It is estimated that half of all shots taken to par over 18 holes are taken in putting mode. That’s right, golf holes are designed so that you put the ball in the hole with only two putts on average. It sure makes things sound a little easier, doesn’t it? You really don’t have to worry as much about sinking that first putt on every hole.
Understanding that should help relieve some of the mental pressure you see so often on the golf course every Sunday. Many everyday golfers agonize over every putt. [especially that first one] as if a million dollars were at stake! The mental pressure becomes enormous and 3 and 4 putting every green becomes the norm.
Instead, always remember that you always have that second putt in your back pocket for par.
And to further boost your confidence on every first putt, imagine that the hole is actually 3 feet in diameter! Think about it. If you can get your first putt inside that imaginary 3-foot hole, you’ll only be 16 inches from the edge of the real hole. A second putt of only a foot and a half or less! Can you do that?
So if your putt is within 10 to 15 feet of the hole and you have little or no breakage, you should focus on going down two. That is all!
And if your putt goes over 15 feet, don’t get used to examining each and every first putt from every direction, using the putter as a plumb line and shutting one eye, watching and agonizing over every twist, turn and break. . Remember you have that second putt. Take a good look at the line of putt from behind the ball, another look from the other hole, then make your decision and putt. Agonizing over and analyzing it over and over again will not produce better results. Usually the first impression of how the putt will break and how hard you need to hit the ball is correct. Trust your instincts and go through your putting routine with confidence instead of doubt. If you take too much time and spend it worrying you will get more and more strict and putting it that way is a sure path to a higher score.
And don’t worry too much on that first putt if it goes too far left or too far right. That usually doesn’t happen. Watch when other people putt and you’ll see that they’re more likely to hit you too short or too far into the hole rather than hit too far to the left or right of the hole. With that thought in mind, become more aware of the speed and length of the putt. Put it in that 3 foot circle, on either side of the hole, and you’ll be within that short 16 inches of the rim of the cup!
Remember that you don’t have to hole every first putt you have. Get off in two and you’ll score well because you’re no longer three or four putting on every hole.
Who knows, maybe you’ll get some breaks and drop some of those first putts! Now your score will really start to drop.
