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Putting Putter Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 4 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Tiger Woods' Putting Tips, by Martin Hall

Martin Hall shares two insights from Tiger Woods on putting: where he starts when reading a green and why he practices using only his right hand. A video in English, summarized here.

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Martin Hall
Martin Hall · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

9 minSame problemWristy Putting: The Alignment Stick DrillGabriel Anglade · Beginner / Intermediate3 minSame problem3 Putting Green Drills: Neck, Card and StickPatrice Amadieu · Beginner / Intermediate8 minFrom the same proShort Swings for Beginners: The Martin Hall MethodMartin Hall · Beginner

What the lesson shows

First tip, on reading: Tiger Woods first reads the second half of the putt. This is where the ball slows down as it approaches the hole, so the slope of this area has the greatest influence on its trajectory. The first part matters too, but we'll get to that later.

Second tip for practice: Tiger hits hundreds of putts using only the right hand, a habit he picked up as a child. For a classic grip, the right hand is closest to the clubhead and provides the most feel—both in terms of speed and clubface angle. He likes to let the clubface open up a little, swing slightly inside, and then close through the ball. Martin Hall sums it up with an image: “The tip must go through” the heel, to bring the clubface back to square rather than locking it. He points out that a putt that veers to the right is caused by an open clubface, not a raised clubhead.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Before putting, first assess the slope along the second half of the ball's path on the course.
  2. Next, finish by reading the first part.
  3. During practice, take a series of putts using only your right hand.
  4. Feel the clubface open slightly on the upswing and close as it makes contact with the ball.
  5. Before taking an actual putt, take one or two practice swings with just your right hand.
  6. Use both hands to push off, visualizing the toe passing the heel.

Key Takeaways

First, read the second half of the putt, near the hole.
The slope near the hole has a greater effect on a ball that is slowing down.
Practice using only your right hand to develop your sense of touch.
The right hand, which is closer to the head, provides information about speed and the clubface.
Let the tip of the putter pass the heel instead of locking the face.
A putt that veers to the right is usually caused by an open clubface.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Read the slope, especially near the ball, and ignore the area around the hole.
  • Hold the putter face still instead of letting it close.
  • If you make contact with an open face, the ball will go to the right.
  • Blaming a missed putt on keeping your head up when it's actually the clubface that's the problem.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. A series of putts using only the right hand, like Tiger Woods
  2. Systematically reading the second half of the putt before each shot
  3. Practice swing with just the right hand before important putts
  4. Image of the toe passing the heel during the movement

Your Questions

Where does Tiger Woods start when reading a putt?

In the second half, near the hole. Martin Hall explains that the ball moves slowest there, so it's most affected by the slope.

Why practice putting with just your right hand?

With a classic grip, the right hand is closest to the putter head and provides the most feedback. Tiger Woods says this is where he finds the speed control and the feel of the clubface opening and closing.

What does “let the tip pass” mean?

This is Martin Hall's visual aid for relaxing the putter head: the toe extends past the heel through the ball, which brings the face back to square instead of leaving it open.

Learn More

All “Putting” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Wristy Putting: The Alignment Stick DrillTwo clubs taped under your armpits, a putter on top, hands underneath: an exercise that locks the “Y” formed by your arms and the putter and eliminates wrist movement. 3 Putting Green Drills: Neck, Card and StickThree checks on the putting green: keep the back of your neck parallel to the ground, hold your scorecard above your knees to stabilize your lower body, and align the clubface with your sternum. Martin HallAll of his lessons

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

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