Golf is hard, and putting? Well, putting can feel like a completely different sport. It’s the one part of the game where tiny adjustments can make a massive difference to your score. That’s why so many golfers, from weekend warriors to aspiring pros, are constantly searching for that little edge on the greens. Luckily, there are some excellent books out there that can help you shave strokes off your putting game. Let’s take a look at some of the best.
Here’s a quick overview of the top golf putting books we’ll be covering:
- Putting Out of Your Mind by Dr. Bob Rotella: Focuses on the mental side of putting.
- Dave Pelz’s Putting Bible by Dave Pelz: A comprehensive guide to the mechanics of putting.
- Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf by Ben Hogan: While not solely about putting, it includes valuable insights into Hogan’s approach.
- Every Shot Counts by Mark Broadie: Uses data-driven analysis to highlight the importance of putting.
- The Art of Putting by Stan Utley: Emphasizes feel and intuition in putting.
Top 5 Best Golf Putting Books
Putting Out of Your Mind by Dr. Bob Rotella
Putting Out of Your Mind is all about the mental game. Dr. Rotella gets into how your thoughts and attitude affect your putting performance. It’s less about technique and more about getting your head right. I remember reading this years ago and it really helped me calm down on the greens during tournaments.
Pros:
- ✅ Helps you develop a positive mental approach to putting.
- ✅ Teaches techniques to manage pressure and anxiety.
- ✅ Offers insights into building confidence on the greens.
Cons:
- ❌ Doesn’t cover technical aspects of putting in detail.
- ❌ Some might find the focus on psychology too abstract.
- ❌ Relies heavily on anecdotal evidence.
Verdict: Best for golfers who struggle with pressure and want to improve their mental game on the greens.
Dave Pelz’s Putting Bible by Dave Pelz
If you want to dive deep into the mechanics of putting, Dave Pelz’s Putting Bible is the book for you. Pelz breaks down every aspect of putting, from alignment to stroke mechanics to green reading. It’s packed with diagrams, drills, and scientific analysis. It’s a bit overwhelming at first, but worth it if you really want to improve.
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely comprehensive, covering every aspect of putting.
- ✅ Includes detailed drills and exercises to improve technique.
- ✅ Based on scientific research and data analysis.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be overwhelming due to the sheer amount of information.
- ❌ Some drills may require specialized equipment.
- ❌ The scientific approach might not appeal to all golfers.
Verdict: Ideal for golfers who want a detailed, scientific approach to improving their putting stroke and understanding the nuances of the green.
Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf by Ben Hogan
Okay, so this isn’t *just* a putting book. But Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons is a classic for a reason, and the principles Hogan teaches about grip, stance, and swing apply to putting as well. It’s a fundamental guide that can help you build a solid foundation for your entire golf game, including your putting stroke. I still go back to this book for the basics.
Pros:
- ✅ Provides a clear and concise explanation of the fundamentals of golf.
- ✅ Offers insights into Hogan’s legendary swing and approach.
- ✅ Helps build a solid foundation for all aspects of the game, including putting.
Cons:
- ❌ Doesn’t focus specifically on putting.
- ❌ The illustrations are dated.
- ❌ Some of Hogan’s techniques might not work for every golfer.
Verdict: A must-read for any golfer looking to understand the fundamentals of the game, with valuable insights that can be applied to putting.
Every Shot Counts by Mark Broadie
Every Shot Counts takes a data-driven approach to golf strategy, and it really highlights the importance of putting. Broadie analyzes millions of golf shots to show where golfers actually lose strokes. The insights show you just how crucial putting is to lowering your scores. It changed the way I thought about practicing, for sure.
Pros:
- ✅ Provides data-driven insights into golf strategy.
- ✅ Highlights the importance of putting in lowering scores.
- ✅ Helps golfers identify areas for improvement based on statistical analysis.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit dry and technical for some readers.
- ❌ Doesn’t offer specific putting drills or techniques.
- ❌ Relies heavily on statistical analysis, which might not appeal to all golfers.
Verdict: Best for golfers who are interested in a data-driven approach to improving their game and understanding the importance of putting.
The Art of Putting by Stan Utley
Stan Utley’s The Art of Putting emphasizes feel and intuition over strict mechanics. Utley believes that putting is more of an art than a science, and he encourages golfers to develop their own unique style. It’s a refreshing approach in a world often dominated by technical instruction. I like that it reminds you to trust your instincts.
Pros:
- ✅ Emphasizes feel and intuition in putting.
- ✅ Encourages golfers to develop their own unique style.
- ✅ Offers a refreshing alternative to traditional, mechanical approaches.
Cons:
- ❌ Doesn’t provide detailed instruction on specific putting techniques.
- ❌ Some might find the lack of structure frustrating.
- ❌ Relies heavily on anecdotal evidence and personal experience.
Verdict: Ideal for golfers who prefer a more intuitive and feel-based approach to putting, and who want to develop their own unique style.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right putting book depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here are a few things to consider:
- Your current skill level: Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced golfer? Some books are better suited for certain skill levels.
- Your learning style: Do you prefer a technical, scientific approach, or a more intuitive, feel-based approach?
- Your areas for improvement: Are you struggling with the mental game, your stroke mechanics, or green reading?
- The book’s focus: Does the book focus on technique, strategy, or the mental game?
- Reviews and recommendations: Read reviews from other golfers to get a sense of the book’s strengths and weaknesses.
Don’t be afraid to try out a few different books to see what works best for you. And remember, reading a book is just the first step. You need to put the principles into practice on the putting green to see real results.
FAQs
Q: What’s the best putting book for beginners?
A: Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons is a great starting point because it covers the fundamentals. Also, Dave Pelz’s Putting Bible, while detailed, breaks things down in a way that’s easy to follow for beginners.
Q: How important is the mental game in putting?
A: Extremely important! Many pros say that putting is 90% mental. Books like Putting Out of Your Mind can help you develop a stronger mental approach.
Q: Can a book really improve my putting?
A: Yes, absolutely. A good book can provide you with valuable knowledge, techniques, and strategies to improve your putting stroke, green reading skills, and mental game. However, you need to practice and apply what you learn.
Q: Should I focus on mechanics or feel when putting?
A: It’s a balance. Understanding the fundamentals of putting mechanics is important, but you also need to develop your feel and intuition. Experiment to find what works best for you.
Conclusion
Improving your putting can dramatically lower your golf scores, and these books are a great resource to help you on your journey. Whether you need to work on your mental game, fine-tune your stroke, or understand the data behind effective putting, there’s a book on this list that can help. So pick one, start reading, and get ready to sink more putts!
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