Golf coach Kevin Smeltz has worked with some of the best in the game. The Director of Bishops Gate Golf Academy has worked alongside Nick Price, Charles Howell III and Na Yeon Choi.
He has switched his attention to junior coaching since joining Bishops Gate Golf Academy. Smeltz still works with some professionals but his major role is with in junior golf.
He has taught two U.S. Walker Cup team members, two No. 1-ranked college players, a No. 2-ranked college player, and many top-ranked juniors.
Smeltz takes us through a quick two-minute lesson that he feels will improve your putting.
Theory
Many tour players regard the speed of the putt as the all-important factor when approaching a putt.
Mark Sweeney’s recent studies that led to the creation of AimPoint have further reinforced this. A number of players use Mark’s method and it has deemed to be very successful.
One of the most effective tips that I’ve seen work among both amateurs and tour players alike is to absorb the weight of the putter-head into your arms and shoulders.
You should do this at the set-up and the best way to absorb the weight is by slightly hovering the blade before you putt.
A lot of golfers are oblivious to the fact that a tendency to settle the putter behind the ball can cause it to ‘stick’ as you initiate the stroke.
So give this drill a try, hover the putter ever so slightly and enjoy the sensation of making a stroke that rewards you with absolute pace control.
One handed drill
Firstly, you need to hover the putter just lightly off the ground and the feel the weight of the head. This will reward you with a more flowing stroke and a solid strike on the ball.
Putting with the right hand only is another way to heighten your feel for the putter head and your stroke in general.
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Rest your left hand on the upper part of your right arm and keep it there as you repeat a nice controlled stroke.
Feel the ‘connection’ between your right arm and upper body as you make your stroke and roll the ball.
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