Matteo Manassero has had quite the career so far, winning four titles in as many years and becoming the youngest ever DP World Tour champion at just 17 years old.
His last DP World Tour victory was more than ten years ago now, causing him to fall down the Official World Golf Rankings, but he certainly appears to be back to his best after an 11-under-par round of 61 in South Africa.
Following an an impressive bogey-free scorecard, littered with seven birdies and two eagles, we decided to share seven of Manassero’s top putting tips to help you wield the flat stick like a champion…
1.Positive approach and varied practice
It’s essential for amateurs to adopt a positive attitude. It’s easy to get frustrated because you naturally feel you should be able to put the ball in a hole that really isn’t that far way. But we all know it’s more complex than that.
If you go to the driving range and hit a succession of really good shots you
feel happy. But if you make ten putts in a row from ten feet, you don’t get the same satisfaction you do when you hit a driver 280 yards.
I don’t think people approach putting in the right way. You shouldn’t stand alone on a putting green doing endless drills, because that can get boring, especially if you’re not putting well. You should try to enjoy it more, set challenges, have competitions with friends, maybe play for £10 or a drink.
2. Pre-shot routine
(Image credit: Getty Images)
I look at the putt from behind the ball, from one side and then from behind the hole. After that, I should know the line. If I have any doubts I’ll probably look again, but I try to have as little doubt as possible when I stand up to hit the putt.
Feet are very important for feeling the shape of the green and understanding the surface you’re putting on. If I look from all sides but have a different impression when I stand over the putt, I go with that feeling. My feet make the final decision. It’s really hard to start a putt when you feel you’re aiming in the wrong place, even if your eyes tell you it’s right.
3. My technique
The putting technique doesn’t have to be complicated. first thing I do is make sure my eyes are over the top of the ball, and then I take up a comfortable, athletic position, but not rigid. When you stand over the ball you should grip the putter, rest it on the ground and go.
Prepare well, concentrate, feel the pace with a few practice strokes and commit to your line, but when you’ve done all that, don’t mess…
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