Former National champion and teaching pro Amandeep Johl on putting and bunker shots
Putting set-up I
It is imperative to have an extremely still body while the arms swing freely from the shoulders. A balanced set-up is therefore extremely important. The weight must be equally balanced on both feet or ever so slightly favouring the left foot for right-handed golfers.
Putting set-up II
Bend from the waist by pushing the butt back to get into a good posture. The arms then hang under the shoulders and the eyes are over the ball or just inside. The arms can be kept bent from the elbows as seen OR not, as per personal preference. They should never be stiff; just let them hang naturally.
Ball position
The ball position must favour the leading foot. This ensures the putter catches the ball on the upward path, giving the ball a better roll. Strike the ball, don’t push or steer it. The speed of the putt is far more important than the line. More 3-putts are made and putts missed because of bad speed-control than bad line.
Speed and line
Four factors influence the way a ball rolls: 1) A right-to-left or left-to-right slope affects line; 2) An up or down slope affects speed; 3) The amount of grass affects speed and line; 4) And finally the grain of the grass also affects speed and line. Make a start to read the green yourself and reduce dependence on the caddy.
Bunker shot I
It’s probably the scariest for amateurs and the easiest for professionals because the bunker shot is played differently from others. Use the bounce of the Sand Wedge to hit the sand a couple of inches behind the ball. Don’t try to scoop the ball.
Bunker shot II
An excellent thought to have in mind while playing the bunker shot is to visualise the ball riding on a cushion of sand that you have dug out. Try to get under the ball with your Sand Wedge just enough to not touch the ball directly with the club.
