re: Help!! Need putting tips!

First, make your stroke at the middle of the ball. A lot of putters hit the bottom of the ball and have inconsistent distance on putts. Striking the middle of the ball promotes top spin which keeps the ball on line and maintains consistency.

Second, as Harvey Penick said, "give luck a chance." Hit a putt that dies at the hole and don't try to hit it 2-3 feet past the hole.

Third, swing inside to inside. Most putters think you should take it straight back, but that is impossible if you rotate your shoulders (which you should do). The putting stroke is an arc, not a straight line.

Fourth, pick a spot on your line halfway between your ball and the cup. Putt at the spot and not the cup.

Lastly, have someone stand behind you on the course and see if you are lined up correctly, if you are cutting your putt (a very common mistake) and look at your swing path. A lot of short missed putts are a result of misalignment.

I had the yips and went to a long putter over 23 years ago. I would not be playing golf today if I didn't switch. I still can't putt regularly with a short putter, but I am one of the best putters at our club with the long putter. Yes, it is still legal as long as I don't anchor the club. I putt off the toe of the putter on short downhill putts to keep it online and on left to right putts to start it online.

Good luck and let me know if any of these tips help you. Nothing like confidence to get you thru the green on a good round.