I talk about chipping to lower my score. Next to putting, I chip more than any other shot during my game. I thought that I had everything figured out and even offered some tips from my experience. I thought that I had everything covered until I came across a video that connected aiming to my chipping ball position. I might have thought about it and unconsciously adjust my aim accordingly, but I was surprised that I never talked about how my technique could affect my aim while chipping.
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Is There A Thing Called “Proper Technique” When Putting
After years of studying, trying and experimenting, I have drawn the conclusion that there is no on proper technique for putting. Yup, I said it! I have tried different grips, stances, clubs, (mallet and blade), balls, and crazy things to try and determine what putting style works best for my game. After many years of trial and error I have found something that works, but it does not work for my friends or other players. Knowing this, I have concluded that putting is as unique a snowflake.
Before some of you start yelling at the computer and pointing out my flaws in my logic, just look at the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour and The Champions Tour and tell me that there is a “proper technique” to putting. I will admit that there are several aspects of the putting stroke that will facilitate success, yet would they be considered proper.
I could delve into things like a square putter face, tempo, grip and stroke length that are widely considered to be key to putting success, yet I have not found on definitive ‘must do’ that fits all golfers. In the case of putting I think that the 80% solution is what works. If the technique you are using (trying) results in no more than a 2 putt 80% of the time, then this particular technique is worth investigation. For example, I developed my personal mantra of ‘6 back 12 forward’ when putting. This particular technique promotes solid ball contact with my flat stick. I find it very helpful, but it does not work for everyone who has tried it.
I also wrote a 5 part putting series a long time ago that touches on all the areas the could make us successful on the greens. This series of articles touches on all the aspects of good putting (in my opinion) because they touch the fundamentals. However, they do not work for everyone because every golfer is unique. I recommend trying the different techniques, keep what works and discard what does not. It is the nature of all golfers to keep what works for their time. Part 1 of the series can be found here and then there are 5 articles in a row on putting if you are interested.
Putting is the most personal stroke in your game. I do not believe that there is one technique that works for all players. Having said that, the fundamentals of putting work for me and I think will work for most players. Even these basic tenets need to be refined by each player to fit their game. So, if you are working on your putting, do not be afraid to experiment to develop a stoke that works for you. Us others advice (especially mine) as a guide and not the definitive answer. By following your own path, I see lower golf scores in your future.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Driving The Ball Into The Wind
With fall in full bloom, the cool wind has a greater impact on the ball distance than during the summer. If we do not use the proper technique when hitting the ball into the wind, we can lose as much as 50 yards off our drive. That is truly frustration, but can be avoided. There is a saying that when it is breezy, swing easy. This simple statement is a challenge for most amateur golfers. For some reason, the inexperienced player things that hitting the ball harder will have better results into the wind when the opposite is true. There is a simple technique to achieve maximum distance into the wind, but it takes mental discipline to achieve it.
Continue readingHitting A 3 Wood With Success
Hitting a 3 wood off the fairway is a challenge for many golfers. We either hit the ball thing or hit the ground before the ball. From time to time, I will experience these hitting errors, but I learned many years ago how to successfully make solid contact with 3 wood. If I miss this shot now, then my error is on the thin side producing a very low ball flight. I know what the error is for my game, but I thought I would turn to a professional to properly explain the challenge and how to fix it.
Continue readingPutting On Fast Greens
I wish I had researched this topic prior to my round at Windermere Golf and Country Club (Windermere) in Muskoka, Ontario. The awesome course had postage stamp greens, but many they were a challenge for my game. The greens were twice as fast as I normally play and I would be a liar to say I was able to adjust my game prior to teeing it up. More to follow on my round at Windermere later in the week. Back to putting on fast greens; there is a way to adjust and for some reason I was not really thinking about this as I let the excitement of playing a fantastic course. Regardless, I figure I would offer some tips for putting on fast greens because I sure could have used them last Sunday.
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The Grateful Golfer 