Putting Drills from PGA Tour Pro J.L. Lewis

putting

Here are some short game tips and putting drills courtesy of PGA Tour Professional J.L. Lewis.

He's now working with Pioneer Golf, a company that specializes in helping the traveling golfer.

The importance of the short game in golf is severely underrated. During a normal round of golf there will be at least ten opportunities to get up and down from inside 100 yards. If you are at the PGA TOUR level, the average conversion rate to get up and down (to hit the ball on the green and make a one-putt) is 60% for the top players in the world playing their best. For an amateur to reach their playing potential, they should look for the answer in the short game.

The best way to prepare the short game for the golf season and keep it sharp during the year is to follow a routine that is proven to produce lower scores. Here are some putting drills to include in your practice routine

Drill #1: Putt 40, 50, and 60-foot putts until you have made two putts or less from those distances 20 times in a row.

Drill #2: Putt eight-footers with the right hand only until you make three in a row. This will improve your ability to get the ball on line.

Drill #3: Putt with the eyes closed from all distances until ten balls are holed. This will develop speed control and build confidence.

Drill #4: Compete on the putting green with other golfers to simulate pressure. Keep score and remember the best way to become a better putter is to spend time with good putters.

These drills are time consuming and I recommend spending no more than 90 minutes per session, two to three times per week. You will be amazed how your scores immediately improve.

Tiger Woods moving on up, Greg Norman selling out. Also, how to get out of hardpan sand and putting tips

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The world's most affluent zip code has been getting a workout as of late. Tiger Woods is flattening existing edifices on his estate, replacing the original mansion and assorted other buildings, with updated but "quite modest" appointments.

Approved plans include a 10,000 square foot dream house, a guard house, small golf course, pool and other amenities necessary to the enjoyment of the world's richest PGA Tour golfer and family. Famous neighbor Celine Dion won't be angry with the constant commotion as she began building her new digs earlier this year.

Not to be outdone by Tiger Woods, Greg Norman is seeking $65 million for his home on Jupiter Island after a messy break-up to his estranged wife. Originally purchased for $5 million sixteen years ago, the Shark is looking to make a real estate killing. Always the saavy businessman, Norman realizes that the elite will pay BIG to live near the greatest golfer on the planet (Jupiter?).

The rich just keep getting richer. But just how much is too much?

The cold weather has not put a damper on our golf activity but we must remember the importance of playing smarter and considering every shot. For example, Barry found himself in a sand trap that had frozen over. Golf for Beginners discusses the correct way to exit this trap the very first time. We also talk about an easy way to visualize your putting line.

Send your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

Subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed:http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or through iTunes.

Nextel/Sprint cell customers type http://www.mymbn.com/podcast/ in your browser and click on "sports casts". Our station number is 1955.

"Shiny Tech" courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"

This podcast is supported by Arizona Golf Packages and Florida Golf Travel.

This podcast is supported by New Roc Harley Davidson, your worldwide parts and accessories distributor. Great rides start here!.

Palmer tells us why Tiger Woods beats Mickelson, a golf tip for kids and more!

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Arnold Palmer believes that Tiger Woods is "every bit as aggressive as Phil (Mickelson)" in the June issue of Golf Digest Magazine. There is one difference, however, which gives Tiger the edge. Find out on this week's episode of Golf for Beginners.

In the same interview, Palmer gives us a simple putting tip which Barry questions in certain circumstances. When should you give yourself the option of playing it safe and when should you make sure you drain the golf ball in one shot?

We also discuss the proper form for hitting out from under a tree, commonly known as the "low shot". Practice this shot and you'll get out of trouble and back into the fairway in fewer strokes.

Continue sending your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

Subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or through iTunes. Nextel/Sprint cell customers type http://www.mymbn.com/podcast/ in your browser and click on "sports casts". Our station number is 1955.

"Shiny Tech" courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"

This podcast is supported by Pioneer Golf and Florida Golf Travel.

My Podcast Alley feed!

Podcast: Is Groundhog Day un-American, a golf tip from Caddyshack and improve ball striking for a couple of pennies

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Barry's constant lecturing during driving range practice prompts this week's discussion on solid ball contact. He's right because hearing the "click" each time you strike the ball is the surest way of achieving proper distance control.

With the help of Golf Magazine we relate a great golf tip that should have you hitting your irons center-cut so when spring arrives, you're ball flight will be consistent and true.

Also, while cleaning out our golf bags, Barry and I chat about one way of acquiring proper aim while putting.

Our wedding anniversary falls yearly on Groundhog Day (it's our fifteenth). Kind of funny that the decision-maker as to whether spring is near is a relative of the rodent family. This year Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring...only four more weeks of winter. Nope, he didn't see his shadow.



Being a native of the Bronx, how would I ever know the difference between the two critters? I looked it up and found that not only are groundhogs larger than gophers but also hibernate and are good swimmers.

But is Groundhog Day un-American? Did this country really come up with such a foolish tradition? Find out this week on Golf for Beginners and get a great golf tip from the movie Caddyshack.

Continue sending your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

Subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or through iTunes. Nextel/Sprint cell customers type http://www.mymbn.com/podcast/ in your browser and click on "sports casts". Our station number is 1955.

You can also download our previous Golf for Beginners episodes by clicking here.

"Off to Osaka" and "Shiny Tech" courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"