If you were offered a two putt on every green before your round, would you take it? Would a two putt on every green help or hurt your score. I my case, it would hurt my score because I generally have more one putts than three putts. I will mention that most of my holes (usually around 12) result in a two putt. The days I am playing well, that number decreases to 9 or 10. However, I do believe that most players overlook the importance of a two putt in their endeavour to shoot lower golf scores.
In case you are wondering here are some interesting stats from the top ranked PGA player on putting:
- 1-5 feet – 53.60%
- 6 – 10 feet – 28.70%
- 10 – 15 feet – 16.90%
As you can see, many players rely on the two putt to keep their scores low. It is a staple of their game. Of course where they score better than amateurs is their GIR and scramble percentages, but that is a discussion for another day.
Over the years I have talked about lag putting, but for me that is outside 30 feet from the pin. In every other instance (at least 95% of the time) I am trying to sink my putt from inside 30 feet. There is no consistent miss as far as position, but generally I am within three feet or closer when I miss. Hence, I rely on my two putt a great deal to keep my score in the mid to low 70s.
In other posts, I have discussed how develop speed and line to be a successful putter. However, I think that a putting mindset is often overlooked. I expect to make every putt I attempt regardless of the distance. I mentally visualize the ball dropping in the hole and do not focus on missing. I believe that this positive approach to putting allows me to be aggressive with each putt. It is this aggressiveness that ensures that I two putt a majority of the time. It works for my game and I recommend adopting the same putting attitude.
Two putts are an important result for most golfers. In some cases, it will save many strokes and lower you overall score. Having the confidence that a two putt is almost guaranteed does change your approach to using the flat stick and will result in greater confidence on the green. This greater confidence does seep over to other parts of your game……I think you know where I am going. Therefore the importance of a two putt cannot be overstated.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
I average between 30-31 putts per round so would not be content with a two putt on every hole. That being said, a two putt is not a bad outcome on any given hole.
In putting, it pays to be a bit delusional. If you believe you are going to make a putt, and are aggressive in a smart way, you will be more relaxed and likely successful.
Fortunately for me I am a legend in my own mind 😀. I have learned to trust my putting stroke and don’t feel a lot of pressure. Being aggressive means that you are going to make the odd three putt, it is the price of admission. The only three putt that I consider unforgivable is if I left the first one short.
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Anytime I play well, it’s due to putting and chipping. Those two things are the keys to the city. Today my putting was off for a good 5 or 6 holes as we got there early to practice but we given the chance to just go and we took it because they told us we had a clear field for awhile in front of us and we could see people pulling in. So we jumped out cold and it cost me maybe a match to my best round on the course. I 3 putted twice in those first 6 holes and missed two birdie attempts from inside my 9 foot practice range.
Had I taken the time to warm up first, I don’t think I’ve have missed all of those putts. But I’m happy enough with the 79 really. And I was plenty happy to get done in 3 hours and get home to watch the last 13 holes at Kapalua. I don’t think I’ve played that course that fast even in the summer time. It’s generally busier. I call the day a win at least. Warm, in the low 80’s, sunny with a cool breeze that was enough to keep the sweat away but not enough to require clubbing up. And home in time to watch the last 13 holes at Kapalua. Speaking of which, did you notice how well they putted without their green reading books?
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Kevin,
Great to hear that you had a great time on the links. Three hours is a great speed for a round of golf. No I did not watch the golf, because it was not televised on the TV I watch. Did it make any difference. I was wondering about that.
Cheers Jim
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It sure didn’t seem to from what I saw. An article I read today said about the same. None of the 38 players seemed to feel it made much difference and a few even said it would likely help by freeing up their mind.
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Nice, thanks for the update.
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I almost always have less than 36 putts. This weekend I had 27. So I would definitely not do it.
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David,
27 putts is awesome. I strive for that number as often as possible. Sure helps keep the score down.
Cheers Jim
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