How to Putt
with Justin Haines
+1 handicap, Justin Haines, shares his insight and keys on How to Putt. Check out his pre-shot routine and learn more about Justin below!
Video
Question and Answer
Tell us your name and who you are!
Justin Haines - 2nd year coach with the First Tee of Greater Seattle and an AVID golfer.
Career low round and course?
I’ve shot 68 a handful of times, most recently at Twin Lakes G&CC in Federal Way last fall.
Do you remember your fewest putts in a round? Elaborate just a little, please.
Not sure if it was my best ever, but it sure felt like it - I had 25 putts in the first round Washington State Mid-Amateur last summer at Mill Creek CC. Made about everything inside 10 feet and a 40 foot bender on 18 for birdie to close it out.
What are a couple big keys that come to mind about your putting?
Pre-Shot Routine & Mindset. Having a consistent/repetitive pre-shot routine helps me to remain calm throughout the process. Mindset before each putt, whether it’s 3 feet or 30 feet is I’m going to make it - and no matter what happens, what’s most important is the next shot.
When you get behind the ball to read it and pick a line, what are you looking at and what do you see?
I like to imagine a fake black line is burned into the ground starting at the hole that works backwards towards my ball. Depending on severity of the slope, I pick the highest point of that line I imagined and aim there.
How do you prepare to hit the ball with the desired speed?
Part of my routine is to stand behind the ball and while looking at the hole/target, make three practice strokes to let my brain tell me how hard I want to hit it. Similar thought: if I were using my hand to toss it to the hole, how hard would I do it?
What are your keys to making sure the putter face is square to your target?
I draw a blue line on my golf ball and line it up perfectly as part of my routine. I match the line on my putter to the blue line on my golf ball, and it’s set.
What are the last thoughts before you fire?
Nothing. I try to empty my mind of thoughts and let my preparation/routine take over. I’ve set my line, let my brain determine how hard to hit it, and all that’s left is one look at the hole and go.
Any additional closing thoughts on putting more balls in the hole?
Practice. Hitting range balls is great fun, but always find 15-20 minutes to practice your putting, and refine your pre-shot routine. Make it uncomfortable by doing drills that add pressure like making 3 in a row - it will help you translate onto the course as well.