Simple Tricks to Hole More Putts: Tips from Gabby Golf Girl and PGA TOUR Superstore
Putting can make or break your round, yet it’s often the most overlooked part of the game. In this PGA TOUR Superstore Road Show Clinic, Gabby Golf Girl and Summer Fenstermaker, LPGA Class A Professional fitter, walk through three different putter styles, discuss key setup and green reading techniques, and share expert insights to help you find more consistency and confidence on the greens.
Whether you’re new to the game or looking to refine your short game, this guide covers practical, easy-to-apply tips to help you hole more putts and enjoy doing it.
Start by Testing Different Putter Styles
Choosing the right putter begins with understanding how different styles perform, and how they feel in your hands. Gabby and Summer tested three common putter styles during the clinic:
- Blade-style: TaylorMade TP Black Del Monte #7 Putter, clean, compact, often preferred by players with an arc stroke.
- Mallet-style: TaylorMade Spider Putter, higher MOI and more forgiving, ideal for straight-back, straight-through strokes.
- High-MOI mallet: TaylorMade KALEA Gold Spider S, lightweight, easy to swing, and visually confidence-inspiring.
While the fitting process originally matched Gabby to the Spider, she gravitated back toward the TP Black Del Monte #7, where she felt more confident. It’s a strong reminder that confidence and visual comfort matter as much as technical specs.
Try this: Head to your local PGA TOUR Superstore and test a variety of head shapes. Focus on how confident you feel standing over short putts. What feels most natural in your hands and lines up best behind the ball?
Use Your Dominant Eye to Improve Aim
One of the most actionable insights in the clinic was understanding eye dominance and how it impacts alignment. Summer guides Gabby through a quick test to determine her dominant eye, an easy drill any golfer can try at home.
Why it matters:
- Your dominant eye affects how you perceive the line of your putt.
- Aligning your body and setup to match your dominant eye can improve consistency and confidence.
How to test your dominant eye:
- Point at a distant object, like a flag or clock.
- Close one eye, then the other.
- The eye where the object appears to move less is your dominant eye.
Once you know your dominant eye:
- Use the same-side hand to place the ball during setup.
- Position your head so that your dominant eye is over the target line.
“If you're right-eye dominant, placing the ball with your right hand naturally aligns your body better behind the ball. That subtle change can make a big difference.”
- Summer Fenstermaker, LPGA Class A Professional
Don’t Overlook Putter Length and Fit
Many golfers overlook one of the most basic specs in their equipment: putter length. A putter that’s too long can force poor posture and make the stroke feel unnatural.
In the clinic, Summer demonstrates how proper fit leads to better body alignment and a more comfortable setup.
Here’s what proper fit should look like:
- Arms hang comfortably with minimal tension.
- A slight bend from the hips keeps your eyes over the ball.
- The shaft should align with your forearms.
Use Visual Cues to Read Greens with Confidence
Reading greens can feel intimidating, but Gabby’s favorite trick is the water visualization.
Try this:
- Imagine dumping a cup of water where your ball is.
- Ask yourself where it would roll.
- Consider nearby slopes, bunkers, or water hazards. They often reflect the green's break direction.
You can also glance at nearby greens or hole placements to understand the terrain around you.
Feel vs. Forgiveness: What Really Matters?
Although mallet putters offer more forgiveness and may technically match a player’s stroke, Gabby and Summer show that feel and visual preference often carry more weight. Gabby ends up surprised by how well she putts with the KALEA Gold Spider S, even though she typically avoids mallets.
The takeaway? Try a variety of putters and don’t be afraid to challenge your preferences. Even a club outside your usual comfort zone may unlock a better stroke.
Visit PGA TOUR Superstore to Get Fit and Putt Better
No matter your skill level, putting improvements start with the right tools and the right fit. At PGA TOUR Superstore, we carry a wide selection of putters, including blade, mallet, and high-MOI models from brands like TaylorMade.