Putting around the house. Any suggestions?

What I wish I had in my back yard.

Although I don't get to go out and golf as much as I want and don't shoot as low as I would like I do try to practice when I can. I see my golf game using three swings. One for driving, one for irons and one "swing" for putting. Putting is the one thing I can practice in any weather. 

I think putting is maybe the most important, yet overlooked stroke. I don't know where I heard it first but someone said, "You drive for show, and put for dough." I must admit they it isn't always the 4 or 5 strokes it may take me to get on the green sometimes on a 5 par hole, but it is the 3 or 4 puts when I get there that kills me! Usually it is a distance issue. You know, trying to get that first put close to the hole. 

I have found that taking a few balls and hitting them around the house can help me get a basic feel for distance. I like to go back and forth from  one side to the other and then take shorter lengths to get the feel for different distances. Then I least have a bit of confidence in my stroke. Always important.

What I would really like is to hear your practice tips that are doable and helpful. Please leave them in the comment section.

Thanks!

Club Review: Diamond Tour Golf's Ping G20 Clone Z Force Z-18 3 Wood

I like the Z on the top for alignment when addressing the ball.

The Z Force Z-18 Fairway I reviewed was a 3 Wood with a 15 degree loft. I evaluated it's look, fee, actual play-ability and value. Since I am not a scratch golfer I am of course looking for a club that can help my game. The Z Force came through with flying colors. Not only am I a scratch golfer, I am a golfer on a budget. The Z Force Z-18 is a clone of the Ping20 Fairway club. This is more than a cheap clone, it's a great club in it's own right. 

The white markings help you position your hands.

First, the look. From the grip to the club head it is a beautiful club. I chose the DTG Mid Size Pro grip because it feels right in my hand, like the Ping White grip and it has finger placement guides. They prove helpful to me when I am getting a grip and addressing the ball. The head has a Z on the top directly above the optimal hit zone on the face of the club and that helps when you address the ball also.

The club feels light but solid. After using an old Callaway Steel Hawkeye 3 wood I had to get used to the size and weight of the Z Force Z-18. But, once I got used to it, good things happened. The only thing I had to focus on was my rhythm and pace. The feel is good, even off the tee. I used it on the first tee and it could not have gone any better, right where I aimed it. 

The clubs actual playability is also very good. I used it off the tee and got great distance and off the fairway and it lifted the ball right off the grass. For me, I just had to relax a bit because the graphite shaft is much lighter than the steel I was used to. But, even the miss hits were at least in play. I did whiff one, but that was all me. I tried to fade and draw it (as much as a not scratch golfer can) and it responded fairly well. What I mean by that is that when I tried to fade it it did not turn into a nasty slice. 

As for value, at under $35.00 including shipping, it is nearly impossible to beat. Frankly, I think Diamond Tour Golf puts out great clubs but the only way to get some people to try them is to call them clones. 

Overall, I would give the Z Force Z-18, Ping G20 Clone, a 5 star rating for excellent looks, awesome feel, real actual playability and value. 

You can check them them out at the following link: 

http://www.diamondtour.com/golf-clubs/fairway-woods/z-force-z-18-fairway-wood.html