A Jack Nicklaus golf tip:
Over the years, I’ve rarely “spot putted,” a technique where you pick a specific spot on the green as an aiming point. I prefer instead to visualize the overall line in my mind’s eye. This method has proved best for me in judging the speed necessary to get the ball to the hole. On occasion, however, spot putting has helped me with short putts, as it might help you.
There are two spot-putting techniques that I’ve tried. The first involves picking a mark on the green a few inches ahead of the ball on the line you intend to start the putt on. The second method is to pick a spot a few inches short of the hole to roll the ball over. Try both techniques and consider using whichever one works best for you.
Committed spot putters claim that aiming at a spot much smaller than the 4¼-inch hole helps them roll the ball with greater accuracy. Other proponents say it helps them become less fixated on the hole, allowing them to make a freer, more relaxed stroke. Either way, it’s worth a try.