I cannot count the number of rounds of golf where I failed to play my game. It happens less as I gain more experience, but my weak rounds are rooted in one fault that is easily avoidable. My mental focus is on being tentative vice bold. You will see that I did not say aggressive, but bold. Defined as showing an ability to take risks or being confident. Playing bold fits into most golfers abilities when they decide to let this approach be at the forefront of their game. Every round of golf produces a plethora of situations where we have the opportunity to rise to the occasion. When we do not play with confidence, think tentatively, then high scores is in our future.
Continue reading17-inch rule of putting
Making Every Putt in Golf
The goal of every golfer is to make every putt and it seems that Ernie Els feels the same way. I subscribe to this thought process believing that science can prove that every putt is make-able. Of course that does not mean that I will make every putt, but the possibility is always there.
Keeping this thought in mind, I have played with players who are notorious lag putters and will always settle for a 2 putt and a bogey. Instead of charging the hole in the attempts to make a 1 and risk a 3 putt. How about you? Continue reading
Golf Tip: Putting to Lower Scores
Putting is the cornerstone of low golf scores. There is no golfer, amateur or professional, who has not questioned, dissected, or overhauled their putting stroke. As a golfing fanatic, who is always trying to expand my golf knowledge, I like to ask golf questions to, well, anyone who will listen.
A couple of years ago, I penned a 5 part series on how to putt. It dealt with several different parts of golfing and I think they are still valid. If you are interested, click here to start at Part 1.
So, here was my question from a couple of days ago:
I have to say I was a bit surprised by the results. I have always been taught to roll the ball 8 inches past the hole. Putting 8 inches past the hole will make sure, more often than not, that the ball will drop, but not so fast as to stay out if the center of gravity of the ball is on the inside of the lip of the cup.
Putting is a tough skill to master in golf!
There are many different views on putting. The 17-inch rule by Dave Pelz has guided many amateur golfers through the years. Personally, I find hitting the ball almost 2 feet past the hole a bit too aggressive for my game.
Other pundits recommend that just dropping the ball in the cup is the way to go. I find that by trying to hit the ball so it just drops in, my putt generally ends up short. There is nothing wrong with this approach, but the yips become more of an issue when I am putting tentatively.
The consensus from my Twitter question suggests that dropping the ball in the hole is what works for most of the respondents. Ultimately, it is up to the player and what they find most comfortable. personally, I am sticking to putting the ball 8-inches past the hole.
I would be interested in what your preference is: past the hole or just in?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 