Why Do Most of My Putts Go to the Right? -15 Issues Explained

Navigating the intricacies of putting can be a source of both fascination and frustration for golfers. Among the many challenges that arise on the greens, a common perplexity is the tendency for putts to consistently veer to the right.

This phenomenon can be perplexing, affecting one’s overall game and eroding confidence stroke by stroke. Understanding the multifaceted reasons behind this trend is the first step toward rectifying it.

From technical nuances such as alignment and stroke mechanics to the mental aspect of confidence and focus, an array of factors converge to influence the direction of your putts.

Delving into these factors offers insights that can ultimately transform errant putts into strokes of precision and confidence.

Why Do Most of My Putts Go to the Right? -15 Issues Explained

There are many reasons why most of your putts might be going to the right on the golf course. Putting is a delicate skill that requires a combination of technique, mental focus, and environmental awareness.

Here are some potential factors that could be causing your putts to consistently veer to the right:

1. Alignment Issues

Incorrect alignment is one of the most common reasons for missed putts. If your body, putter face, and target line are not properly aligned, your putts can easily stray off course to the right.

Take the time to visualize an imaginary line from the ball to the hole, and then position your putter face, feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to that line. Use alignment aids like alignment sticks or markings on the ball to reinforce correct alignment.

2. Grip Pressure

Holding the putter too tightly or too loosely can affect the clubface angle at impact. Gripping too tightly can lead to the face closing through impact, resulting in putts that move to the right. Imagine holding a baby bird – not too tight to harm it, but not too loose that it escapes.

3. Open Putter Face

If your putter face is open (pointing to the right of the target) at impact, the ball will tend to start its journey to the right. Maintaining a square face through impact is critical for accuracy.

4. Stroke Path

An improper stroke path, such as an outside-in or inside-out stroke, can cause the ball to move in the direction of the path. An outside-in path can lead to putts going right.

Place two alignment sticks or clubs parallel to your target line, creating a narrow gate for your putter to pass through. This will help you develop a straight-back-and-straight-through stroke.

5. Hitting Across the Ball

Hitting across the ball rather than making a clean, square impact can impart sidespin, causing the ball to curve to the right.

Work on your ball-striking skills with drills that emphasize hitting the center of the putter face. Place impact tape on your putter face or use a chalk line to see where you’re making contact. Consistent center strikes reduce the potential for side spin.

6. Misread Greens

Misjudging the slope and break of the green can lead to inaccurate aim. A misread can cause you to aim too far to the right, resulting in a putt that breaks more than you expected.

Study the green from various angles and walk around your putt to get a complete view of the slope. Feel the contours with your feet and practice reading putts from different distances. Trust your read and commit to the chosen line.

7. Speed Control

Inconsistent speed control can influence the line of your putts. If you hit the ball too hard, it might not break as much, leading to a putt that goes straighter than intended.

Develop your sense of touch by practicing different length putts with a focus on consistent pace. Feel the weight of the putter head and how it interacts with the ball. This will help you control speed and prevent putts from missing to the right due to excessive speed.

8. Nerves and Tension

Nervousness and tension in your body can affect your putting stroke, causing it to be less fluid and leading to putts that miss to the right.

Incorporate relaxation techniques into your routine. Take deep breaths before addressing the ball and consciously release any tension in your arms and shoulders. Visualization of a successful putt can also calm nerves.

9. Lack of Practice

utting is a skill that requires constant practice to maintain consistency. If you haven’t been practicing your putting regularly, your technique might suffer, leading to missed putts.

Dedicate specific practice sessions to putting. Incorporate drills that focus on alignment, stroke mechanics, and distance control. Make practice purposeful and varied to simulate real on-course situations.

10. Uneven Putting Surface

If the green is not level, the ball can be influenced by the slope, causing it to break more than expected and veer to the right.

Analyze the green’s overall topography and observe any subtleties in slope. Consider how grain and moisture might affect the roll of the ball. Adjust your aim and stroke accordingly.

11. Wind and Weather Conditions

Strong winds or adverse weather conditions can affect the ball’s flight and direction, causing it to move off course.

Take note of wind direction and speed. If the wind is affecting your putts, aim for a point where the wind’s effect counteracts the slope. For example, a left-to-right wind on a right-to-left breaking putt might neutralize the break.

12. Equipment Fit

Using a putter that doesn’t suit your stroke or preferences can result in inconsistent ball contact and direction. Consider putter length, head design, and grip size to ensure a comfortable and consistent setup.

13. Visual Perception

Sometimes, a visual illusion can make the target appear off-center, causing you to aim to the right unintentionally.

If visual perception is a challenge, practice aligning your putter face and body from different angles until the target looks correctly aligned. Trust your adjustments and make a confident stroke.

14. Improper Pre-shot Routine

Skipping important steps in your pre-shot routine, such as visualizing the line and practicing your stroke, can lead to misalignment and missed putts.

Create a deliberate pre-shot routine that includes a consistent sequence of actions. This routine will help you focus on your process, eliminate unnecessary distractions, and build confidence in your setup.

15. Lack of Confidence

Doubt and lack of confidence can lead to tense strokes and off-target putts. Develop a positive mindset by focusing on your strengths and previous successful putts.

Keep a mental log of your achievements to remind yourself of your capabilities during moments of doubt.

How to Stop Missing Putts to the Right?

Stopping the trend of missing putts to the right requires a combination of technical adjustments, mental strategies, and consistent practice. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you address this issue:

Alignment Check

• Ensure your body, putter face, feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned parallel to your target line.
• Use alignment aids, such as alignment sticks or markings on the ball, to reinforce proper alignment.

Grip Pressure

• Maintain a relaxed grip to promote a smooth, tension-free stroke.
• Imagine holding a delicate object, like a baby bird, to find the right grip pressure.

Putter Face Control

• Keep your wrists stable throughout the stroke to prevent the putter face from opening.
• Focus on maintaining a square putter face at impact.

Stroke Path

• Practice with gate drills using alignment sticks to develop a straight-back-and-straight-through stroke.
• Keep the putter path in line with your intended target line.

Center Strikes

• Concentrate on hitting the center of the putter face consistently.
• Utilize impact tape or markers on the ball to monitor your contact point.

Green Reading

• Analyze the slope and break of the green from multiple angles.
• Trust your read and commit to your chosen line.

Speed Control

• Develop a sense of touch by practicing putts of varying distances.
• Focus on consistently matching the speed with the line you’ve chosen.

Pre-shot Routine

• Create a consistent and deliberate pre-shot routine that prepares you mentally and physically for each putt.
• Include visualization and practice strokes to reinforce your plan.

Confidence Building

• Recall successful putts from your past rounds and keep a mental log of these achievements.
• Remind yourself of your abilities and focus on your strengths.

Relaxation Techniques

• Practice deep breathing and relaxation exercises to calm nerves and tension before putting.
• Keep your body loose and maintain a relaxed posture.

Customized Equipment

• Consult with a professional to ensure your putter is properly fitted to your stroke and preferences.
• Experiment with different putters if necessary to find the best match.

Consistent Practice

• Dedicate regular practice sessions to putting drills that focus on alignment, stroke mechanics, and distance control.
• Simulate on-course scenarios to enhance your ability to read greens effectively.

Mental Focus

• Stay present and focused on the process rather than the outcome.
• Visualize successful putts and trust your abilities.

Adapt to Conditions

• Consider wind and weather conditions that may affect your putts.
• Adjust your aim and speed to accommodate any environmental factors.

Patience and Persistence

• Understand that improvement takes time and effort.
• Stay committed to refining your technique and mental approach over time.

Which Hand Is More Dominant in Putting for Most Golfers?

For most golfers, the dominant hand in putting is typically the opposite of their dominant hand for other tasks. In other words, if you’re right-handed, your left hand would be more dominant in putting, and if you’re left-handed, your right hand would be more dominant.

The reason for this is that putting requires a delicate touch and precise control of the putter head. The non-dominant hand is often better suited for providing this finesse and control, as it can guide the putter with more subtlety and feel. 

The dominant hand, on the other hand, might have a tendency to be more forceful or less sensitive in its movements.

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To Recap

In the quest to conquer the enigma of putts curving right, knowledge truly becomes a golfer’s greatest ally. The amalgamation of mechanics, mental fortitude, and environment underscore the complexity of this challenge.

Embracing these insights empowers you to cultivate a more consistent and accurate putting game. As you refine your alignment, stroke path, and grip pressure, you pave the way for a smoother journey toward the cup. Equally crucial is fostering a resilient mindset, drawing confidence from past successes and erasing doubt.

With diligent practice, astute green reading, and a tenacious commitment to improvement, you embark on a transformative journey toward mastering the art of putting, and veering to the right becomes a distant memory.