Here in Illinois, the golf season is just about coming to a close. I’d like to say I will get out again but as we are entering the 2nd week in November, the chances are few and far between. I hope I’m wrong. I always set a goal for the following year because whether it is wanting to drive the ball further, hit better approach shots from 100 yards in or sink more putts, it is good to have a written goal. Making more putts is why I had my heart set on getting an indoor putting green.
This past year the putting was getting better. I wish I could say the same for the approach shots from 100 yards in. I have to thank my wife for the putting improvement. For Christmas this past year she picked up a Putt-A-Bout Par Three Putting Green. At right about $50 when on sale, the product when put to good use has the potential to lower your golf scores.
Putt-A-Bout
I put the Putt-A-Bout either in my office or use it in the golf cave in the winter. Don’t tell my boss but while working the 9-5, a few times a day I get off my butt and putt. I think that might rhyme. Basically there is no setup with this indoor putting green. It is rolled up in the box, so you just take it out and unroll it. Mine had a few creases but they came out in no time at all. I just stepped on them a bit and in a day or so of laying flat, the mat had no creases. And before I get too far, I recommend you keep the box it comes in. It is nothing fancy but it allows you to roll it up and put it away at the end of the day or maybe when company is coming over.
Indoor Putting Green
The above picture is the Putt-A-Bout while it sits in my golf cave.
It is right about 9 feet long by 3 feet (at the widest point) wide. As can be seen by the picture above, there are three holes (practice cups) to putt towards and what you might call hazards at the back, to catch balls which may miss the cups. The padding on the end of mine is slightly thicker so if you putt ever so slightly hard past the cups and hazards, the ball may start to roll back to you. I think that is a very good feature.
You can use the Putt-A-Bout to help with tempo and develop a smooth consistent stroke. Above all else, use it. Get plenty of practice strokes in and maybe do a drill or two. What I found strange is my wife is not a golfer. That part in itself is strange but I have tried on many occasions to get her to the driving range, into my golf cave or to play a local course for fun. Nothing. But she is more than happy when I bring out my indoor putting mat to challenge me in a few putts.
Indoor Putting and the Phone Book Drill
One thing that I noticed about my putting stroke besides its inconsistency was the putter itself was not going back and through on a straight path. So I learned to do something called the phone book drill. I actually use two golf books and then only allow about an inch on each side to make a nice smooth and straight putting stroke. From time to time I will narrow the distance between the golf books. A key to remember is the forward follow through should be equal to or longer than the backswing.
The Putt-A-Bout is great for this. Sometimes I will line up a laser along with using the phone book drill and attempt to keep my putts on a straight line. You can see an example of this below. Some people choose to use a long ruler and keep the ball on the ruler for as long as possible. Make sure that in this drill, any other putting drills or on the golf course that your grip pressure does not change.
Right Hand Only and Left Hand Only Putts
Another drill which can be practiced with this indoor putting mat is to do only right handed and only left handed putts. The nice thing about the Putt-A-Bout and its length is you can start off by doing simple three foot putts. For instance, grab 3 balls and putt right handed. From three feet away get a ball in each of the 3 holes. Now do the same thing putting left handed. If you are able to sink all putts both left handed and right handed, extend the length to four foot putts. Not sure why but I find this drill difficult in keeping a steady hand. As in the book drill above, try to keep the club path as straight as possible. Then move on to five foot putts.
Putt-A-Bout Pros and Cons
I will say the only negative I have about this indoor putting green is the holes are too shallow. So oftentimes I will hit a good putt and it will hit the hole and end up in the hazard behind it. But I really think you will come to understand what might be a very strong putt versus one that hits the hole and rolls out. I would much rather hit the cup, than to get in the frame of mind of just getting the ball to the hole and see if it might drop in the cup. Give the ball a chance to drop.
I really like the Putt-A-Bout. I haven’t looked at competing products because truth be told my wife bought this for me and from the get-go I’ve enjoyed using it. Maybe you’ve caught the latest putting tip from reading a book or watching the Golf Channel. Perhaps you remember something you heard earlier on in the day while listening to a golf show on Sirius XM. For that, the Putt-A-Bout allows you to get some putting practice in the morning, evening, while working and especially during the off-season. Highly recommended!
