How To Stop Pulling Putts: 7 Expert Tips for a Straighter Stroke
Pull the Plug on Pulling Putts
There's something poetic about the final few feet of a putting green, where a gentle tap can make the difference between birdie and bogey. Yet, there's a nemesis lurking in these short strokes, ready to snatch victory from your grasp: the dreaded "pulled putt."
Picture this: You stand over the ball, envisioning a smooth, straight roll into the cup… but your putter has other ideas. It feels like a magnet pulling the ball left of the target, and suddenly, that par-saving putt turns into a frustrating miss.
We’re tired of these miss-hits, and I’m sure you are, too. So today, we're diving headfirst into the world of putting, armed with expert tips to help you stop pulling putts and start sinking them like a pro.
Topics Covered in This Guide
1. Grip It Right, Tight?
First things first: let's talk about your grip. No, we're not discussing your handshake at the clubhouse; it's all about how you hold that putter.
A common culprit of pulled putts is an overly tight grip. You don't want to strangle the club; think of it more as a friendly handshake. Maintain a light, yet firm grip, allowing your wrists to remain flexible. This adjustment alone can work wonders in reducing those frustrating pulls.
"Putting is like wisdom—partly a natural gift and partly the accumulation of experience." - Arnold Palmer
2. Look At Your Alignment
Alignment—the secret sauce to putting success. Roll with me for a second - Picture a railway track where your feet represent the tracks, and your putter is the train. For a straight putt, the tracks must be parallel to your target line.
To test your alignment, try the "gate drill." Place two tees a putter's length apart and practice putting through them. If you're consistently pulling your putts, chances are those tees won't stay standing for long. But with some practice, you'll be rolling the ball right down the tracks in no time.
"Putting is 50 percent technique, 40 percent setup, and 10 percent philosophy." - Bobby Locke
3. Find Your Putting Tempo
Notice how a pendulum on one of those clocks your grandmother used to have swings back and forth with a consistent rhythm? Your putting stroke should be no different. Finding your natural tempo is crucial to stop pulling putts.
Some golfers have a quicker backstroke and a slower follow-through, while others do the opposite. Experiment with different tempos to discover what feels most comfortable. Once you groove that pendulum-like motion, your putts will stay on track.
"You must swing your putter like a pendulum, and your tempo is what makes it all work." - Tiger Woods
4. Use a Self-Correcting Putter
The easiest and fastest way to finally put an end to problematic pulled putts is to swap out your trusty rusty putter for one that redirects miss-hits back to center.
I know it sounds like a pipe dream, and it was for a while - until the Pyramid Putter came on the scene along with the upgraded, next gen Pyramid iCOR Putter.
If you look at the face of the iCOR, you’ll see an insert with three sets of grooves - these grooves, along with a few other technical features, are what directs mis-hits back to center.
The original Pyramid Putter currently has over 1,500 4- and 5-star reviews loaded with golfers backing up our claims, and the iCOR is quickly catching up with just under 100 reviews since its release. It’s the real deal.
Add the new Pyramid iCOR Putter to your bag today and watch as you slash strokes from your score the first time you use it — and in every round after.
One more thing - the iCOR Putter is backed by a 30-day, no questions asked money-back guarantee. You got nothing to lose and a whole lotta birdies to gain.
NEW RELEASE
Pyramid iCOR Putter
The original "self-correcting" putter now gives you superior distance control, forgiveness, and feel.
5. Follow Through Like a Pro
Often, pulling putts can be a result of abrupt stops or twists in your stroke. Focus on a smooth and controlled follow-through after contact with the ball. Let your putter guide the ball towards the target, like a pilot landing a plane smoothly on the runway. A confident follow-through helps ensure your ball doesn't veer off course.
"The follow-through on a putt is like your signature; it tells the world who you are." - Brandt Snedeker
6. The Mental Game Matters
Golf isn't just physical; it's a mental chess match against others and yourself. When it comes to putting, controlling your mind is just as important as controlling your stroke. Don't psych yourself out by obsessing over the hole. Instead, visualize a spot a few inches in front of your ball, as if you're trying to roll the ball over that spot. This mental shift can help you focus on the process, not the destination, reducing those pesky pulls caused by overthinking.
"Golf is 90% mental, and putting is 90% of golf." - Jack Nicklaus
7. Practice, Practice, Practice
The age-old adage rings true: practice makes perfect. Dedicate time to hone your putting skills. Set up short, straight putts on the practice green and work on your alignment, grip, and tempo. The more comfortable you become with these fundamentals, the more likely you are to stop pulling putts when it counts.
Here’s our top putting video tips from golfer, model, and TV personality Blair O’Neal to help you send your scores - and game - in the right direction.
"I've found that the more I practice, the luckier I get." - Gary Player
There you have it —seven expert tips to help you put an end to those infuriating pulled putts. Remember, golf is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one. Stay cool, maintain that relaxed grip, and visualize success. With a bit of practice, you'll soon be sinking those putts like a seasoned pro.
So, go forth with your newfound knowledge, and the next time you stand over a crucial putt, remind yourself of these tips. You've got this! Here's to straighter strokes, lower scores, and more high-fives on the green.
To better golf,
Matt Stephens
Inventor, Pyramid Putter & Pyramid iCOR Putter