The average golfer has at least 40 putts per round of golf, an average of 2.2 per hole, with those in the professional ranks averaging 1.8 putts per hole.

So how can you get closer to that professional average? Well, below is a few technique tips that may help you get there one day:

1. Don't strangle the club - Having a lighter grip will help you relax the big muscles
2. Eyes should be positioned just inside the ball to target line - This allows you to look at the hole correctly whilst adressing your putt.
3. Let the big muscles do the work - Create the relaxed feeling of a pendulum swing using your shoulders. Quiet wrists = more holed putts.
4. Think start line for breaking putts - Pick a spot just in front of the ball to start your putt on, or on the back of the hole for putts inside 6 feet.
5. Think PACE as well as LINE - When you're reading a putt don't look for "the perfect line". Instead think of all varying lines and paces you could choose and select the one you're most comfortable with.
6. Use putting drills to target your weaknesses - No great secret this one, great practice is the key to improving at almost anything in golf. Find a fun and effective way to practice.

So next time you're heading out for a round, take a bit of extra time on the putting green rather than the standard 30 seconds before you run onto the first tee! You will soon start reaping the benefits.