Sage Putting Advice From Nancy Lopez
Recently, I talked about sinking short, knee-knockers. Putting is as much a mental thing as a physical. Figuring out how to sink 4 to 6 foot putts is a skill all golfers should master. I realize that sometimes it is a challenge, but for the most part these putts all come down to a process. Doing the same steps each time when putting (actually all our golf shots) is important because it eliminates unwanted swing errors. After watching a video by Nancy Lopez, her process is similar to the one I use especially with respect to alignment.
Over the years, I watch many players take more time over 30 foot putts than over 5 foot putts. I always found this interesting because the percentages (actually measured is stokes gained on the professional tours) of sinking a shorter putt should be higher. Unfortunately, many amateurs place their focus on the longer putt vice the short ones.
Additionally, their putting process changes. They have a tendency not to follow the same steps nor approach the shorter putts in the same manner. According to Nancy Lopez this where amateurs collect more strokes than they should during their round of golf.
What I like about the video is the process Lopez provides. It explains step by step on how to sink short putts. I use a very similar process except I do not practice putt first before selecting my line. I can see how this could be a problem, however I am not sure I want to change my engrained putting process. The ‘how’ to putt is quite unique and each player should take the time to develop something that works for their game.
Sinking even a few more short putts will lower our golf score. The majority of all our strokes during any round happen within 20 yards of the green. And the majority of those happen when putting. If this is the case, developing a putting process that reduces the number of putts per round sounds like a logical step towards lower golf scores.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
