Zen Putting

[Jeeves]

Interesting section in this book when they basically lay out the statistics on tour pros from about 8 feet out. According to the book, as I recall, a tour pro will only make an eight footer a quarter of the time. What they are trying to get at is that it is much more valuable to work on lag putting - to prepare your mind and become cumfy with those types of putts.

 

I would follow that advice, but I can't help but stick it within 8 feet of the pin 99% of the time

[jamo]

Really, those numbers seen a little low. I suck at putting and I'd say i make eight footers more than 1/4 of the time. Maybe you're right but my first thought was "seems low".

[The Golf Hound]

I like to go at every putt. But then again, I have lots of 3 putts.

[Addicted2Golf]

Well, lag putting is definitely is important - especially if you're not an exceptionally gifted ball striker who can stick it close to the pin every time. Even if you are, being good in that phase takes pressure off other parts of your game if you feel confident that you can drain it from anywhere or at least eliminate three putts.

[GolfSpy Dave]

Well, lag putting is definitely is important - especially if you're not an exceptionally gifted ball striker who can stick it close to the pin every time. Even if you are, being good in that phase takes pressure off other parts of your game if you feel confident that you can drain it from anywhere or at least eliminate three putts.

I tend to do just this. Irons are still a mess, chipping is progressing, but after spending a ton of time on the practice greens, my lags are pretty good. 8 ft or less. Can't always stick the 2nd, but many poor approaches have been salvaged by a good lag. I found that going to the range at unpopular times was key for this. Can use the whole practice green. I set it up sort of like the circle of balls around the cup at 3 feet drill, but I circled the green and putted at different a target from the different locations. Really helped the long touch.

[Addicted2Golf]

I tend to do just this. Irons are still a mess, chipping is progressing, but after spending a ton of time on the practice greens, my lags are pretty good. 8 ft or less. Can't always stick the 2nd, but many poor approaches have been salvaged by a good lag. I found that going to the range at unpopular times was key for this. Can use the whole practice green. I set it up sort of like the circle of balls around the cup at 3 feet drill, but I circled the green and putted at different a target from the different locations. Really helped the long touch.

 

So, when you lag, are you going for the hole or an area around the hole? I found my lag putting improved when I started to not worry about making it as much and just focused on putting to a 3-foot circle around the hole. Sounds weird, I know. But I'm just trying to avoid a three putt when I'm that far out.

[Matt Saternus]

So, when you lag, are you going for the hole or an area around the hole? I found my lag putting improved when I started to not worry about making it as much and just focused on putting to a 3-foot circle around the hole. Sounds weird, I know. But I'm just trying to avoid a three putt when I'm that far out.

 

Bob Rotella wags his finger at you! You putt to make it!

 

Just kidding, of course. I think it's interesting how some people will putt better trying to make everything and others use your system of lagging it close. I think Pelz is a lag guy, if I remember "The Bible" correctly. The one thing I like about trying to make it is that I know I won't leave a putt 6 feet short.

[TheHacker]

When I watch Golf Channel, the pros also have tonnes of lag putts to deal with in any round. But what sets them apart is their ability to lag the ball very close to the hole, and even occasionally holing out from long distances.

 

The whole key here is to lag it really close, so that the second putt is pretty much a gimme. This plus occasional holing out from long distance, approach shots that land very near to the hole, anyone can score below par

 

Alas, many things in golf is easier said than done.