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Putting Putter Beginner ⏱ 6 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Two putts per green: Jean-Marc Espelt's 3 keys

Are you finally hitting the greens in regulation, only to end up with three or four putts? Jean-Marc Espelt offers three simple tips for aiming for a maximum of two putts: the swing, ball position, and a relaxed stance.

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Jean-Marc Espelt
Jean-Marc Espelt · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

20 minSame problemLearning to Putt: From Grip to Speed ControlPaige Spiranac · Beginner4 minSame problemNelly Korda's Left-Hand-Low Putting: Interlocked GripNelly Korda · Beginner / Intermediate8 minFrom the same proSenior Golf Swing: 3 Tips from Jean-Marc EspeltJean-Marc Espelt · Intermediate / Seniors

What the lesson shows

Every week, Jean-Marc Espelt witnesses the frustration of players who hit the greens in regulation but then take three or four putts under the pressure of the score. First point: a smooth swing thanks to the putter's weight, which you absolutely have to experience. Second point: position yourself correctly in front of the ball. To figure out where to place the ball in your stance and how far from your body, he suggests an exercise: while in your stance, drop a ball from your left eye; it should land on the ball you’re aiming at.

When the ball is positioned correctly, it is struck by the putter in its upward phase, which creates the topspin that makes it spin, and you can stay relaxed instead of being tense or standing too straight. Third point: a very relaxed position, with the back of the neck parallel to the floor, for proper shoulder movement and a more consistent swing. Knowing that you won't take more than two putts also gives you confidence on the green.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Take your putting stance in front of the ball.
  2. Hold a ball in your hand at eye level with your left eye, and let it go.
  3. If she doesn't make contact with the ball, adjust your position.
  4. Keep the back of your neck parallel to the floor and relax your shoulders.
  5. Start a smooth swing while feeling the weight of the putter.
  6. Let the putter make contact with the ball as it comes up.

Key Takeaways

Feel the weight of the putter: that's what gives you a steady swing.
Fire a shot from the left eye to check the ball's position.
She has to hit the ball you throw to her.
A well-placed shot is hit on the up-swing, with topspin.
Keep the back of your neck parallel to the floor for a relaxed posture.
Aiming for a maximum of two putts takes the pressure off.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Putting pressure on yourself as soon as you hit the green in regulation.
  • Not knowing where to place the ball and tensing up at address.
  • Standing too upright when facing the ball.
  • Strike the ball without letting the weight of the putter act as a pendulum.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Exercise involving releasing the ball from the left eye before each set
  2. Swinging while feeling the weight of the putter
  3. Check that the neck is parallel to the ground
  4. A series of putts on the putting green, focusing on these three points

Your Questions

How can you make fewer than three putts on a green?

Jean-Marc Espelt suggests three key points: a smooth swing thanks to the putter's weight, a ball positioned correctly in front of you, and a relaxed stance with your neck parallel to the ground.

Where should you place the ball when putting?

From your stance, drop a ball from your left eye: it should land on the ball you're aiming at. This determines both its position in the stance and its distance from your body.

Why should you pick up the ball when walking back to the putting green?

According to him, the putter must make contact with the ball as it rises to create the topspin that makes it roll well. A well-placed ball naturally allows for this.

What posture should you adopt to stay relaxed?

Keep the back of your neck parallel to the floor. He points out that this results in good shoulder control and a much smoother swing.

Learn More

All “Putting” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Learning to Putt: From Grip to Speed ControlAll the basics of putting in order: grip, stance, eye focus, arcing stroke, reading the green from four angles, the “one potato, two potato” tempo, and two exercises for controlling the stroke. Tommy Fleetwood's Short Game: Chip, Bunker, and Long PuttThree of Fleetwood's pre-shot routines around the green: the “lofted putt” chip, the bunker shot aimed at an impact mark, and the long putt read from the low side. Nelly Korda's Left-Hand-Low Putting: Interlocked GripNelly Korda putts left hand low, fingers interlocked, so she moves the putter with her chest rather than her hands, especially under pressure. Jean-Marc EspeltAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Jean-Marc Espelt). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.

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