A downhill slider is among golf’s most difficult putts. With sliders, the ball starts straight downhill then curves or “slides” right or left. Mis-hitting a downhill slider is costly. It runs the ball six or seven feet past the hole, maybe more. Depending on where the hole is and the green’s slope, the putt may run right off the green. With a difficult putt coming back, you’re almost guaranteed to three-putt or even four putt.
Here are five keys to making a downhill slider:
- Determine your target line
- Find the break point
- Lighten up your grip
- Move the hole
- Go in slow motion
Start by determining your target line. Look at the putt from the front and back as well as the sides. Do this as quickly as you can so you don’t hold up other players. Your goal is to find the break point—the point where the ball starts to slide. Aim for that point.
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Imagine the hole closer to you—maybe two thirds of the way down the line. Try to find a spot where you think the slope and gravity will take control of the ball the rest of the way. That’s your new hole.
Address the ball as you normally do but lighten your grip. Many golfers dislike these types of putts, so they tighten their grips without even knowing it. Nothing cuts off your feel for a putt more than a tight grip. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the tightest, grip the putter at a 3.
Swing the putter in slow motion. This softens the hit considerably. It also gives you the extra feel you need to deal correctly with downhill sliders. Some golfers hit the ball off the toe or choke down on the club to soften the shot, but these approaches can change the putt’s feel, so you may want to stay away from them.
