Two keys to better putting and lowering your 18 holes score are a positive mental attitude toward putting and a repeatable routine on the green. Most troubles on the putting green are related to being nervous and not being sure about the putt you need to save a par or make the first birdie of the round. A positive mental approach and a repeatable routine on the green are more important than a routine on the tee or in the fairway. The foundation of a sound putting routine is reading the green, determining the line, and determining the speed. You might consider practicing your putting stroke at home on a home putting mat.

Reading the green should begin as you approach the green. When you first walk on the green check the direction the grass lies - the grain. The second thing to look at is the slopes between your ball and the cup. Determine whether you are putting uphill, downhill, or across the slope? Next you want to look at the length of the grass. All of these factors will have an effect on the direction you start the putt and the speed needed to get the ball into the hole.