Scoring Tip #2: Lag Putting
If reader response is any indication, July's newsletter tip was a homerun! Thank you so much for the feedback. Like most tasks in life, it is helpful to set golf goals that are both measurable and quantifiable. The goal of last month's drill was to make 90% from three feet when practicing short putts, and it seems to have been a good benchmark when completing drill number one. You will want to keep the yardstick handy for this month's drill as we focus on lag putting, particlarly the thirty foot putt.
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| Picture 1 |
When setting up this drill station, try to plan four different types of thirty footers. An example would be to set up a thirty foot up hill putt, a thirty foot downhill putt (See Picture # 1), a thirty foot left to right putt, and a thirty foot right to left breaking putt. Thirty feet equals ten yards so you can use the yard stick to help you gauge the correct distance.
To complete the set up for this drill, use your yardstick again to set up a circle with a six foot diameter (three foot radius) around the hole using the cup as your center point. You should use ten tees with golf balls on them to outline your circle (See Picture # 2).
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| Picture 2 |
The hole in golf is only 4.25 inches in diameter so the destination of your thirty foot putts from four different locations should be the six foot circle and not the hole. Use ten balls, and do not move from one location to another until you can get eight out of ten putts to finish in the six foot circle. You are then within 3 feet and can use what you learned in July's scoring tip to put it away.
The term "three putting" in golf has nothing to do with missing the second putt, but it has everything to do with not getting the first putt close enough. If you need some mechanical help with distance control, I would recommend my DVD, From Putt to Drive. You will want to pay particular attention to the section on learning to even out both sides of your putting stroke. Lag putting can be taught, and touch is something that can be acquired over time if you will follow the lag putting drills.
I would like to close by bringing your attention to a new feature on our website / blog / newsletter. There is a new 'Share Your Story' icon to the left of this article. This is your opportunity to share your experiences at the Classic Swing Golf School with readers who may be contemplating attending a golf school or trying to decide if Classic Swing is the right choice for them. You can click on the icon and share your story to be included in our blog. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Good luck a with your lag putting, and next month, I will highlight chipping.
Ted Frick
Owner/Director of Instruction
Classic Swing Golf School
2005 Carolinas PGA Section Teacher of the Year
TPI Level 1 Certified Golf Fitness Instructor
G.S.E.D., The Golfing Machine
tfrick@classicswing.com
