Ryder Cup: The Need To Putt Under Pressure/

Both teams this year are fairly even in getting the ball from tee to green, so the winner will come down to the team that putts the best. Here’s some tips to help you putt better under pressure:

• Have a good routine engrained in your mind. You’ll be surprised how well it can carry you through those high-pressure situations.

• Tireless dedication to practice will train muscle memory to help your stroke hold up under pressure.

• To be a consistent putter under pressure, always remember to keep your head still.

• For most golfers, a wristy putting stroke has too many moving parts to hold up under pressure. Wrist movement reduces control of distance and direction during the stroke, often causing those 3-4 foot putts to be missed when under pressure. Try instead to develop a big muscle pendulum stroke, which will hold up much better under pressure.

• Select a putter that looks good to your eye. This will give you more confidence when facing the pressures of putting.

• Select a custom putter that fits you properly. This will help your muscles to be relaxed and without tension before the stroke.

• There are at least 3 different putter styles to choose from: traditional, mid-length (belly), and long. Select the putter style that gives you the most confidence, stability and helps you relax under pressure.