WRXers Scratch Amateur Tournaments Thread: Commitments, Results, etc....

[rich_s2]

State am qualifier this Wednesday. Game is strong, looking forward to the test

[ctsgolf]

Tournaments (qualifiers) have not been good to me this year. I'm usually a pretty passive aggressive player, but put me on a tricked out, 7,100 yard par-70 private course along side a couple collegiate golfers and I'd honestly probably have better results swinging a purse around.

Just missed districts by one stroke on Saturday; thought I missed it by a mile so I'm pretty bummed out.

Last qualifier on the calendar on Sunday is the NYSGA Men's Am. At this point if I can break 80 I will call it a success and look forward to next year.

[Obee]

Had my semi-final match in our club's match-play club championship. Had to go to the 19th hole to win. Great match all day. I birdied 17 to go 1-up and then he birdied 18 to tie. Went to 1 again for sudden-death and we both hit the fairway. He was 150 out. I was 145. He hits 9-iron to 10 feet and I follow up by hitting one to 5 feet. He misses. I make. Woot!!

 

I've a bit of a history of playing "less than stellar" golf down the stretch when in contention or in a playoff. Been getting significantly better over the last five years or so, so was quite pleased to close this out with two excellent shots and a solid putt.

 

Onto the final, where I will likely play a very, very good player who lives between +2 and +4 at our club. Looking forward to the challenge!

[bladehunter]

T minus 7 days till my state am open qualifier. And I’m playing the best I’ve ever played. As luck would have it. Cracked my 3 wood face before the practice round. Which is also the longest club tenure in my bag. Luckily it’s the 3rd head on that shaft. So I’m not unfamiliar with the head cracking thing.

 

I’m familiar with the course. And sorted out 2 short par 4s with challenging tee shots. They just don’t fit my eye. So ended up just blowing driver over the small Shute of trees that makes the tee shot hard. This lets you get way past the red hazard left and only Deal with trees right. So in my mind half the risk as threading the needle with 3 wood or long iron. Learned this because 3 wood was broken. So I’m taking it as a good omen. Putter is best it’s ever been. Loads of confidence there.

[Obee]

> @bladehunter said:

> T minus 7 days till my state am open qualifier. And I’m playing the best I’ve ever played. As luck would have it. Cracked my 3 wood face before the practice round. Which is also the longest club tenure in my bag. Luckily it’s the 3rd head on that shaft. So I’m not unfamiliar with the head cracking thing.

>

> I’m familiar with the course. And sorted out 2 short par 4s with challenging tee shots. They just don’t fit my eye. So ended up just blowing driver over the small Shute of trees that makes the tee shot hard. This lets you get way past the red hazard left and only Deal with trees right. So in my mind half the risk as threading the needle with 3 wood or long iron. Learned this because 3 wood was broken. So I’m taking it as a good omen. Putter is best it’s ever been. Loads of confidence there.

 

Nice! So, so happy to hear that you have gained confidence with the putter. What has changed there?

 

[bladehunter]

> @Obee said:

> > @bladehunter said:

> > T minus 7 days till my state am open qualifier. And I’m playing the best I’ve ever played. As luck would have it. Cracked my 3 wood face before the practice round. Which is also the longest club tenure in my bag. Luckily it’s the 3rd head on that shaft. So I’m not unfamiliar with the head cracking thing.

> >

> > I’m familiar with the course. And sorted out 2 short par 4s with challenging tee shots. They just don’t fit my eye. So ended up just blowing driver over the small Shute of trees that makes the tee shot hard. This lets you get way past the red hazard left and only Deal with trees right. So in my mind half the risk as threading the needle with 3 wood or long iron. Learned this because 3 wood was broken. So I’m taking it as a good omen. Putter is best it’s ever been. Loads of confidence there.

>

> Nice! So, so happy to hear that you have gained confidence with the putter. What has changed there?

>

 

> @Obee said:

> > @bladehunter said:

> > T minus 7 days till my state am open qualifier. And I’m playing the best I’ve ever played. As luck would have it. Cracked my 3 wood face before the practice round. Which is also the longest club tenure in my bag. Luckily it’s the 3rd head on that shaft. So I’m not unfamiliar with the head cracking thing.

> >

> > I’m familiar with the course. And sorted out 2 short par 4s with challenging tee shots. They just don’t fit my eye. So ended up just blowing driver over the small Shute of trees that makes the tee shot hard. This lets you get way past the red hazard left and only Deal with trees right. So in my mind half the risk as threading the needle with 3 wood or long iron. Learned this because 3 wood was broken. So I’m taking it as a good omen. Putter is best it’s ever been. Loads of confidence there.

>

> Nice! So, so happy to hear that you have gained confidence with the putter. What has changed there?

>

 

Well. Mainly I just let it go. As in. I just stopped fighting it and started rolling it. And the 3 putts stopped and putts started going in. Still streaky. But the streaks now are difference from under par to par or 1-2 over. Not par to 83. Lol.

 

I just got fed up and found a setup position that’s comfortable. Forgot lines and forgot using a putter that is supposed to help. I went back to the old girl who fits my eye and worked at it like I do my strong suit. Iron and wedge play. And my thoughts there are only path and face angle. And the combo of that , that equals pure contact. I wanted to feel pure strikes with the putter. Once I found the setup that delivered that and was comfortable I just started on a mission to wear the middle of that putter out. Just the same way I do a wedge or short iron. And I’ll say. It’s amazing what pure strikes do to distance control. Seems so simple now. But I’m hard headed.

 

All that. And one drill. The right hand only drill. I need the toe to release. And my right hand gets lazy sometimes and causes a push. So I just warm up one handed. A lot. And it sure is fun making putts !

 

 

Can’t wait to deliver the good news Monday night ! The actual tournament is held at Thornblade CC where the web.com bmw pro am is held every year. 4 day event there should be fun !

[Shades234]

Been keeping up with reading the thread but not posting much of my own updates because there's not much for me to say. Missed the cut in my past 2 events by a stroke or 2. Game is trending in the right direction though.

 

The state of my current game revolves around 2 weaknesses. A general lack of birdies on my card and a few mental lapses/noncommittmal swings when I should be locked in over the ball. The lack of birdies will be remedied by putting better. I've taken to heart the advice that you guys gave me last time about how to approach putting from inside 10-15' and everywhere else. I think I'm a much better reader of greens (break and speed) than I was before I posted in this thread, so I appreciate you guys for that.

 

Mechanically, I have a tendency right now to aim slightly right of target and pull the ball back on line. I've noticed this trend of missing putts just right of my intended line and after some camera and chalk line work, this is what I've discovered. So I'll be spending a lot of time working on getting the ball to start on line. I'm feeling confident that if I start my ball on my intended line, I can make a lot of putts. The mental aspect I'll just have to improve by being focused more during my friendly rounds. I've made a habit to stop talking to my buddies when I'm over the ball or walking into a shot. Currently developing a mental trigger where I shut off the people around me and focus on the shot that I am about to hit. I know it sounds basic, but it was something that was (is) holding me back and 90% of the reason that I've always scored better in tournaments than when I play casually.

 

One thing in my game that I'm pretty happy about is my club selection. I've been picking the right club and shot in competition almost every time. Execution is another matter, but it's always gratifying to walk up to my ball regardless of where it ended up and think, "I had the right club in my hand. I'm picking the right shots. I can execute the next one."

 

Next events for me are the San Diego City Am (Balboa Park + Torrey North) and then US Amateur Sectional Qualifying (CC Rancho Bernardo). Those events are mid-July so I have a little time to work between now and then. Will be spending most of my time putting and wedging. The rest will be working on my routine with bigger clubs and other general maintenance.

 

Unfortunately, my club punches on 7/7 and then is going to close for 7-10 days for some maintenance the week before these events so I'll be back on the Stadium Golf Center grind for that, but they've got a solid facility so I'm not too disappointed. Not really looking forward to the 20 mile drive each way, but not much I can do about it with the SD County Fair going on and shutting down the Del Mar Golf Center. Sorrento Canyon is an option, but I refuse to hit off mats after hurting my wrist in February/March and it finally coming back to near 90%.

 

Oh, and I got a new golf bag. Came in the mail today. Ping Hoofer Lite in red white and black. I haven't had a new bag in a few years and my Sun Mountain was starting to fall apart, so I'm pretty happy today.

[Insidious2]

> @Shades234 said:

>I've taken to heart the advice that you guys gave me last time about how to approach putting from inside 10-15' and everywhere else. I think I'm a much better reader of greens (break and speed) than I was before I posted in this thread, so I appreciate you guys for that.

>

 

Can you reference where that advice is? Something I'd like to read, too

 

 

[Obee]

There is so much I love here, I don't even know where to begin. I am drunk (ish). I love you guys. And golf. :-)

 

> @Shades234 said:

> Been keeping up with reading the thread but not posting much of my own updates because there's not much for me to say. Missed the cut in my past 2 events by a stroke or 2. Game is trending in the right direction though.

>

> The state of my current game revolves around 2 weaknesses. A general lack of birdies on my card and a few mental lapses/noncommittmal swings when I should be locked in over the ball. The lack of birdies will be remedied by putting better. I've taken to heart the advice that you guys gave me last time about how to approach putting from inside 10-15' and everywhere else. I think I'm a much better reader of greens (break and speed) than I was before I posted in this thread, so I appreciate you guys for that.

>

> Mechanically, I have a tendency right now to aim slightly right of target and pull the ball back on line. I've noticed this trend of missing putts just right of my intended line and after some camera and chalk line work, this is what I've discovered. So I'll be spending a lot of time working on getting the ball to start on line. I'm feeling confident that if I start my ball on my intended line, I can make a lot of putts. The mental aspect I'll just have to improve by being focused more during my friendly rounds. I've made a habit to stop talking to my buddies when I'm over the ball or walking into a shot. Currently developing a mental trigger where I shut off the people around me and focus on the shot that I am about to hit. I know it sounds basic, but it was something that was (is) holding me back and 90% of the reason that I've always scored better in tournaments than when I play casually.

>

> One thing in my game that I'm pretty happy about is my club selection. I've been picking the right club and shot in competition almost every time. Execution is another matter, but it's always gratifying to walk up to my ball regardless of where it ended up and think, "I had the right club in my hand. I'm picking the right shots. I can execute the next one."

>

> Next events for me are the San Diego City Am (Balboa Park + Torrey North) and then US Amateur Sectional Qualifying (CC Rancho Bernardo). Those events are mid-July so I have a little time to work between now and then. Will be spending most of my time putting and wedging. The rest will be working on my routine with bigger clubs and other general maintenance.

>

> Unfortunately, my club punches on 7/7 and then is going to close for 7-10 days for some maintenance the week before these events so I'll be back on the Stadium Golf Center grind for that, but they've got a solid facility so I'm not too disappointed. Not really looking forward to the 20 mile drive each way, but not much I can do about it with the SD County Fair going on and shutting down the Del Mar Golf Center. Sorrento Canyon is an option, but I refuse to hit off mats after hurting my wrist in February/March and it finally coming back to near 90%.

>

> Oh, and I got a new golf bag. Came in the mail today. Ping Hoofer Lite in red white and black. I haven't had a new bag in a few years and my Sun Mountain was starting to fall apart, so I'm pretty happy today.

 

 

[Shades234]

> @Spongeb0b said:

> > @Shades234 said:

> >I've taken to heart the advice that you guys gave me last time about how to approach putting from inside 10-15' and everywhere else. I think I'm a much better reader of greens (break and speed) than I was before I posted in this thread, so I appreciate you guys for that.

> >

>

> Can you reference where that advice is? Something I'd like to read, too

>

>

 

I think it all came in the form of responses by @Obee and @Ty_Webb to a comment I wrote. For full context, it starts around here: https://forums.golfwrx.com/discussion/comment/18908324#Comment_18908324

 

To quote @Ty_Webb

> Bear with me a second. There are two types of putting. Putting inside ten feet is mostly about getting your start line right. Speed is a little less important. That’s because most people can get speed right from inside ten feet. Outside ten feet speed control is more important. One of the key issues with longer putting is expectation management. Somewhere around 30 feet, tour players are slightly more likely to 3 putt than 1 putt. That means you should be trying to lay it dead from that range. Not to hole it.

 

 

[gioguy21]

i have been on travel for the last 5 days for work -- i have to get some range time in before the state open qualifier this monday. i played the course last week and have to say i'm really looking forward to playing there again.

[Insidious2]

> @Shades234 said:

> > @Spongeb0b said:

> > > @Shades234 said:

> > >I've taken to heart the advice that you guys gave me last time about how to approach putting from inside 10-15' and everywhere else. I think I'm a much better reader of greens (break and speed) than I was before I posted in this thread, so I appreciate you guys for that.

> > >

> >

> > Can you reference where that advice is? Something I'd like to read, too

> >

> >

>

> I think it all came in the form of responses by @Obee and @Ty_Webb to a comment I wrote. For full context, it starts around here: https://forums.golfwrx.com/discussion/comment/18908324#Comment_18908324

>

> To quote @Ty_Webb

> > Bear with me a second. There are two types of putting. Putting inside ten feet is mostly about getting your start line right. Speed is a little less important. That’s because most people can get speed right from inside ten feet. Outside ten feet speed control is more important. One of the key issues with longer putting is expectation management. Somewhere around 30 feet, tour players are slightly more likely to 3 putt than 1 putt. That means you should be trying to lay it dead from that range. Not to hole it.

>

>

 

Thank you. I was going to write a post about the 10-15 foot range and how I don't seem to be making nearly as many as I should (even with low make %) but I didn't want to clutter the thread. I seem to have maybe 6-8 of these birdie putts a round and am lucky to sink even one of them, and more often than not don't make any in a round. Would be great to make 1-2 and occasionally more.

[Ty_Webb]

> @Spongeb0b said:

> > @Shades234 said:

> > > @Spongeb0b said:

> > > > @Shades234 said:

> > > >I've taken to heart the advice that you guys gave me last time about how to approach putting from inside 10-15' and everywhere else. I think I'm a much better reader of greens (break and speed) than I was before I posted in this thread, so I appreciate you guys for that.

> > > >

> > >

> > > Can you reference where that advice is? Something I'd like to read, too

> > >

> > >

> >

> > I think it all came in the form of responses by @Obee and @Ty_Webb to a comment I wrote. For full context, it starts around here: https://forums.golfwrx.com/discussion/comment/18908324#Comment_18908324

> >

> > To quote @Ty_Webb

> > > Bear with me a second. There are two types of putting. Putting inside ten feet is mostly about getting your start line right. Speed is a little less important. That’s because most people can get speed right from inside ten feet. Outside ten feet speed control is more important. One of the key issues with longer putting is expectation management. Somewhere around 30 feet, tour players are slightly more likely to 3 putt than 1 putt. That means you should be trying to lay it dead from that range. Not to hole it.

> >

> >

>

> Thank you. I was going to write a post about the 10-15 foot range and how I don't seem to be making nearly as many as I should (even with low make %) but I didn't want to clutter the thread. I seem to have maybe 6-8 of these birdie putts a round and am lucky to sink even one of them, and more often than not don't make any in a round. Would be great to make 1-2 and occasionally more.

 

One thing I would suggest is double checking exactly how long a 10 foot putt is. I spent a long time thinking that a ten foot putt was actually more like 8 feet and 15 feet was more like 12 or so. My putting was better than I thought because I was actually putting from further away than I thought. Also worth pointing out that 6-8 birdie putts from 10-15 feet is extremely good. I doubt if many tour players have that many. Hitting 12 greens is very good and to have half of those inside 15 feet would be extremely solid. Expectation management is important.

[Shades234]

> @Ty_Webb said:

> > @Spongeb0b said:

> > > @Shades234 said:

> > > > @Spongeb0b said:

> > > > > @Shades234 said:

> > > > >I've taken to heart the advice that you guys gave me last time about how to approach putting from inside 10-15' and everywhere else. I think I'm a much better reader of greens (break and speed) than I was before I posted in this thread, so I appreciate you guys for that.

> > > > >

> > > >

> > > > Can you reference where that advice is? Something I'd like to read, too

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > > I think it all came in the form of responses by @Obee and @Ty_Webb to a comment I wrote. For full context, it starts around here: https://forums.golfwrx.com/discussion/comment/18908324#Comment_18908324

> > >

> > > To quote @Ty_Webb

> > > > Bear with me a second. There are two types of putting. Putting inside ten feet is mostly about getting your start line right. Speed is a little less important. That’s because most people can get speed right from inside ten feet. Outside ten feet speed control is more important. One of the key issues with longer putting is expectation management. Somewhere around 30 feet, tour players are slightly more likely to 3 putt than 1 putt. That means you should be trying to lay it dead from that range. Not to hole it.

> > >

> > >

> >

> > Thank you. I was going to write a post about the 10-15 foot range and how I don't seem to be making nearly as many as I should (even with low make %) but I didn't want to clutter the thread. I seem to have maybe 6-8 of these birdie putts a round and am lucky to sink even one of them, and more often than not don't make any in a round. Would be great to make 1-2 and occasionally more.

>

> One thing I would suggest is double checking exactly how long a 10 foot putt is. I spent a long time thinking that a ten foot putt was actually more like 8 feet and 15 feet was more like 12 or so. My putting was better than I thought because I was actually putting from further away than I thought. Also worth pointing out that 6-8 birdie putts from 10-15 feet is extremely good. I doubt if many tour players have that many. Hitting 12 greens is very good and to have half of those inside 15 feet would be extremely solid. Expectation management is important.

 

There also aren't a whole lot of tour pros playing 6400-6800 yard tracks under competition. Going to have a lot of < 400 yard holes on these courses which means a lot of wedges into greens. If you're wedging it well, no reason not to have a lot of short birdie looks. But I agree with the sentiment. If a tour pro had 6-8 birdie looks inside of 15' they'd be taking it deep under par that round. Sort of like Rory at the Canadian a few weeks back.

[bladehunter]

Ugh. Two rounds in a row now over par where I’ve hit 12-14 greens and made nothing. Playing again in the morning. And off Sunday. I’ve got to just focus on the process. But man a hot or cold putter is frustrating. I hit so many good putts this morning and made 1 birdie on a par 3 where I hit it to a literal foot. lol. Ugh. So close. But yet so far.

 

And I know what’s happening. It’s creeping into my mind. I’m thinking “ you’ll qualify if you make putts and you won’t if you don’t “. The closer to monday I’ve gotten the less I’m making. And yet I’m rolling it where I’m looking. ? How do you stop this ? Putting is just so final. Like no other shot. It’s just make or not. An iron it’s hit it close , or hit the next one close etc until you have to putt. Then it’s make or not. I’d love to play this game with no putting. Would be so stress-less. lol

[Ty_Webb]

> @bladehunter said:

> Ugh. Two rounds in a row now over par where I’ve hit 12-14 greens and made nothing. Playing again in the morning. And off Sunday. I’ve got to just focus on the process. But man a hot or cold putter is frustrating. I hit so many good putts this morning and made 1 birdie on a par 3 where I hit it to a literal foot. lol. Ugh. So close. But yet so far.

 

I feel you. I played a couple of weeks ago and hit it great, but holed nothing. I think I had 14 pars, two birdies and two bogeys. The two birdies were two par 5s hit in two. I was okay with it because I was hitting it well and I figured I was putting well, but they weren't going in. Just hang in there and it will turn. Then I went out and had a "two left arms" day. Hit it all over the place, but holed everything I looked at. 7 birdies. 5 bogeys and 2 doubles. Serious schizophrenic golf. Then the day after that I managed to blend the two together. That was fun. Not. I hit it dreadfully and putted dreadfully. One day. One day I'll get it all firing all at the same time. Last time I played I was back to the first one. 11 fairways and 13 greens (blue tees at Bethpage Black). 76. Gah!

 

In any case, the point of my story is if you're hitting it well and putting well, but the ball isn't going in the hole, don't do anything. Just keep at what you've been doing and it will happen.

[ThinkingPlus]

> @bladehunter said:

> Ugh. Two rounds in a row now over par where I’ve hit 12-14 greens and made nothing. Playing again in the morning. And off Sunday. I’ve got to just focus on the process. But man a hot or cold putter is frustrating. I hit so many good putts this morning and made 1 birdie on a par 3 where I hit it to a literal foot. lol. Ugh. So close. But yet so far.

>

> And I know what’s happening. It’s creeping into my mind. I’m thinking “ you’ll qualify if you make putts and you won’t if you don’t “. The closer to monday I’ve gotten the less I’m making. And yet I’m rolling it where I’m looking. ? How do you stop this ? Putting is just so final. Like no other shot. It’s just make or not. An iron it’s hit it close , or hit the next one close etc until you have to putt. Then it’s make or not. I’d love to play this game with no putting. Would be so stress-less. lol

 

BH, putting is all about acceptance. Once you read the putt and execute speed and line to the best of your ability it is out of your control. The putt falls or doesn't. While very hard to do, you have to accept what is outside your control. That means you will sometimes hit the ball great and roll it great, but not shoot a great score. You have to trust that those situations are anamolous and not let it creep into the rest of your game. Keep it positive and you will succeed.

[bladehunter]

> @Ty_Webb said:

> > @bladehunter said:

> > Ugh. Two rounds in a row now over par where I’ve hit 12-14 greens and made nothing. Playing again in the morning. And off Sunday. I’ve got to just focus on the process. But man a hot or cold putter is frustrating. I hit so many good putts this morning and made 1 birdie on a par 3 where I hit it to a literal foot. lol. Ugh. So close. But yet so far.

>

> I feel you. I played a couple of weeks ago and hit it great, but holed nothing. I think I had 14 pars, two birdies and two bogeys. The two birdies were two par 5s hit in two. I was okay with it because I was hitting it well and I figured I was putting well, but they weren't going in. Just hang in there and it will turn. Then I went out and had a "two left arms" day. Hit it all over the place, but holed everything I looked at. 7 birdies. 5 bogeys and 2 doubles. Serious schizophrenic golf. Then the day after that I managed to blend the two together. That was fun. Not. I hit it dreadfully and putted dreadfully. One day. One day I'll get it all firing all at the same time. Last time I played I was back to the first one. 11 fairways and 13 greens (blue tees at Bethpage Black). 76. Gah!

>

> In any case, the point of my story is if you're hitting it well and putting well, but the ball isn't going in the hole, don't do anything. Just keep at what you've been doing and it will happen.

 

> @ThinkingPlus said:

> > @bladehunter said:

> > Ugh. Two rounds in a row now over par where I’ve hit 12-14 greens and made nothing. Playing again in the morning. And off Sunday. I’ve got to just focus on the process. But man a hot or cold putter is frustrating. I hit so many good putts this morning and made 1 birdie on a par 3 where I hit it to a literal foot. lol. Ugh. So close. But yet so far.

> >

> > And I know what’s happening. It’s creeping into my mind. I’m thinking “ you’ll qualify if you make putts and you won’t if you don’t “. The closer to monday I’ve gotten the less I’m making. And yet I’m rolling it where I’m looking. ? How do you stop this ? Putting is just so final. Like no other shot. It’s just make or not. An iron it’s hit it close , or hit the next one close etc until you have to putt. Then it’s make or not. I’d love to play this game with no putting. Would be so stress-less. lol

>

> BH, putting is all about acceptance. Once you read the putt and execute speed and line to the best of your ability it is out of your control. The putt falls or doesn't. While very hard to do, you have to accept what is outside your control. That means you will sometimes hit the ball great and roll it great, but not shoot a great score. You have to trust that those situations are anamolous and not let it creep into the rest of your game. Keep it positive and you will succeed.

 

Thanks guys. I told myself the same thing. But sure does help To have it confirmed.

 

My goal tomorow is to hit my line and be ok with whatever it does. Such a hard thing for me to do.

 

Seems like the rest of the game you can always adjust or gain more control over. At least I can. But putting. Fook. It’s like ground hogs day on a loop. It’s especially frustrating with the amount of make able birdie looks I get. If I just roll in 3-4 or those a round I go under par easily. When I don’t I shoot 74-76. But I get 8-10 good looks a round counting par 5s in 2. And have never ever averaged making half of them. Maybe that’s an unrealistic expectation? I don’t know. Confidence always so fragile with that club.

[Insidious2]

> @Ty_Webb said:

> > @Spongeb0b said:

> > > @Shades234 said:

> > > > @Spongeb0b said:

> > > > > @Shades234 said:

> > > > >I've taken to heart the advice that you guys gave me last time about how to approach putting from inside 10-15' and everywhere else. I think I'm a much better reader of greens (break and speed) than I was before I posted in this thread, so I appreciate you guys for that.

> > > > >

> > > >

> > > > Can you reference where that advice is? Something I'd like to read, too

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > > I think it all came in the form of responses by @Obee and @Ty_Webb to a comment I wrote. For full context, it starts around here: https://forums.golfwrx.com/discussion/comment/18908324#Comment_18908324

> > >

> > > To quote @Ty_Webb

> > > > Bear with me a second. There are two types of putting. Putting inside ten feet is mostly about getting your start line right. Speed is a little less important. That’s because most people can get speed right from inside ten feet. Outside ten feet speed control is more important. One of the key issues with longer putting is expectation management. Somewhere around 30 feet, tour players are slightly more likely to 3 putt than 1 putt. That means you should be trying to lay it dead from that range. Not to hole it.

> > >

> > >

> >

> > Thank you. I was going to write a post about the 10-15 foot range and how I don't seem to be making nearly as many as I should (even with low make %) but I didn't want to clutter the thread. I seem to have maybe 6-8 of these birdie putts a round and am lucky to sink even one of them, and more often than not don't make any in a round. Would be great to make 1-2 and occasionally more.

>

> One thing I would suggest is double checking exactly how long a 10 foot putt is. I spent a long time thinking that a ten foot putt was actually more like 8 feet and 15 feet was more like 12 or so. My putting was better than I thought because I was actually putting from further away than I thought. Also worth pointing out that 6-8 birdie putts from 10-15 feet is extremely good. I doubt if many tour players have that many. Hitting 12 greens is very good and to have half of those inside 15 feet would be extremely solid. Expectation management is important.

 

Thanks, you're right, too. I should step off some of these putts and see how far they really are, I may think they're 10-15 but could be not insignificantly further. Probably worth writing down the distance and number of those putts, too, and not just guessing like i kinda did above.

[bladehunter]

Well @ThinkingPlus and @Obee or anyone else why cares. State AM sectional Qualifier was today. And I just had a sort of stuck in neutral day. Made zero feet of putts. Maybe 45ft no kidding. Lol. Started on 10 missed the green by a yard with a 5 iron and then missed the par putt. ( lipout) Yay ! Then 11 is a par 3 blind shot up hill. Hit a 9 iron pin high left on the fringe. Skank the chip and 3 putt for double. So I’m 3 over through 2. Settle down and hit next 5 greens and 2 putt for pars. Rest of the round is just me trying to make a putt. Never happened. Shot 81. 73 and ties got in. Worst thing is I didnt hit it bad. Zero penalty strokes. Hit 11 greens. Course played as far back as it can go , and easily the fastest greens I’ve putted. The kid who shot 66 is my home clubs champion. College junior at a small school and he told me he made every putt he saw today.

 

Anyway. Here’s link to scoring if anyone is interested.

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/1923434

 

I’m not entirely down this time as I know that I struck it well enough to qualify if I putt lights out and well enough to be within 2 if I just putt ok. I never got the stone hands feeling today. Never was nervous. Not really. More angry. I was angry from the first missed putt. Maybe because I’ve seen this movie before. But I never gave up or got down. Just head down and pushed. Anyway. I said I’d post it good or bad. I think it’s on the middle of that and is just frustratingly slow progress.

 

 

[gioguy21]

After changing putters back to my piretti; my confidence has put me back to low numbers. I had two poor tee shots today otherwise it couldve been a seriously low number. Had birdie looks on 5 or 6 holes that I didnt birdie - and after a rough starting 9 (I started on the back 9), I gave myself a stern talking to walking to the 10th tee and kicked the focus into gear. Went 39/34, and managed T5 in the qual to get into the state open.

 

 

[ThinkingPlus]

> @gioguy21 said:

> After changing putters back to my piretti; my confidence has put me back to low numbers. I had two poor tee shots today otherwise it couldve been a seriously low number. Had birdie looks on 5 or 6 holes that I didnt birdie - and after a rough starting 9 (I started on the back 9), I gave myself a stern talking to walking to the 10th tee and kicked the focus into gear. Went 39/34, and managed T5 in the qual to get into the state open.

>

>

>

>

>

 

Well done!

[ThinkingPlus]

> @bladehunter said:

> Well @ThinkingPlus and @Obee or anyone else why cares. State AM sectional Qualifier was today. And I just had a sort of stuck in neutral day. Made zero feet of putts. Maybe 45ft no kidding. Lol. Started on 10 missed the green by a yard with a 5 iron and then missed the par putt. ( lipout) Yay ! Then 11 is a par 3 blind shot up hill. Hit a 9 iron pin high left on the fringe. **** the chip and 3 putt for double. So I’m 3 over through 2. Settle down and hit next 5 greens and 2 putt for pars. Rest of the round is just me trying to make a putt. Never happened. Shot 81. 73 and ties got in. Worst thing is I didnt hit it bad. Zero penalty strokes. Hit 11 greens. Course played as far back as it can go , and easily the fastest greens I’ve putted. The kid who shot 66 is my home clubs champion. College junior at a small school and he told me he made every putt he saw today.

>

> Anyway. Here’s link to scoring if anyone is interested.

> https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/1923434

>

> I’m not entirely down this time as I know that I struck it well enough to qualify if I putt lights out and well enough to be within 2 if I just putt ok. I never got the stone hands feeling today. Never was nervous. Not really. More angry. I was angry from the first missed putt. Maybe because I’ve seen this movie before. But I never gave up or got down. Just head down and pushed. Anyway. I said I’d post it good or bad. I think it’s on the middle of that and is just frustratingly slow progress.

>

>

 

It is important to stay optimistic and accentuate the positives while still acknowledging areas to improve. When I have encountered very fast greens it frequently leaves me a bit shell shocked. However, the more you deal with the ultra fast greens, the better you will handle them. I think I make it a bit of a game within the game. Can I get the speed right on every putt? Still don't make alot, but helps me get comfortable with the speed. Just keep at it. You strike the ball too well not to do well in tournaments.

[bladehunter]

> @ThinkingPlus said:

> > @bladehunter said:

> > Well @ThinkingPlus and @Obee or anyone else why cares. State AM sectional Qualifier was today. And I just had a sort of stuck in neutral day. Made zero feet of putts. Maybe 45ft no kidding. Lol. Started on 10 missed the green by a yard with a 5 iron and then missed the par putt. ( lipout) Yay ! Then 11 is a par 3 blind shot up hill. Hit a 9 iron pin high left on the fringe. **** the chip and 3 putt for double. So I’m 3 over through 2. Settle down and hit next 5 greens and 2 putt for pars. Rest of the round is just me trying to make a putt. Never happened. Shot 81. 73 and ties got in. Worst thing is I didnt hit it bad. Zero penalty strokes. Hit 11 greens. Course played as far back as it can go , and easily the fastest greens I’ve putted. The kid who shot 66 is my home clubs champion. College junior at a small school and he told me he made every putt he saw today.

> >

> > Anyway. Here’s link to scoring if anyone is interested.

> > https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/1923434

> >

> > I’m not entirely down this time as I know that I struck it well enough to qualify if I putt lights out and well enough to be within 2 if I just putt ok. I never got the stone hands feeling today. Never was nervous. Not really. More angry. I was angry from the first missed putt. Maybe because I’ve seen this movie before. But I never gave up or got down. Just head down and pushed. Anyway. I said I’d post it good or bad. I think it’s on the middle of that and is just frustratingly slow progress.

> >

> >

>

> It is important to stay optimistic and accentuate the positives while still acknowledging areas to improve. When I have encountered very fast greens it frequently leaves me a bit shell shocked. However, the more you deal with the ultra fast greens, the better you will handle them. I think I make it a bit of a game within the game. Can I get the speed right on every putt? Still don't make alot, but helps me get comfortable with the speed. Just keep at it. You strike the ball too well not to do well in tournaments.

 

Yep. I’ve had a little reflection time over dinner and I came away with a few takeaways that may seem silly , but when put into perspective make sense to me.

 

1. Although I didn’t get it done today , I can play with anyone. Today’s field had the top players from the state in it including two scholarship D1 players .

2. I played a relatively clean round , 1 ball and zero penalties today. 81 was absolutely the highest I could have shot. I didn’t putt horribly either. Speed was actually quite good.

 

The perspective is that I’ve only played this game since 2014. Thinking in that light I made a baby step today. I was 8 shots off qualifying for the biggest tournament in the state. I’ll be ok.

[Obee]

How much faster were the greens than what you typically play?

[bladehunter]

> @Obee said:

> How much faster were the greens than what you typically play?

 

Eh. I’d guess around a foot and a half to possibly 2 feet on downhill putts More than speed it was subtle breaks. ( champion Bermuda). One putt would have a touch of grain influence and the next would look the same and just be dead straight. I don’t know how many I lined up on the lip and rolled over that mark without breaking. Hard to say how much was speed influenced. Some did go 3 ft by, so less speed may have died in the hole ? Don’t know. I ended the round with a 8 ft birdie putt , down hill slightly with what appeared to me like a cup of right to left. Came off a slope from a bunker. I breathed on it and hit my line which was one ball outside right. It finished 1 ball outside right dead even with the cup. I’d have bet my bag of clubs that putt moved left. And if I hit it any softer it doesn’t get there. Was just a lot of that all day. Straight putts for me are just tough. I don’t trust straight. I don’t see it.

[JAMH03]

 

You rocked it @gioguy21 congrats!

[gioguy21]

side note...i gotta hit the gym more.

[ThinkingPlus]

> @bladehunter said:

> > @Obee said:

> > How much faster were the greens than what you typically play?

>

> Eh. I’d guess around a foot and a half to possibly 2 feet on downhill putts More than speed it was subtle breaks. ( champion Bermuda). One putt would have a touch of grain influence and the next would look the same and just be dead straight. I don’t know how many I lined up on the lip and rolled over that mark without breaking. Hard to say how much was speed influenced. Some did go 3 ft by, so less speed may have died in the hole ? Don’t know. I ended the round with a 8 ft birdie putt , down hill slightly with what appeared to me like a cup of right to left. Came off a slope from a bunker. I breathed on it and hit my line which was one ball outside right. It finished 1 ball outside right dead even with the cup. I’d have bet my bag of clubs that putt moved left. And if I hit it any softer it doesn’t get there. Was just a lot of that all day. Straight putts for me are just tough. I don’t trust straight. I don’t see it.

 

Reading greens: my Achilles heel as well. Hardest aspect of putting and too little attention paid to it IMO. Subtle breaks are the hardest to read. Competing slopes with no obvious break, yet you know it is going to move. I have been living this dream for awhile.

[Obee]

I wish I was close. Would love to watch your routine/stroke.

 

> @ThinkingPlus said:

> > @bladehunter said:

> > > @Obee said:

> > > How much faster were the greens than what you typically play?

> >

> > Eh. I’d guess around a foot and a half to possibly 2 feet on downhill putts More than speed it was subtle breaks. ( champion Bermuda). One putt would have a touch of grain influence and the next would look the same and just be dead straight. I don’t know how many I lined up on the lip and rolled over that mark without breaking. Hard to say how much was speed influenced. Some did go 3 ft by, so less speed may have died in the hole ? Don’t know. I ended the round with a 8 ft birdie putt , down hill slightly with what appeared to me like a cup of right to left. Came off a slope from a bunker. I breathed on it and hit my line which was one ball outside right. It finished 1 ball outside right dead even with the cup. I’d have bet my bag of clubs that putt moved left. And if I hit it any softer it doesn’t get there. Was just a lot of that all day. Straight putts for me are just tough. I don’t trust straight. I don’t see it.

>

> Reading greens: my Achilles heel as well. Hardest aspect of putting and too little attention paid to it IMO. Subtle breaks are the hardest to read. Competing slopes with no obvious break, yet you know it is going to move. I have been living this dream for awhile.