If you want to shoot lower scores this season, top teacher Michael Breed says that you have to hone your tempo.
“Tempo is one of the most important parts of any motions in the game,” Breed says. And putting is no exception.
Breed’s favourite tool for developing a more consistent stroke? A coin.
“It’s the best hack on the golf course that will fix your putting, and get your confidence back,” Breed says.
How the coin drill works
Use his coin drill to check if your tempo is consistent and as a hack to smooth out your stroke and develop a consistent tempo on the greens.
Balance a coin on the back of your putter, like Breed is here, and make a normal stroke. Your goal is to keep the coin on the back of your putter as you take the club back and through.
If the coin falls off, this indicates that your tempo is inconsistent during the transition from your backstroke to your through-stroke.
If you’re quick in your transition as you start forward, the coin will be left behind, Breed says.
“We want gradual acceleration in this stroke,” Breed says.
A great way to practice the gradual acceleration that Breed mentions is to make some practice strokes with the coin on the back of your putter. As you bring the putter back and through, focus on keeping the coin on the back. You should start to find a rhythm.
Feel the rhythm of that stroke while you practise putting, Breed says.
After a few practice strokes, take the coin away and hit a few 10-15 footers maintaining that smooth tempo. You should start to gain confidence as you regain your tempo. And as your tempo improves, so will your ability to make putts.
