Golfers often struggle with three-putts on the greens, but proper speed control can significantly reduce this issue. In golf, having the correct speed when putting can make the effective hole size larger, giving players a better chance of sinking putts. Not only does proper pace aid in making putts, but it also helps in reducing three-putts and keeping high scores off the card. Observing skilled putters, it is evident that they excel in speed control, leaving their first roll inside the gimme zone. This is a skill that all golfers should strive to achieve.
Taylor Wood, an elite mid-am golfer, emphasizes the importance of dialing in speed on the greens. With different courses having varying green speeds, adjusting to new environments is crucial. Wood, who competes in tournaments nationwide, emphasizes the need to establish a baseline for green speed. He suggests starting by putting as you would on your home course to get a feel for the speed at the new location. One of Wood’s favorite drills involves placing an item, such as a glove, on the green and aiming to stop the ball as close to it as possible. By replicating the feel of your home course on new greens, you can better adjust your putting to suit the speed of the greens you are playing on.
When playing a new course, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the speed of the greens before teeing off. Spending time on the practice green, focusing on getting a feel for the speed, can set you up for success on the course. By emulating Taylor Wood’s approach of replicating the feel of home greens, you can reduce three-putts early in the round and improve your overall performance. Taking the time to adjust your putting to different green speeds can make a significant difference in your game and help you avoid costly mistakes on the greens.
In conclusion, mastering speed control on the greens is a vital skill for golfers looking to improve their putting performance. By understanding the importance of correct pace, players can increase their chances of sinking putts and reduce the likelihood of three-putts. Taylor Wood’s approach of establishing a baseline for green speed and adjusting to new environments showcases the need for adaptability in golf. By practicing drills that focus on replicating the feel of home greens, golfers can fine-tune their putting to match the speed of any course they play on. Investing time in dialing in speed on the greens can lead to lower scores, more consistent putting, and an overall improvement in your golf game.
