JORDAN SPIETH SHORT PUTTING TECHNIQUE

[@WesleyNysm]

As a junior golfer, I adopted this about 7 months ago... I had a lot of struggle putting. I worked on my stroke a lot, and now from about 3 foot and in I stare at the hole. It works for me, and have been able to make more 3 footers. If you want to try and adopt this method you have to have a good muscle memory putting stroke. The alignment is key. Then just straight back and follow through to the hole it's really simple and works for me :)

[@GenXDaddyO]

I've used this technique for a while now and it has dramatically improved my speed. It's not for everyone, but I'd recommend it if you are struggling with pace or if you are the type of person who tends to get neurotic over a putt. See target, hit target. It's very liberating for the overly-mechanical putter.

[@sdeeks_photos44]

Came across this video today and I've used this technique for two years even on long putts! It's made my distance control twice as good and was told I was putting wrong and should never do this but for me it works as Rick says needs time and practise but for me it takes two things out 1. Tension and nerves allows a smooth stroke 2. Any indecisions

[@Budrosgolley]

After a long fought battle with the putting yips, I moved to this technique (on all putts) as well as left hand low a couple years back. I'm a believer, maybe not for everyone... but if you struggle with putting its definitely something to try.

[@srs195420]

I have been doing this for over a year. And I have increased the distance to about 8 feet and do it on breaking putts as well as straight putts. My putting has improved greatly.

[@ageclipse]

This totally works for me. And I've been having issues with pacing and distance control. Looking at the hole, ESPECIALLY on longer puts has nearly fixed all my pacing issues. On breaking puts, you find where you need the ball to roll, and you setup that way, then focus on the target and *for me* pacing has never been better.

[@CurtisSimpson]

I'm going to start putting this way for a while and see if it helps. I am way too inconsistent by just looking at the ball in a typical putting setup. I also may work in some one-handed putting as that is really good for me to get correct distance, plus it helps me relax just putting one-handed.

[@RODERICKBASGOLF]

This works, many have done this before Jordan but I don't agree with the other sports. All that were mentioned you were holding the implement. Don't forget the first target is hitting the ball. Does a footballer look at the ball or goal on a penalty. Does a tennis player, does a cricketer look at the ball or the boundary. The gold ball is not moving but you still have to hit it. Jordan does it to reduce fear and free up the stroke.

[@cobra7282]

Roderick Bastard Came here to point the same thing out and especially on longer putts it could really become hindrance because it could have a negative effect on your strike of the ball. Though in theory your swing should pretty much always follow the same path so as long as the ball placement in your stance is correct than you should be able to get good contact without looking at the ball even on longer putts.

[@robpottergolf]

I was in the Qualifier for People's Open Golf Tournament back in 2009 and one of the highest ranked Amature Ladies was in my group. She looked at the Target/Hole for EVERY putt she had. It's a style she'd been using for several years. Didn't have one 3 putt all round and won the Qualifier to get to Turnberry that year. Hmmmmm a technique I may revisit, as I've always been too hung up on my putting stroke.

[@johnmeany8504]

have been using this technique for all of my putts for the past couple weeks and it has worked very well. i found that my putts are much more consistent. i do agree that it do not work as well for breakers but with some practice i have worked out the kinks and now my putting as drastically improved. sry if this made 0 sense lol

[@CurtisSimpson]

I'm ready to give this a try on the course.

[@mickmueller1700]

Thanks Rick. Right now my short putting has gone off the rails. I will try almost anything.

[@snakedoc514]

I started this technique this week and I find I can lag putt much better and putts between 3-9 ft are more consistent. I am going to use this exclusively from now on.

[@44Jbean]

Rick mentions a key point to this...you must trust it. I tried this recently and I holed more putts than I’ve ever had. Line it up, look at the hole and stroke it. I was struggling with leaving putts short. When I tried this method I didn’t leave ANY putts short. Further, in the two rounds I played using this method, I only three putted once. I usually three putt at least three times in a round. Try this!

[@peterbaader334]

I use the same technique also for longer putts and it works very well. The ratio behind this is that all motion throwing an object at a given target makes the thrower look at the target and not at the object he is about to throw.

[@gregorcollins]

When I was 3 my uncle gave me a putter and simply said: May the course be with you.

[@dougm659]

As a long time basketball player, I get the logic of this immediately; when you shoot a basketball, your eyes are fixed on the basket, they only go to the ball once it’s halfway to its target! I use this technique on short, straight putts and it’s rock solid!

[@JohnC_EuroLegions]

Bob Rotella talks about doing this all the time when practising your putting. Gain control by giving up control.

[@CurtisSimpson]

I love that idea!

[@DocDLH]

This works GREAT for putts under 6 feet (and sometimes up to 10 feet). For breaking putts, it's best to keep this technique for under 4 to 5 feet as the speed of the putt can affect how much the putt breaks. It also may depend on the type of putter you have. For relatively heavy putters, that don't twist off line for strikes that are off center, this works well. The main reason is that while focusing on the target line, you don't tend to jerk the putter back or "yip" AND by consciously moving the putter directly along your eyeliner at your target, the putter face stays square to the target. I've also found, for me, that for putts of up to even 15 feet on fast greens, it has helped me with at least practicing pace of the putt. It takes A LOT of practice to get used to this technique for anything over 5 feet but for the short putts, it works great if you can keep your concentration and stay comfortable with the stroke.

[@miraclesailor]

I was encouraged to try looking at the hole during a session with a really great putter. After looking at the hole, ostensibly to get the right feeling, I was much more accurate with my putting. Now I look at the hole for all putts...long, short, breaking. For the long breaking putts there is a target, a path and a distance that, with your eye on the break line and the hole at the same time, relays correct information to your brain. It does take a little time to trust that your putter will hit the ball square, but not too long.

[@billybob-bj3nw]

For 5-7 foot putts, i sort of do the same thing. I just look at the halfway point between the hole and the ball. I've done this for years, since my dad taught me golf. Thought I was the only one that did it!

[@chetlovesmer9549]

Annika Sorenstam talked about this almost 20 years ago for straight, 3 feet and closer putts. I don't remember her reasoning for it. She also suggested a really-long, exaggerated-follow-through on putts inside 3 feet.

[@benjaminbuchanan8381]

It works with long putts too. It helps me gauge the range. I don’t really make any 10 + putts. It really helps getting the pace for me

[@edwin6690]

When you throw a ball, the ball's already in your hand so you look at the target. When you're swinging at a ball (baseball, cricket, etc.) you keep your eyes on the ball. Keep your eyes on the ball.

[@kevinballard7539]

Hj Y but you keep your eyes on the ball because the ball is the target at that point. The ball is not sitting stationary as it is with a golf ball

[@RockyD]

Rick, It's like drawing a line without a ruler. Put 2 dots on a piece of paper a out 4 to 6" apart then start at one dot but don't follow then pen just look at the 2nd dot and you'll get a pretty decent solid straight line. The better the line I guess the better the hand eye coordination which plays a big part in golf.

[@Aaronfps2]

I think it help looking at the hole for longer putts instead of short puts for speed control I tried it during practice today

[@hawaiidispenser]

2:20 But on the other hand, in baseball, cricket and tennis, the hitter is keeping his eye on the ball (or at least the spot of anticipated contact) and not on the target he's directing the ball toward.

[@JumpO89]

I guess that's just because the ball is moving pretty unexpectedly in those sports. It's much more difficult to anticipate where the ball is going to be, than where the target is, thus making focussing on the ball the priority in these cases. But as long as you're in control of the ball, you normally focus on the target, just because the target is moving along your movement from your pov. Which makes golf an interesting case, since neither the target nor the ball is moving.

[@hawaiidispenser]

Fair points about a moving target, however, the real reason we don't look at a ball we're throwing is because we've already made contact with the ball in essence (i.e., you are holding it in your hand). Your sense of touch tells you where it is. But with putting, the ball isn't already sitting on your putter, waiting to be spit out at the hole... we have to make contact with it and the best way to ensure good contact is to look at it. Rick's main point about not forgetting about the target is very good, but the specific analogy he used didn't ring true, that's all.

[@JumpO89]

I would argue that it depends on your level of skill in the end, since neither the ball nor the target is moving. For me, I have to focus on striking the ball well, because my putting technique is still somewhat inconsistent. For a PGA Pro it's almost like the ball is in his hand, making it easier to focus on the target. Still, I'm giving it a shot I guess

[@harryrice4679]

Basketball throwing a ball into a target you are looking at the target

[@benroeder3442]

he's rocking the spieth outfit lolol

[@Fraaz44]

that's because he's with under armour

[@RogerToye]

That was interesting.. I have adopted a look down don't look at thole at all and noticed much better consistency especially up to 15-20 feet however I like the idea of looking at your target if you know your backswing is aligned I go straight back not much of an arc.. so how far out does this technique seem to work ?

[@gremmygremmington2587]

Jack used a less obvious version of this where he would keep one eye on the hole whilst also looking at the ball, must be something in it, definitely worth a try on the putting green.

[@michaelparkman1631]

I have had some success using this method of putting and first tried it after reading Harvey Penick's "Little Red Book". I used this for all puts except puts shorter than say 3 feet. '

[@geoffreyhirsch9316]

Like darts. You focus on the target, not your hand or the dart in the hand?

[@liamf2706]

I am gonna try it, next 18 holes i play. It can not be any worse than what i do now

[@BartmanSA]

How did it go? I am interested in this idea.

[@liamf2706]

LOL it worked great until it did not work , same as every other tip :)

[@BartmanSA]

yeah, been there!

[@paulahulme]

I think it's also quite common for snooker players to look at the object ball or pocket when they deliver the cue.

[@WolumoDK]

That forward press... whats your thoughts on that - noticed that pretty much all of the tour players are doing this in some way - is it something for the amateur aswell ? whats the reason behind it ?

[@takesoutfence1]

the forward press is where i start my putts ,i want to feel like my left wrist arm and putter are all in line and hold it there thruout the putt so you really dont have to forward press just set up with the press in place , im making short putts again ,,left hand high lol

[@kelbyhill8586]

I love JS

[@pekkaspelman]

It works, if your grip is relatively square to your palm. There is no way you hit the ball off line, cause if you'd throw it, you'd know precisely, where your palm is pointing.

[@richardwalker8894]

Not sure if you all are familiar with the Yar Putter, but the person who created that putter advocated for looking at target on all putts. I think it is a tool that would work on breaking putts as well though. You just have to train yourself to look at the high-point target of your putt rather than the hole.

[@drhopkinspath]

Richard Walker Not sure you know the full story of the Yar putter but it was all a con... pretty interesting read about it...grantland.com/features/a-mysterious-physicist-golf-club-dr-v/

[@richardwalker8894]

I am well aware of the article, and the devastating fallout afterwards. The takeaway I got from the sources behind the article are that the person was the con, but the putter works. The inventor wasn't the only one pushing the look at the hole philosophy. The instructors who were paid, and unpaid, spokesman were teaching that as well. Point is, this isn't a new idea, and it is something worth trying if putting is a problem area. See someone me of the fallout from the article you mentioned: grantland.com/features/the-dr-v-story-a-letter-from-the-editor/ www.phillymag.com/g-philly/2014/01/27/grantlands-triple-bogey-grantland-botched-trans-politics-dr-v-controversy/ grantland.com/features/what-grantland-got-wrong/

[@richardwalker8894]

Some of the fallout* stupid autocorrect

[@SuperVandemon]

iv youed this on my putting this year and had mixed results .

[@vyro3794]

I know you say look at the target like throwing a ball but putting is not like throwing a ball, it'd be like hitting a baseball to left field. You don't look at left field instead of the ball?

[@AndyNick211]

Like the video but I don't think the throwing analogy applies, Rick. When you throw something...it is already in your hand and under control. In sports where you need to make contact with something (Baseball, Hockey, Golf) you concentrate on the object you are trying to hit.

[@Rickc45h]

In one of me & my golfs videos there is a bloke who does this. Holed virtually everything.

[@TheNYgolfer]

Take a sharpy and draw a line on your ball. Now place the ball about 4 feet from the hole with the line aimed directly at the center of the hole .Do this while standing behind the ball.Now get over the ball like you are getting ready to putt. Now look down at the sharpy line and then look at the hole. You will now swear that the ball line is no longer aimed at the center of the hole but unstead is off to the side of the hole. This is an illusion of course but if not understood will cause you to guide the ball towards the illusion. Trust the sharpy line and never putt without one and you won't need magic tricks like this to make short putts ASSUMING you have a repeatable stroke that directs the ball where the sharpy line is aimed. If you don't have that then nothing will work for you other than pure luck

[@dillonesty187]

hey Mr Ricky Shields. Im sort of a one of a kind golfer. I have a technique i have never seen anyone do and works great for me, i was wondering if you would be willing to try it out. Thanks so much, My Regards, Dillon E

[@PeSonn]

I like to see a putting video! Would love to see more of them! Keep going, well done!

[@dsolecki2037]

what putter is he using

[@viewfromabove7015]

Is that Augusta?

[@andychandler3992]

This works pretty well on longer putts. The only issue is when the putts have major huge breaks, no.

[@chrt222]

Does anyone find it odd Jordan putts with his left hand below the right? feels weird like the right hand does all the work and not balanced for me, i like the forward press trigger idea though

[@focuslyy]

Well... Hes left handed so its probably more neutral and it levels the shoulders square not tilted

[@michaelowens6533]

I play with someone who has been using this technique since before JS was even thought of. Spieth didn't invent it, contrary to what many think. I've tried it but don't feel comfortable.

[@chairmanmeow3693]

I never look at the ball when I'm putting. I've tried being normal and looking at the ball, but it just doesn't work for me.

[@nathando1719]

the m62 in the background though hahaha

[@jackokeeffe6661]

comparing putting to throwing a ball is ridiculous. you dont look at the ball while throwing because you are already holding it. Your other senses are used to determine where it is. When putting you literally can only use your vision. Any sport where contact is to be made will need you to keep your eyes on it (football, snooker, cricket, rugby catching or kicking, tennis)

[@Sage.1337]

He means you wont throw straight if you don't look at it.

[@bagdiil]

Ehm, did you never learn to not look at the ball while dribbling in soccer? Your argument is invalid for that sport, mate. Same in basketball while dribbling, do not look at the ball.

[@DocDLH]

You look at the target when throwing a football and shooting, dribbling, and sometimes passing a basketball. This is also true in bowling where you spot your target. It would be hilarious to see how well one could pass a football, shoot a basket, or bowl if you only looked at the ball!! In Tennis, you look at the ball but due to the angle of sight, you see your target (for most shots) out of your peripheral vision. In putting, especially longer putts, you have to have some closer secondary target and for long putts, it is helpful to be able to get a gauge on your pace or how hard to strike the ball.

[@AtEboli]

I agree Jack- archery or bowling are not good analogies to hitting a putt. A better one would be kicking a field goal, or punting (in American football)- I guarantee those kickers will look at the ball, and not the target.

[@izzapoppin]

Not a great analogy, Gatsby. In both you moving, whereas is putting you should not be! A better analogy is the aforementioned snooker, where you are in a stationary position hitting a stationary object. And as far as I know, most instructors advise focusing on the ball you are trying to pocket last, not the ball you are striking. Hmm...

[@ThePjmeaney]

Scotty in the bag now?

[@TIMSANDYSURF]

Surely the thing you're holding is the club and the clubs target is the ball ? Just a thought !!

[@susyambarsari6329]

Les talk... More on the technique video please.

[@troystevens459]

Heads-up putting is the only way to go. 3 years ago I went exclusively to it and actually find longer putts much easier than the shorter ones. Now I can't conceive of keeping my head down while putting. Seems quite nonsensical. In every other sport one looks directly at the target, not the ball. Just trust that your brain knows how hard to hit the ball the same way it knows how hard to throw something to reach the target. My practice consists mainly of working on striking ball solidly. The rest is actually quite simple.

[@corbyross3432]

Spieth has put on a few lbs

[@huddleurmuddle]

U missed a 4ft putt on a level surface. Future masters champion?

[@hughjass3434]

2:25 - repeat repeat repeat

[@jamiewahl7352]

3-4 footers are gimmes

[@alokapfo567]

You need to work on your throwing mechanics Rick :)

[@oliverqueen3434]

This is glorious, I've been looking for "golf instruction books" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Graysonyon Putter Prolific - (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some great things about it and my co-worker got excellent results with it.

[@MannyCamRS]

Give a guy a camera and somehow they become experts on Jordan Spieths putting techniques.

[@huddleurmuddle]

this boy hasn't a clue. poor advice

[@SearchBucket2]

Immediate abort and dislike. Your title was very misleading. Instead of Jordan Speith we get someone who seems to think he merits the Roger Federer treatment? No one knows how Speith putts.. Whilst his connections and mechanics may be look visible the neurology that moves his putter is not on show. For instance, he might putt with his right hand even though it's above his left? Any attempt to second guess it is pure bs.