LEAVING PUTTS SHORT
You will have heard the saying “Never up, never in” before, but did you know that from 5 feet and longer, handicap golfers leave a staggering 84% SHORT!! That means the ball has ZERO chance of going in 84% of the time!! (Data taken from the Shotscope database of 30 million shots)
There are a few reasons why we leave so many putts shorts –
- Poor strike. A ball struck from the heel/toe or bottom of the putter will not travel the same distance as one struck from the centre of the face, even with the same length and pace of stroke. This is often the case in higher handicap players.
- Lack of confidence. A fear of three putting, particularly on fast/slopey greens, gives a negative mind-set, leading to tension, which will give indifferent strokes.
The ideal pace of putt should take the ball 12-18 inches past the hole if it misses. The ball has the best chance of dropping at this speed, even if it’s not dead centre of the hole!
Ways you can improve your distance control on the greens-
- Tee peg drill. Place a tee peg in the ground, either side of the putter head (heel and toe) Leave a small gap, with just enough room to move the putter back and through without hitting either tee peg. (Golf ball boxes can also be used instead of tees).If you avoid the tees,
you will be striking from the centre of the putter face.
- Practice putting looking at the hole. Line the putter head up behind the ball as normal, then turn your head so you are looking at the hole as you make your stroke, like you would when bowling. This will improve your feel, and distance judgment.
- Place the flagstick, or a club on the ground 18 inches directly behind the hole. Try to get the ball past the hole, but not so far that you hit the flagstick/club.
Let’s see if you can get the ball rolling at a better pace towards the hole? Please let me know how you get on after trying these drills…….I’m off for some indoor putting practice!!