Sheri Hayes

Do you want to boost your confidence in making putts? Then you need to practice in a way that helps you rather than hurts you.

All too often I see players on the practice green just putting away from 12 or 15 feet and missing every one of them. That's crazy!

The best players in the world make an average of 31% from 10 feet. Or, to put it another way, they miss 69 out of a 100 from 10 feet.

Now that would rattle you wouldn't it? 

This may sound crazy, but I recommend the last thing you do before you head to the first tee is to go to the practice putting green and “make” one-footers. As many as you have time for, just roll in one after another.

Success breeds confidence and confidence breeds success, so it makes more sense to practice “making” putts instead of practicing “missing” them. Not to say you shouldn’t roll a few long ones to test the green speed, but make sure you “make” your last putt and head to the first tee with the sound of the ball rattling in the cup rattling in your brain.

You know the sound that I mean -- very distinct, very clear. That sound, plus the psychological momentum of “making” putts, is just want you need for confidence during the round.

The grass green at CGC is rolling great right now, so you can practice making putts and locking in that sound from all distances to prepare you for your next round.

Sheri Hayes is an LPGA and PGA Professional who teaches private lessons, workshops and Golf Fit circuit training classes. Read more about Sheri and how to schedule a lesson with her.