Most amateur golfers would increase the number of Putts they made from 12 feet if they used a Belly Putter ‘attached to the body’. In fact, their improvement would be in the order of 20% more Putts sunk from that distance. The Belly Putter enforces a discipline on their Putting stroke. So why are they more accurate?

Unfortunately, in most amateur golfers tested, along with the improvement in accuracy over shorter distances, there was a real decline in distance control when they used the Belly Putter from 30 feet and greater. But I’ll tackle the challenge of distance control next week.

I have my opinions on the Belly Putter, but the lawmakers will NOT be influenced by me. The arguments I have heard made for the retention of the Belly Putter talk to allowing amateur golfers to get more enjoyment out of the game, to sink more Putts from 12 feet.

If you want to sink more Putts in that 6 to 12 feet Putting zone with your ‘standard length’ Putter, then make an appointment to see me. Note, though, that there is no ‘standard size’ Putter. There are a variety of ‘standard’ lengths. One will work best with your size and posture. There is also a Lie Angle on the Putter that influences how likely you are to hit the ball straight down the target line. There is then your technique. It is easy to learn and easy to practice.

Take the time to set yourself up to sink more 6 to 12 foot putts. Contact me now.

Golf presents you with different challenges around the green, so you need to have two different Wedge shots. One that has a lower ball flight, lands, and then runs out, finishing close to the hole. The second that is higher, lands closer to the pin and then stops more quickly. With these shots you will have the versatility to tackle the different challenges you will face out on the course.

Most of you will use your Wedge in a very standard way. The golf ball in the middle of your stance, and a good or bad strike on the ball, depending on technique. I suspect the results are variable. Your control of the run-out will be limited, and the height of your golf ball flight will differ, reducing your ability to land the golf ball where you intend to.

Many of you practise hard, trying all sorts of different stances (more open) and club head positions (more open), looking to find a golf ball that will float higher and land softer; and other stances (more square) and the hands ahead of the ball with less wrist, to get the ball to run longer. Actually, with the same stance you can achieve two different results.

Learn the two different techniques and then commit some fun time practicing where you will land the ball with different swings and take control of how high the ball will fly and much the ball will run out. If you want help, come and see me. A better short-game will deliver better results and more fun.