Why not start the New Year with a recommendation about the phase of the game which we all know is very important at Scottsdale private golf courses. What I am referring to is putting ; which typically makes up around 36 strokes per round provided we take no more than two putts per green. Seemingly none of us pay enough time to really dedicate the time to work on it. When I ask players how much putting practice they get in per week I sometimes get the response “I play 3 times per week and practice putting before I play.” We need to define the difference between “warming up” and “practicing”; which in this scenario, I would call it warming up before you play.
Working on lag putting at Scottsdale golf club, is the first critical step to get a sense, feel, and to learn how to determine the appropriate amount of break the putt might have, left to right, right to left and whether it is uphill or downhill. I understand there are a few putting aids like Aim Point and Strackaline which assists on green reading, but I would be careful how much value they add beyond generalities. These aids don’t factor in how hard the players are going to hit their putts, thus whether or not they hit it on the center of the putter face. If you don’t hit a solid putt, both the line and speed will be affected, and there is a component many fail to mention when the talk about efficient putting . So, I know these devices may be helpful, but be careful they will help with basic lines, but not specific ones, so rely on your instincts and talents by working on your game, and really dedicating time and I can assure you it will pay dividends. The fact is there are more initial troubles called THREE PUTTS, by not having the correct speed than not having the correct line. Proper pace will be your best friend in the long run.
My advice when reading greens at Scottsdale golf club is to start backwards from the hole and envision an imaginary line from the cup to your ball. Then find the closest point you can roll over on that line, and then roll your putt over that spot. Frankly, that is all you can control when lagging putts, so hit your spot and then watch is nestle close to the hole. Before your round I would suggest you spend time hitting putt from inside three feet, which is about the length we can reasonably expect to make, so you will go to your starting tee in a good frame of mind and with confidence you will make the little ones. I saw a stat that Tiger Woods holed 2691 putts out of 2700 tries in 2002. That is fabulous and we should take heed it is possible, but it can’t happen without spending the time, and how often do we hear people at Scottsdale private golf courses say they had their best round going, only to be derailed buy a few three putts. I also read a stat the Luke Donald went almost 500 holes in tour events without a three putt, which is unheard of as you might guess. In summary for a putt to go in from any distance, there are actually three variables to making more putts. You must have center face contact, which will determine the line and sped, so pay attention to it. Uphill putts are actually easier than downhill putts, so when in doubt, leave your shots a little short of the hole. You are able to make a more confident stroke this way. For a right handed golfer, right to left putts are preferable as it matches the preferred arc to your stroke, slightly inside to square at impact to back to the inside on the through stroke. In summary, straight putts have to be hit perfectly to go in. On right to left putts you can play too much break and still find the bottom of the cup. If you hit the putt softly and play too little break you will never make it. The old cliché’ message is that every putt you leave short will never go in! The worst combination is are the downhill, left to right putts which requires precise line, speed and plenty of touch. Please, as we get into the new year, make a resolution you will practice your putting at least one hour per week and it will have positive results. See you on the practice greens at private golf clubs in scottsdale.
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