Welcome to our blog post, where we take you on a journey into the world of professional golf. Today, we delve into the fascinating story of Sam Burns, a rising star in the sport known for his exceptional skills on the putting green. Join us as we explore how Burns transformed his putting game and climbed the ranks to become a top 5 putter. Prepare to be inspired by the dedication, technique, and determination that propelled Burns to the pinnacle of his craft. Let’s dive in together, focusing on his journey to putting like a pro.

Putting Like a Pro: How Sam Burns Became a Top 5 Putter

Introduction

When it comes to golf, putting is often considered the most crucial aspect of the game. A single putt can make or break a round, and the ability to read greens and maintain consistency on the putting surface is a skill that separates the amateurs from the pros. One golfer who has demonstrated extraordinary prowess on the greens is Sam Burns. Ranked in the top 5 in both Strokes Gained Putting and One Putt Percentage, Burns has developed a putting technique that is both effective and replicable. In this article, we will delve into Sam Burns’ putting technique and provide tips to help us improve our own game.

The Importance of Speed Control in Putting

One of the key components of Sam Burns’ putting success is his ability to control speed. The pace at which the ball rolls on the greens can greatly influence its chance of finding the cup. In order to improve our speed control, it is essential to develop a consistent and repeatable stroke that produces a steady roll.

• A gentle pendulum-like motion of the putter encourages a smooth and controlled stroke.
• Try practicing with different lengths of backswing to gauge the corresponding speed of the putt.
• Burn’s tip: “Focus on rolling the ball to the hole, rather than hitting it.”

Keeping the Head Down for Consistency

Maintaining consistent posture and head position during impact is another aspect of Burns’ putting technique that warrants attention. By keeping the head down, we are able to focus on the ball and avoid unnecessary movements that could throw off our stroke.

• Fixing our gaze on the ball throughout the entire stroke helps us maintain consistency and accuracy.
• Avoid lifting the head prematurely after striking the ball to prevent misalignment.

The Shoulder Rock Technique for Simplicity and Consistency

One of the key characteristics of Sam Burns’ stroke is his use of a shoulder rock technique. By utilizing the larger muscles of the shoulders instead of the hands and wrists, Burns creates a simple and repeatable putting stroke that promotes consistency.

• Initiate the backswing by rocking the shoulders slightly back and through.
• Keep the wrists firm yet relaxed to maintain a stable stroke.
• Emphasize the importance of letting the shoulders do the work, rather than relying on excessive hand or wrist manipulation.

Maintaining a One-to-One Tempo for Rhythm and Accuracy

In order to develop a rhythmic putting stroke, Sam Burns emphasizes the importance of maintaining a one-to-one tempo. This means the backswing takes the same amount of time as the forward stroke, allowing for a smooth and consistent rhythm.

• Practice with a metronome to internalize the desired tempo and rhythm.
• Focus on synchronizing the backswing and forward stroke for maximum results.
• A consistent tempo promotes better rhythm, which in turn improves accuracy.

Analyzing and Tracking Improvement through Video Recording

Recording ourselves while practicing putting serves as a valuable tool for improvement. By analyzing our technique on video, we can identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

• Set up a camera or smartphone to capture our putting stroke from different angles.
• Review the footage to identify any mechanics that need adjustment.
• Use video recording as a tool to track progress over time.

Conclusion

Sam Burns’ exceptional putting skills have propelled him to the top ranks in Strokes Gained Putting and One Putt Percentage. By focusing on speed control, head positioning, shoulder rock technique, and maintaining a consistent tempo, we can take valuable lessons from Burns and improve our own putting game. Remember, practice makes perfect, so grab your putter and head to the green to start honing those putting skills today!

FAQs

1. What is Strokes Gained Putting?
   Strokes Gained Putting is a statistical measure that compares a player’s performance on the greens to the performance of other golfers. It takes into account factors such as the number of putts taken and the distance from the hole.

2. How does speed control affect putting?
   Speed control is vital in putting as it determines the distance the ball will travel and ultimately, the chance of sinking the putt. Developing a consistent and repeatable stroke helps improve speed control.

3. How can recording ourselves while putting help improve our game?
   By capturing our putting stroke on video, we can analyze our technique and identify any flaws or areas for improvement. This visual feedback allows us to refine our mechanics and track our progress over time.

4. Why is head position important in putting?
   Maintaining a steady head position throughout the stroke helps promote consistency and accuracy. By keeping our eyes focused on the ball and avoiding unnecessary movement, we can improve our putting performance.

5. What is the shoulder rock technique in putting?
   The shoulder rock technique involves using the shoulders as the primary source of power and movement in the putting stroke. By relying on the larger muscles in the shoulders rather than the hands and wrists, this technique promotes simplicity and consistency in the stroke.