I generally have a solid shot game or at least I think so. Unfortunately, I have struggled on the greens lately for no apparent reason. My putting numbers have grown only by 3, but that number is the difference between 77 and 74. At my course, I need to shoot 74 half the time out to maintain my handicap. So, for now that is my target number. As the rest of my game improves, my putting seems to be holding me back!
I do not seem to be doing anything different lately, but he putts are not dropping. They are burning the edges a fair bit and still nothing. I am going through my normal putting routine and making solid contact on the ball. Unfortunately, the results are not happening over the past few rounds to satisfy my expectations.
What to do now? How am I going to fix this problem. Well, the first thing I am going to do is to relax and keep working on my putting. The ball is close most of the time and an inch to the left or right will make the difference of sinking more putts. This is not the time to panic.
Next, I have to follow Peter Kostis’ advice (thanks Rick for telling me about this advice) to ensure I get the ball to the hole! This is absolutely critical because you know the old saying “100% of short putts never go in”. Trusting my stroke enough be aggressive is very important. What normally happens when I putt poorly is I become tentative…..that is definitely the wrong approach. Getting the ball past the hole is very important.
Lastly, I have to take just a bit more time lining up my putts. I do not me a glacial pace, but take a look from a different angle or two from time to time. I sometimes get in a routine of playing fast and not focusing on what is required to notice the subtle breaks near the hole. And maybe my putts will start to drop. It will start to happen, but I just hope it happens soon.
Although our golf season is a bit shorter than most, now is the time to keep to the path. It is not a time to panic, nor start to make changes. It will turn around, it is just a matter of time!
How long do you wait to make changes to your game?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Jim, are you missing on the high side or low side? Seeing any “consistency” in the misses? Glad to hear the pace is feeling good – now when you find the right lines, they’ll start dropping like chocolate chip cookies into milk…I think I’m in the mood for a snack.
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Rick,
Am missing on both. I just am not reading the subtleties quite right. Last year off set me back a bit. But, things are coming together. Are you playing?
Cheers Jim
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The only advice I’ll give is try not to let it get under your skin. That’s a sure way to make the issue harder to resolve. Keep the faith, maybe spend some extra time on the practice greens sinking straight putts to be sure you’re hitting your lines consistently, then go out and have fun.
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Thanks Kevin. I appreciate the positive support.
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Jim, are you misjudging line or distance? Or are you hitting good putts that just aren’t going in? I wouldn’t worry if it’s the latter.
Brian
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Brian
It is the latter. Most of my putts getting past the hole, just not dropping right now. But, I have high expectations and want everything to drop darn it!…..haha
Hope you get a chance to play this weekend, the weather has finally turned and we are into the warm season full bugs and dry weather.
Cheers Jim
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Jim, patience – they will start to drop!
I will be down at the beach this weekend. Practice on Saturday and play on Sunday. Had my best round of the season last week. Things are rounding into shape!
Brian
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Great to hear, Brian! Have an awesome weekend.
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