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The Smart Path To Better golf

Long Putts

By Geoff Greig

Now it is time to learn about the two categories of putts:
1. Putts you are trying to make
2. Putts you are trying to make sure you make the next one

How do you decide which is which? Any putt where you have no fear of three putting belongs to category 1. Any putt where there is a chance you might three putt belongs to category 2. There is no universal distance dividing line between the two, it varies from person to person and situation to situation. The most important thing to remember is, speed control is everything in category 2 putts. 80% of all three putts come from poor speed control on the first putt. Once you get a basic idea of the line put ALL of your focus on visualizing and feeling the correct speed for the putt. Remember your are not trying to make these long putts, you are trying to MAKE SURE you make the next one.

The first green at Torrey Pines has a ridge across the green two thirds of the way back. The cup is just past this ridge. Make sure to factor the height of the ridge into your distance equation so you can roll the ball just past the hole on your lag putt. When you are in your putting routine I would recommend watching the target (not the ball) during your practice stroke. This will give you a better visual sense of the of the speed required. After you stroke the ball it is critical to watch the ball until it is finished rolling. This way if you miss long you have a free read of your return put for par.

See you next time.