second in both competitions. I look forward to my next lesson.

 

The shop is taking a new look

With the winter coming up the shop will take big changes. 

We will be having a refit, new carpet and also a new layout. 

At the moment we have made changes inside the shop. 

Take a look at what's been done.

   


 

New date for the men's invitation

With the weather taking a turn for the worse on Saturday we have had to move the men's invitation to Saturday October the 1st. If you have already entered your tee time remains the same, if you can't make the new date please let the office know, if you can now make this day then please click here and enter today. 

Also we still have spaces available in our other opens. Why not take advantage of a great day at the right price. 

Ladies Am Am - 13 September 

Please click here to enter 

Autumn men's pairs open - 17 September 

Please click here to enter

If you have any issues with any of the competitions above please feel free in contacting the office on 01562 822303

Quiet times up for grabs at Kidderminster

We have a few quiet times at the golf club so we have decided to sell those quite times by offering a reduced green fee. Please click here to see dates and times and if you would like to book a time just click here.


 

Don't forget many offers and tips and advice can be found on all my social media accounts. 

Click on any of the below and follow me to keep up to date. 

Facebook - pro shop Kidderminster golf club 
Twitter - @PatrickSmithPGA
Instagram - patricksmith1978




This week my dad is away in Cornwall. I'm busy teaching but fittings have slowed down at the moment but I'm sure they will pick up again when more new clubs come on the market. Noel is busy teaching and playing and James and Ethan have been excellent as always. Have a great week.