Entries Tagged as 'putting'

Golf Chipping and Putting – Love it or Hate it?

When you are out golfing on a beautiful day how many times have you had two great shots to almost reach the green and then take four or five more shots to get in the hole?  That has certainly happened to me many times.

No one likes to practice chipping and putting.  There are so many different instruction books on the short game, all with a different technique.

First you need to commit to one technique and stick to it. Far be it from me to dictate which technique to use (I am a David Leadbetter guy), just pick one. Next practice, practice and practice some more.

But that is only part of the solution to becoming an improved player. If you do not have the right attitude you will mentally find a way to self destruct. (Try to remember the putter is not your enemy) Dr. Bob Rotella is the guru of the mental side of the game. Below is a short video from Practice Like a Pro in which he discusses the attitude you should have about the short game. While easier said than done, he makes perfect sense.

What do you think?

As always keep ‘em in the fairway.

 

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A Golf Putting Instruction Lesson – To Die or Not To Die

As if putting was not difficult enough there are two competing philosophies on the speed with which you should putt. The most common instruction is to try to let your putt come to rest eighteen inches beyond the hole. (Think Arnold Palmer) The idea is if your ball never gets to the hole it will never drop into the cup. The problem with this technique is you will often find yourself two or three feet past the cup with a challenging putt to convert.

Die putters try to drop the ball just over the front lip of the hole. The idea is if you are off slightly the ball will still drop into the cup from the side because it has so little speed. This increases your chance of making the putt. (Think Jack Nicklaus) The weakness with this strategy is you must be sure to let the ball die at the hole not before. How many times have you heard on the golf course “Never up Never in”? Maybe too many times.

You have to decide what is natural for you. If you are by nature an aggressive person you should probably also be an aggressive putter.  If you are more laid back die putting might be more natural for you.

Hank Haney says when you putt you first determine the line and then the speed. Once you are lined up correctly completely focus on the speed. More putts are missed short or long than to the side. Use  your putting philosophy and completely focus on it before you stroke the ball. The results should please you.

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Golf Game Etiquette and Rules on the Course Part Two

As promised here is part two of Golf Etiquette/Rules for the real golfer.   

Part Two – The Rules

Tee Off and Honors – After the first hole honors belongs to the one who had the lowest score on the hole just completed if they are ready to tee off. Otherwise the first person ready goes first. If red tees are involved obviously they go last

Mulligan – Only if agreed upon before the match starts

Winter rules – Only if you play in the North from December to February

Whiff –If you swing and miss it counts as a stroke. period.

Out of Bounds – Do not play a second ball from the tee if it goes out of bounds nor take more than a few minutes looking for your out of bounds ball. If you can’t afford the cost of losing a ball you should not be on the golf course.

Penalty Stroke – Yes you get one when you go out of bounds, lose your ball or dunk it in the water.

First to play is the One Away – Get ready to hit your shot while the person away is hitting so you do not hold up your group or anyone else. 

On the Green – You should mark your ball to clean it and if you are interfering with the putt of another player. After everyone misses their first putts (inevitable), if you are close you may continue and hit it into the hole.  If you are a man the “inside the leather” rule is acceptable but not legal. Women always hit the ball into the cup like the rules require and as everyone should. (Guys do not knock women, they play the game by the rules)

19th Hole – It is acceptable to try and have the cheapest person in the group pick up the tab!

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Golf Game Etiquette and Rules on the Course

Since we often play as a couple we see consistent etiquette and rules problems in addition to sexism on the golf course. As a result we have decided to put together a two part golf etiquette/rules primer based on how the game should be played. It is not based strictly on the USGA Rules of Golf, nor how the PGA professionals play on TV, but based on what is practical to keep the game moving for all players.

Part One – Basic Etiquette 

Women are human beings who enjoy golf like everyone else. They try hard to not hold anyone up and actually play by the rules.

Waiving a faster group through – If you are consistently holding up a faster group who has no one immediately behind them you should let them play through.

Don’t take a practice swing or make a stroke while anyone within striking distance is around you.

Always replace your divot. (Yes you are supposed to take a divot with your irons).

When (not if) you hit into a bunker, try to leave the bunker in better shape than you found it.

If you are lucky enough for your ball to land on the green on the fly it will leave a ball mark, an indentation, which you should repair.

 Never step on the line of another player’s putt

The first person whose putt is in the cup picks up the flagstick so it can be replaced immediately after everyone is done.

 Never ever record your scores until you are on the next tee.

If you are using a golf cart obey the local rules including staying on the cart paths where required. We know this sucks but it protects the fancy course you are playing.

Golf Rules will be coming in our next blog!

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