Putting can become more difficult as the day goes on, impacting a golfer’s ability to sink crucial putts. This phenomenon was highlighted during the 2024 U.S. Open when Rory McIlroy missed two short putts that ultimately cost him the championship. While these mistakes were analyzed and criticized by fans and experts, the difficulty of putting later in the day goes beyond just pressure. The growth of grass throughout the day and foot traffic on the greens both play a role in making putting more challenging.
In the mornings, immediately after the maintenance crew has mowed the greens, the putting surface is pristine and smooth. However, as the day progresses and the grass grows, imperfections begin to emerge that can affect the path of a putt. Additionally, foot traffic on the greens leaves impressions that can impact a golfer’s ability to sink putts, especially closer to the cup. The area surrounding the hole, known as the “lumpy donut,” can create obstacles for a ball to navigate on its way to the hole.
Putting coach Dave Pelz highlighted the impact of foot traffic on putting surfaces, noting the presence of footprints around the hole as the day goes on. These footprints create a challenging terrain for the ball to navigate, akin to a pedestrian tripping on a curb. The average foursome can leave over 500 footprints on a green, which take hours to spring back to their original shape. This lumpy terrain can significantly affect a ball’s line relative to its speed, causing missed putts as the day progresses.
The difficulty of putting later in the day is supported by statistics that show a decrease in putting success rates as the day goes on. Factors such as foot traffic and grass growth impact a golfer’s ability to sink putts, especially on imperfections created around the cup. Understanding these challenges can help golfers adjust their approach on the greens and manage their expectations late in a round. By acknowledging the impact of foot traffic and grass growth, players can adapt their putting strategy to account for the changing conditions.
In conclusion, the difficulty of putting later in the day is a common challenge faced by golfers at all levels. The impact of foot traffic and grass growth on putting surfaces can make sinking putts more challenging as the day progresses. By recognizing these factors and adjusting their approach on the greens, golfers can improve their chances of success late in a round. Understanding the “lumpy donut” effect and the implications of foot traffic can help players navigate these obstacles and improve their putting performance. Ultimately, being aware of the challenges of putting later in the day can help golfers make more informed decisions on the greens and improve their overall performance.
