Par is always based on the two putts on each green and then reaching it in what is called "regulation". This is just the prescribed number of shots that a golfer has to reach the green. Regulation can mean either one shot, two shots or three shots depending on the length of the hole but putting always means just two shots on every hole.

Putting eventually requires 36 total shots or half your game. It's as simple as that. Master the putter and you've got half the game!

Nobody knows this simple calculation better than the touring professionals. Professional golfers only hit regulation to the green in about 12 out of 18 holes. If they are only hitting regulation in 12 out of 18 holes, how do they ever make par? The answer is simple.

The professionals make par because they average only 30 putts per round instead of 36. For a touring professional, the average of missed greens are made up for by simply "putting like a professional". The importance of putting then becomes quite obvious.

Besides just score, it is also important to see the potential for swing improvements in your short game. In terms of the body mechanics, it is a lot easier to control a five foot putt than to control a 300 yard drive. This is because the movement of the arms is much more exaggerated in a drive or an iron shot and this opens up the possibility for many more errors in the swing.

The greatest potential improvements to a golfer's swing take place on the green because there is less room for error in the movement of the arms. Just keeping your head still can result in a major improvement on the green. Even the pros can't manage to reach every green in regulation so where do you think your improvements will likely come from? It's going to be in the putting!

Please see below a selection of Putting Aids that the Pro's use on a regular basis