Many amateurs do not check their bag before heading to the first tee. We generally have one set of clubs and they usually reside in one location around our house. In my case, my clubs stay in my vehicle for the summer and rarely come our for non golf related activities. Having said that, there are times when I remove certain clubs for practice and as a result playing around of golf with out a putter is entirely possible. Well, actually, over the years I have played a few rounds without a putter, PW, SW, 3 wood and Driver. Leaving these clubs behind generated some interesting and colourful conversation. Additionally, I had to wait for at least 9 holes before I could retrieve my wayward clubs from my car. With important clubs taking a rest, I had to be inventive on how I replaced them during the round.

Most of the clubs are easy to replace because I have developed different ways to hit clubs over the years. The hardest club to replace, however, is my putter. I find that the course conditions determine what club I will use to replace my flat stick. Let me explain.

On slow greens, I use a 3 hybrid. The ball pops of the clubface and has a tendency to roll out much farther than my putter. With the greens playing slow, the hybrid is my club of choice. Additionally, a hybrid provides a square face when going through my set up and eventual swing. It can be considered a blade putter like what Phil Mickelson uses as it looks very much the same. The contact and release is more dynamic, but is a suitable replacement.

On fast greens, I find that a hybrid is too difficult to control. Therefore, I opt for the leading edge of my sand wedge. The challenge with putting with a sand wedge is I need to make slight adjustments to my set up, ball position, and how I address the ball. The key to successfully putting with a sand wedge is to hit the centre (equator) of the ball. David Hearn explains this very well:

When I putt with a sand wedge, I have a tendency to move my hands back slightly in order to expose the leading edge more. This slight movement allows me to maintain my putting set up and gain the maximum exposure of clubface to ball. Additionally, I move the up in my stance about an inch or so in order to promote a flat horizontal contact point. If I am hitting up slightly on the ball, I can live with that result. What a definitely want to avoid is hitting down on the ball.

I practice putting with my sand wedge and hybrid a few times a year. I find that it helps with my overall putting stroke; as well as preparing me for it my putter breaks or I forget it in my vehicle……again. Lastly, it is fun playing with different clubs for routine shots. Give it a try, you might find something new to learn as you venture down your golf journey.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!