Tour professionals have a unique opportunity to interact with amateur golfers during pro-am events. These outings provide a chance for the pros to network, teach, and offer valuable tips and instruction to their amateur partners. As a result of their extensive experience in pro-ams, tour pros have a keen understanding of the common struggles that amateur players face during their rounds. One such issue identified by LPGA Tour player Emma Talley is the difficulty amateurs have in dialing in on green speed. Talley emphasizes the importance of focusing on speed rather than the line of the putt, citing that looking at the hole instead of the ball can help improve speed control.
Talley recommends taking inspiration from Jordan Spieth, who often looks at the hole while putting. By shifting focus to the target rather than the ball, golfers can better predict and control their speed on the greens. While this technique may feel unfamiliar at first, Talley assures that it can lead to improved putting performance. By incorporating this adjustment into their practice sessions, amateurs can work towards making more putts during their rounds.
As a former U.S. Women’s Amateur champion, Talley’s insights carry weight and credibility in the golfing community. Her advice on green speed and putting technique serves as a valuable resource for amateur golfers looking to enhance their skills on the course. By honing in on the often overlooked aspect of speed control, players can elevate their overall performance and lower their scores.
Golf.com editor Jessica Marksbury highlights Talley’s expertise and encourages readers to consider implementing her recommendations into their own game. Marksbury’s background as a collegiate golfer adds a personal touch to the article, reinforcing the credibility of Talley’s advice. With a focus on fostering improvement and success in golf, the article aims to provide practical tips that amateur golfers can easily incorporate into their training and playing routines.
By shifting the focus from the ball to the hole while putting, golfers can tap into their inherent senses and improve their ability to predict speed on the greens. Talley’s comparison to other sports, where athletes focus on the target rather than the object, underscores the effectiveness of this technique. As golfers embrace this alternative approach to putting, they may unlock new levels of consistency and precision in their game.
In conclusion, Emma Talley’s advice on green speed and putting offers a fresh perspective on an often overlooked aspect of golf. By emphasizing the importance of speed control and suggesting a simple adjustment to putting technique, Talley provides amateur golfers with a valuable tool for enhancing their performance on the greens. As golfers practice and implement this method, they can expect to see improvements in their putting accuracy and overall scores. With guidance from experienced professionals like Talley, amateur players can continue to refine their skills and enjoy greater success on the course.

