Q: How do you create feel on the putting green? I'm never consistent with my speeds. Sometimes I end up way short of the hole or I go way by. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks, Ted.
A: I have given many lessons on this subject. The first question I always ask is, "How do you feel distance?"
Ninety-five percent of the time the answer is, "with my hands."
My response is, "No, it's with your eyes."
Many times I get a look of confusion from my student after this response.
My explanation is as follows: when you see with your eyes, you are able to feel with your hands. I use a simple drill to explain my answer. I give my student a golf ball, then ask them to close their eyes. I continue with a request to have them toss the ball 13 feet with their eyes closed.
They can't do it, because they can't see the distance. It wouldn't make a difference whether it was 13 or 20 feet.
After this exercise I ask them to open their eyes and toss me the ball, which they do with no problem. This is the point I'm trying to make standing 13 feet from them.
Our eyes compute the distance and our hands print it out.
I proceed to the next step, which is a putting drill.
While on the practice putting green, take out three golf balls. Go to a hole and take three big steps away from the hole. Put all the balls down.
Now, look at the hole, and not the ball, then make your stroke.
Doing this drill will help you feel the distance you are viewing. After you place all three balls within 2 feet of the hole, move out further and do the same drill.
This will help you start to develop a feel for your distance based on what your eyes are telling you. When you go to the golf course and are on the putting green, stand to the side of the ball and look at the hole then take a few practice strokes while looking at the hole to help feel your distance.
After doing this routine, set the putter behind the ball, look at the hole, then draw your eyes back to the ball slowly and make your stroke.
You will be surprised how your eyes take in the distance and your hands create a putting stroke for that distance.
Have fun and enjoy the game.
Daril’s credentials
Daril Pacinella is the Director of Instruction at Turtle Creek Country Club in Rockledge. He is a teaching professional with more than 40 years of experience. He was nominated as one of the “top 100 instructors in America,” by Golf magazine; “Best Golf Teacher” in Massachusetts by Golf Digest and Connecticut PGA Teacher of the Year. He is a certified TPI golf fitness instructor and has developed strength and flexibility programs for golfers of all ages.
Readers may submit questions on anything related to golf. Send your question to pgabear@aol.com. If your question is selected, it will be published in the sports section in FLORIDA TODAY on Tuesday. You also will receive a free round of golf provided at one of the golf courses listed: Turtle Creek Golf Course in Rockledge, Duran Golf Course in Viera, Baytree National Golf Links in Suntree, or Viera East Golf Club.
Free golf clinic
Daril will hold a free golf clinic on Saturday, Feb. 3, at Turtle Creek Golf Course in Rockledge from 9 to 10 a.m. He will be discussing how to hit scoring shots with wedges from 50 yards and in. Everyone that attends will get a free round of golf voucher for Turtle Creek Golf Course.