Knowing how to putt does not guarantee that a player will be a confident putting. In earlier posts I presented a 5 part series on putting. This process works for me and I have been very successful through the years. Just recently, I realized that I was failing in one very important aspect of putting. I am not teaching myself to be successful all the time; therefore I am slowly eroding my confidence.
Teaching success is not really that difficult. “Repetition of the same thought or physical action develops into a habit which, repeated frequently enough, becomes an automatic reflex.” (Norman Vincent Peale) This quote applies directly to putting and here is how.
Putt out every hole!
That is it. Looking back at last year, I realized that in none tournament play I wasted at least one putt per round because I was not in the habit of putting out every hole. I know, but when you are chatting with your buddies, I was lax and my focus was not as it should have been. So during competitions, as the pressure rose on three footers, I probably missed more than I should. Talk about the Freddy Couples’ Syndrome!
So this year, I will putt out every hole. I expect to increase my confidence in my short putts and thereby reduce my handicap. Any thoughts?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
You could always try a White Dragon Putter, also I have an e-book on Amazon Kindle, Master Putting Manual. Dont have a Kindle reader, no problem download the app for free at amazon.com
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I have thought of the White Dragon Putter, but I am not really a mallet head kid of player. I have a blade type putter and really like the style. Something to consider though.
Cheers
Jim
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If 18 inch putts were “good”, then Doug Sanders and Scott Hoch would have major championships and Tiger would need only 17 to catch Jack. We have all missed them.
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You are so right! I would suggest the Fred Couples would have 3 times more wins as well. Short putts is such an important part of the game.
Cheers
Jim
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Jim, I found that if you practice three-footers by the dozens using the Butch Harmon two-tee drill, you will be oozing confidence on the course. Good luck! Brian
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Brian
Thanks for the tip. I will check it out and let you know.
Cheers
Jim
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Putting out every hole means that when it is tournament time, you are ready for those pesky 1 to 3 footers. Nov 2013, I also decided to putt out every putt – even when my playing partner says “good for me.” “Good for me” may very well be the worse three words in golf aside from “You’re still away”!
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Kirk
You are absolutely right. I have to gain 5 strokes a round this year and I think this is a great way to gain at least one. I am sure you do not hear the you’re still away very often.
Cheers
Jim
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