When it comes to putting, speed is king. Always has been and always will be. If you hit a putt too hard or leave it short, it won't go in even if it is on line.
Many times, especially if I don't get a few good putts in on the practice green before teeing off, I will find myself out on the course leaving everything short, or hitting them all way by the hole.
I have found that the best way to adjust and compensate for these days is to work with my grip pressure.
When I am leaving everything short, gripping the club a little tighter and making the same stroke usually does the trick.
When I am ripping my putts the by the hole by four or five feet, I just loosen up my grip a little and again make the same stroke.
This works for me most of the time when my touch is a little off. But sometimes it doesn't. When that happens, what are you supposed to do?
I would suggest adjusting the height you stand over the ball. This has the effect of creating slightly more or less bending in your arms.
If you are hitting the ball too far, get a little lower to the ball and make the stroke. If you are not getting it to the hole, stand a little taller and stroke with slightly straighter arms.
If all goes well, you will find your feel and start making some putts before the back nine starts, even on the days when nature leaves you guessing.
