Play Your Best Game » Long Putts
Long Putts
Q: I have trouble with my long putts. If I am more than
15 feet away from the hole, I have trouble getting down
in two. What can I do?
A: Many times the reason a golfer is unable to two-putt
on long putts, and may even miss the hole by four feet
or more, is because they are trying to do too much on
the first long putt. Psychologists and Physiologists
will tell us that if a golfer thinks of two things –
distance and direction on the putt – they are
confusing the brain and the wrong message is sent to
the muscle. On long putts, I suggest getting the GENERAL
line of the putt, set up, and put 100% of your energy
and feel in determining the DISTANCE to the hole. You
will be amazed how much closer that first putt will
come and, as Jack Nicklaus says, “Sometimes they
go in.”
By: Kim Haddow, LPGA Teaching Pro
Antelope Hills Golf Course, Prescott
haddow@cableone.net
