Downhill putts can be nerve racking. They don’t have to be. Let’s talk about a couple of simple thoughts and actions that make them easier to deal with.
Downhill putts with lots of slope can frequently end up rolling 6 feet by the hole.
There are several hole locations where I play that if you miss with pace the ball could end up off the green.
Here are a couple options.
Two different theories
“Hit the sweet spot on all putts” is one theory.
The idea on quick downhill putts is to loosen your grip on the putter. Then strike the ball with a much slower or easier pace.
For me, the downside to this theory is the ball jumping off the club face because you hit it on the sweet spot.
You certainly do not want to jab at the ball.
The key is being deliberate and controlling the pace of the putt.
Video – Ball in center of club face (Titleist Tips)
Video – Butch Harmon – Ball in center of club face (Golf Digest)
The second theory and the one I use is “hitting the putt slightly off the toe of the putter.”
In other words, reposition your putter so the ball is lined up slightly toward the toe.
The idea is that hitting the ball this way will deaden the impact slightly taking pace off the ball.
The downside to this theory is that the putter can flex at impact sending the ball offline.
Video – Ball toward the toe of the putter (Sedona Golf Arizona)
Video – Ball toward the toe of the putter (We Play Golf)
Summary
Whether you putt the ball at the sweet spot or further out toward the toe, it takes practice to be confident on slippery downhill putts.
Find a repeatable solution.
I have a tendency to launch the ball a little on tentative putts.
For me, it’s easier to hit it a little more forward and deaden the strike.
Taking pace off the ball will make it break sooner. Play a little more break.
Practice with the focus being on just getting the ball to the hole or keeping it 3 or 4 feet by the hole at the most.