Putting is an area of the game in which many players of all skills levels can struggle with. Even the best players in the world can get the yips and melt down under the pressure of that all important four foot putt.
Adam Haddad, CPGA Assistant and teaching professional at Storey Creek Golf Course says that from his experience playing competitive golf provincially and even nationally, and from teaching golfers of all skill levels, is that there is something different about the ones that he would consider a very good putter.
What is that?
“It’s really something quite simple that can really have nothing to do with technique,” Haddad says. “It’s confidence. The golfers that make more putts are confident when they set up to ball and know they won’t miss.”
I know that’s why I struggle on the greens. I stand over a put and just simply don’t see it going in. Sometimes, even on the short ones, I just can’t convince myself it’s going to end up in the bottom of the hole and hope for a result that’s close enough for my playing partners to “gimme” the next one.
“Good putters have a short memory, and never blame themselves for missing,” Haddad says. “As soon as you have that fear of missing, you have gotten in your own head and your chances for success have dropped substantially.”
If you make one thousand four foot putts in a row, Haddad asks, then miss the very next one, are you thinking about the 1,000 you made or the one you just missed?
“Golf is a funny game. It’s one that involves controlling your mind, as it can be difference between you having the best round of your life, or the worst one ever,” Haddad says.
“My advice to you when your putting is to keep it simple, trust your technique, and have a short memory. There is no one perfect technique to putting. There have been many great putters over the years that have had techniques that no coach would ever teach.
“If you get to a point where you are really struggling with your putting, don’t be scared to contact a CPGA professional for help. No matter who you end up seeing , we are here to help you improve and increase your enjoyment of the game of golf.”
After all, Haddad says, “practicing something you are lost in with no direction doesn’t make things any better.”