PuttingPre-shot routine Putter Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 15 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Rickie Fowler's Green Reading, Step by Step

Name: Rickie Fowler's Green Reading, Step by Step
Uploaded: 2020-02-24T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 14 min 30 s
Channel: Rickie Fowler
Description: Rickie Fowler reads his putts in reverse: first, the spot where the ball should go into the hole; then, the line and speed. In *Me and My Golf*, he also explains how he trains his eyes to focus on the line on the ball and why, for him, speed control starts with making solid contact.

Rickie Fowler reads his putts in reverse: first, the spot where the ball should go into the hole; then, the line and speed. In *Me and My Golf*, he also explains how he trains his eyes to focus on the line on the ball and why, for him, speed control starts with making solid contact.

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Rickie Fowler · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

Schedule · Step 6 of 7Putt Better in 7 StepsCounts as correct when: Before each putt, you call the direction of the slope and are correct 8 out of 10 times.

Step 7 →

To be continued

20 minSame problemLearning to Putt: From Grip to Speed ControlPaige Spiranac · Beginner 6 minNext Level UpBall Position and Speed Control with Van de VeldeJean Van de Velde · Intermediate 2 minFrom the same proHitting out of the trees toward the fairway: Rickie FowlerRickie Fowler · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

Rickie Fowler begins to read the green as soon as he walks toward his ball. Then he positions himself as far as possible on the downside of the putt and behind the hole for view the entry point of the ball. From that point on, he adjusts his speed and traces a line to his ball, which gives him a starting point. He reads with the feet and the eyes, plus his own version of a plumb line, and says he has never used methods like AimPoint. Before each shot, he checks his setup in the mirror: if everything is in place and the line doesn’t seem to be directly above the putt, he adjusts it; if his setup is slightly off, he trusts the line he’s drawn. The important thing: Choose and Commit.

It uses a line on the ball for about six years. It took him two to three months To train his eyes: on right-to-left putts, the line seemed to him to be pointing to the left. His drill: align the line with a tee placed on the path of the putt and look only at that tee. The mirror helps maintain a consistent setup, since the feet, hips, and shoulders move the head and eyes. When it comes to speed control, the priority is a centered contact: A poorly centered stroke throws off the entire sequence that follows. He remains still, doesn’t accelerate the putter, takes the putter back far enough to generate speed, and comes up short. He keeps his arms—especially his right arm—slightly against his torso, and notes that a “weaker” left hand makes it easier to release the putter, as Tiger Woods does.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Check the slopes of the green as soon as you walk toward your ball.
Stand on the downhill side of the putt and behind the hole to visualize the entry point.
From this point, choose the speed and draw the line to the ball.
Confirm your position by walking, then line up in a single file.
If you use a line on the ball, practice by aiming at a tee placed in the path of the shot.
Before the ride, check your setup in the mirror to make sure your head and eyes are aligned.
On long putts, stay still, aim for the center of the clubface, and don't accelerate: take a fairly long backswing and a short finish.

Key Takeaways

The read begins by walking toward the ball, then along the downside of the putt.

He starts at the point where the ball enters the hole, then follows the line back to the ball.

He checks his outfit in the mirror: he decides whether to trust his eyes or his figure.

It takes two to three months to train your eyes to see the line on the ball.

Speed control: Start with a centered grip, keeping your body still.

No acceleration: fairly long backswing, short finish, same speed.

Mistakes to Avoid

Read the putt based solely on the ball.
Being torn between two lines when using a putter.
Stop focusing on the ball after a few tries.
Changing your posture without realizing it, which shifts the position of your head and eyes.
Missing the mark and then adjusting the next putt based on incorrect information.
Accelerate the putter at impact.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

Putt taken from the lower side, starting from the entry point
A line on the ball pointing toward a tee on the flight path
Checking the setup in the mirror before the session
Long putts: Aim for a centered strike; keep the finish short

Your Questions

Why does Rickie Fowler step away from the hole to read a putt?

First, he visualizes the ball's entry point from the downside of the putt. From there, he adjusts his speed and tracks the line back to his ball, which gives him a precise starting point.

How long does it take to get used to a line on the ball?

It took him two to three months. At first, it seemed to him that the line was veering to the left on right-to-left putts. He practiced aiming at a tee placed on the line, focusing only on that tee.

What does he use the mirror for?

Make sure his stance is steady. If his feet move, his hips and shoulders follow, and his head shifts position. If he’s positioned correctly, he trusts his eyes; otherwise, he trusts the line.

How does he control his speed on long putts?

First, with a centered contact, while remaining still. He doesn't like players who accelerate the putter: he takes the putter back as far as necessary to generate speed, then finishes short.

Learn More

All “Putting” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All “Pre-shot routine” 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. Ball Position and Speed Control with Van de VeldeSpeed control starts with ball position: too far right and you hit down, so the ball bounces; at the bottom of the arc or slightly left, it rolls true. Tommy Fleetwood's Claw Putting Grip: A More Stable FaceFleetwood has switched from the classic grip to a “pinch” or “pencil” grip, which takes the right hand out of the swing and stabilizes the rotation of the clubface. Rickie FowlerAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Rickie Fowler). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.