[Hanjeong-eun's Beginner Golfer Special Lecture⑧] Reducing Beginner Golfer Scores "Know-How to Become a Putting Master"

Mallet Recommendation, 34-Inch Shaft with 4-Degree Loft Start "Left Wrist Fixed, Face Perpendicular, Stroke Smooth"

The 'Left Hand Low' putting grip has the left hand positioned lower, covering the right hand.

"Confidence in short putting, distance control in long putting."

In golf, a 300-yard tee shot and a 1-meter putt both count as one stroke. It is said that putting is the easiest way for beginners to reduce their scores. Moreover, putting has a tremendous impact on the mental aspect of the game. Even professionals can become shaken to the point of hitting an immediate out-of-bounds (OB) on the next hole after missing a short putt. [Han Jeong-eun's Beginner Golf Lecture] The final eighth session therefore explores the know-how to become a 'putting master.'

First, choosing a putter. There are mainly two head designs: the straight blade and the rounded mallet. Their performance is similar. It depends on personal preference and stroke path. The blade follows a smaller arc, while the mallet draws a straight line. In the past, 'experts' preferred blades, but recently mallets have regained popularity, which is interesting. For beginners, mallets are recommended. The face is thicker, making it easier to align the target at address.

The standard shaft length is 34 inches. For those under 170cm tall, 33 inches; for those over 180cm, about 35 inches. Actually, arm length is more important than height for shaft length because the putting stroke needs to be comfortable. If too short, the line of sight is pulled to the left; if too long, it pushes to the right. Loft starts at 4 degrees. If the loft is too large, the ball lifts off the ground and the backspin shortens the distance; if too small, the ball bounces unpredictably.

After choosing a putter, next is the putting grip. Right-handed players usually prefer the 'reverse overlapping' grip. After setting up the putter with the right hand toward the target, the left hand is placed on top. It is similar to gripping other clubs like irons, so it feels familiar and makes distance control easier in long putting. Female players tend to favor the 'left-hand low' grip. As shown in , it is the opposite of 'reverse overlapping,' with the left hand lower and covering the right hand. This grip is strong for mid- and short-distance putting.

A smooth tempo is most important in the putting stroke. It feels like gently pushing through the impact process with the putter head.

The last is practice method. The key is to 'fix the left wrist' to keep the face square. If the face twists at contact, no matter how accurate the putting line is, it won't help. If open, the ball goes right; if closed, it goes left, and the effect worsens with longer distances. Above all, a smooth tempo is important during the stroke. Look at . Feel as if gently pushing the putter head through impact.

In actual play, arrive at the golf course as early as possible to check the green speed on the practice green. Domestic golf courses vary in speed depending on the season. Start with short putting. Place 5-6 balls at 1-meter intervals around the hole and practice until all go in to build confidence. For long putting, decide your own stroke size from different distances such as 3, 6, and 9 meters. Setting a virtual target according to the slope is also done here.

▲ Map = Pro Han Jeong-eun jhangolf@naver.com

▲ Organized by = Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun golfkim@asiae.co.kr

▲ Location = Dia Golf Studio