When playing an approach shot to the green, you are advised to leave yourself below the cup. This is because hitting an uphill putt is easier to control than a downhill putt.
The main reason an uphill putt is considered easier than a downhill putt is because it will break less. Downhill putts role for longer than uphill putts and this gives more time for the break to change the course of the ball.
You also have to be more precise on downhill putts to get the correct break. However, walking towards the green to see your ball below the hole does not mean it is time to celebrate just yet, you still need to make the putt.
When putting uphill, you should begin assessing your putt before you step onto the green. Look at the overall picture as you approach the green. Are there any dips or slopes on the green which could cause you trouble on your putt?
As you have an uphill putt, the break will have less of an impact on the shot because of the pace you will hit the ball but the further you are away from the hole, the more you must take the break into consideration.
Step a few feet behind your ball and look toward the hole. Is the green level or are there any breaks you need to consider?
When you are happy, play the putt with a firm swing. The ball will never reach the hole if you do not give the putt enough and as there is likely to be little break to worry about, you can afford to hit the putt with purpose.
You will be very frustrated if you leave an uphill putt short and while this can happen for long distance putts, anything inside five feet should never be left short of the hole. Always use the practice greens before a round to get a feel for the pace of the putting surface and make a few uphill putts so you can feel confident of making a good strike during the round.
When playing an uphill putt from distance, obviously you will need to send the ball further along the green but that does not necessarily mean hitting the ball harder or gripping the putter harder.
To get the ball to travel further on an uphill putt, try making a longer stroke. If you lengthen the swing but hit the putt with the same force you would if you were playing a 10 foot putt on a flat green, you will hit the ball further along the green.
By doing this, you will keep the same amount of control over the putt but find the extra distance required to reach the hole.
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