Free Golf Tips Online Archives

Putting

I'm 46 and am beginning my third season of golf. My best 18-hole score so far is 102, my best 9-hole 48. But my scores hover pretty much right around the figure this Web site is named for. (Breaking110.com - editor)

Funny what you can learn about this game if you approach it with some of the lessons life has taught a middle-aged guy (or gal). For instance, I have found that trying to sink any putt over six feet is pretty much a losing proposition. (In fact, I've read elsewhere that even pros make only 50 percent of their putts at just over 6 feet. [EDITOR NOTE: THIS IS CORRECT!] The distance a typical amateur nails 50 percent from is three feet.) And if I focus too hard on trying to put those 6-, 8-, or 10-footers into the cup, I'm fairly likely to overhit, mis-read a break after the hole, etc., and wind up way too far away for a tap-in. Sometimes, like on downhill putts, I wind up farther away from the cup than when I started.

So instead, when I'm 6 feet or more away, I make it my goal not to sink the putt, but to avoid a 3-putt. How? By aiming for the 3-foot circle we're always told to imagine when we lag putt longer distances. From 6 or 8 feet out, I can put the ball within the 3-foot circle 80 percent of the time or more. From 8 to 10 feet out, I'm still good for about 7 of 10. All of these shots set up an easy tap-in. I find that by putting this way, I eliminate three-putts pretty effectively. I average about 2.2 putts per hole. The pros average 1.7 (tougher greens, etc., I know). I figure 2.0 is within my range.

This method of putting also helps me target my practice: instead of trying to sink half a dozen 12-footers in a row like I see to many folks on the green doing, I work on two things:

* Getting putts from longer distances (10-30 feet) into the three-foot circle;
* and trying to expand the 3-foot circle to four feet (someday) and polish my performance within it.

I realize that the arithmetic of golf requires those who want to break 90 to one-putt more often. But that'll be another phase of my development as a golfer. I suspect the method I'm using will help my scores into the 90s, which is what I need to take care of first.

Editors Note: Craig, You are RIGHT ON! The only thing we would add is that while you are going for that three foot circle, make a REAL attempt to keep it in that circle PAST the hole. There is nothing more frustrating than hitting a putt a few inches short.