2-MINUTE CLINICS

Making Downhill Sliders

These slippery putts often are the difference between a gutsy par save and a demoralizing three-putt from a few feet. The keys are getting a picture of the putt in your mind’s eye, being precise with your aim and controlling the putterface. Here’s how to get more of them to drop. —Greg Ducharme, one of Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers in America

  • As other players putt, pay attention to how their putts behave around the hole.
  • Walk from your ball to the cup to sense the degree of downhill.
  • Start to estimate a path for your putt given the speed you’re seeing.
  • If a straight putt would go in at 6 o’clock, where should this putt enter based on the break?
  • Mentally shift the center of the hole to that new “time.” On this putt, the center moves left to about 7:30.
  • If this putt enters at 7:30, it's dead center.
  • Select an aiming spot just past the hole based on the break you see.
  • Envision the ball starting on a line to that aiming spot and curving to the hole.
  • Play for a straight putt to your aiming spot and let the slope do its thing.
  • Set up with the putterface looking at your aiming spot.
  • Make a smooth stroke, returning the face exactly as it was at address.
  • To avoid flipping or twisting the face, keep the handle moving forward at impact.
  • A stable face delivers predictable speed and direction.