Use less loft to make more up-and-downs
Ten years on, Martin Kaymer’s US Open triumph at Pinehurst highlights the key to good strategy around the greens. On his way to an eight-stroke victory, Kaymer elected to putt – rather than chip – on the tight turf around the greens on the No.2 course.
Many amateurs choose to use the ‘Texas wedge’ from just off the green for fear of flubbing a chip, but there is sound methodology in the practice.
Don’t use loft unless you must. Unless you devote significant practice time to your short game, lofted clubs from close range very rarely produce consistent results. Practise shots from off the green not only with your putter, but with other lower-lofted clubs such as a 3-wood, hybrid or even 4 or 5-iron.
Practise with each of those from various distances off the green and see which gives you the greatest sense of control. You will feel far more confident next time you need to make that up-and-down.Â
Longer and smoother
Don’t hit putts from off the green harder; instead think longer and smoother with your stroke. You don’t want the ball to ‘pop’ off the putterface but almost feel like it sticks to the putterhead as it comes through. That’s the best way to get the ball rolling in its truest sense as quickly as possible.
If you have any questions or are interested in undertaking some online lessons, e-mail me at [email protected]
Getty images: Mike Ehrmann
