There are few things as invigorating for a golfer as smashing a drive down the middle of the fairway 10 to 20 yards past your playing partners. But when it comes to consistently scoring at or below your handicap, one part of the game becomes very important. It is often referred to as the game inside the game: putting.

Here are some ideas to make sure you’re getting the most from the flat stick.

· Make sure your putter fits. Clubfitting has come a long way in the last few years but few people take the time to make sure their putter actually fits them. Today I use Sam Putt Lab to measure the finest details of the putting stroke to make educated decisions on putter fitting. Personal preference is important when it comes to the brand, and possibly the weight of the putter, but make sure the length and lie angle of your putter accomplishes the following things at address:

1. Putter is flat on the ground

2. Eyes are directly over or slightly inside the ball

3. Arms hang naturally from your shoulders

· Speed control is key. The size of your putting stroke will determine the speed of the putter and the distance of your putt. But much like judging how far your arm would go back to throw a ball, little thought needs to be involved. Use the practice green before a round to determine the speed of the greens, and then use that knowledge on the course. Let your body react to the speed, slope, and distance of the putt.