New GolfWRX Column: The Most Important Putts to Make

[Richie3Jack]

The Most Important Putts to Make

Back in May, I felt that Tiger Woods was Statistically Primed For the U.S. Open.

Tiger had just come off his fourth victory for the year, and was using a very conservative tee shot strategy — hitting a lot of 3 woods and 5 woods off tees where most of his competitors were hitting driver.

All of the research I have conducted actually states that a conservative tee shot strategy is usually a bad idea, and that leaving the driver in the bag should be a golfer’s very last option, not his first or second option. But, my reasoning was that since Merion would force a lot of lay-up shots off the tee and that nobody was better at laying up off the tee than Tiger, he was in prime position to win his fourth U.S. Open.

However, there was something that made me a little uncomfortable about forecasting Tiger’s success for the U.S. Open. For most of the first half of the season he was by far and away the best putter on the PGA Tour from outside 15 feet. And all the research I have done has shown that Tour players will move toward the means on putts from outside 15 feet regardless of their putting skill level. I feel that this important information for amateurs to understand in order to not only putt better, but to better plan their shots.


Read More: www.golfwrx.com/123040/the-most-important-putts-to-make/

[cwdlaw223]

Richie. -

Any data on the length of the miss for 3-5 footers by tour players? 8 footers? 10 footers?

I often see these guys (Tiger) try to ram these putts in the cup. I'm not that bold and like a bigger capture width. Maybe TV gives me this thought because Tiger is always shown and he looks like a rammer. Phil appears to miss big on short, flat putts.

[Richie3Jack]

They have data as to how long their average leave is, but not by length.

I don't think Tiger rams them as much as people think. I think he's fairly 'fast', but nothing like Phil was before Phil started working with Stockton. Since Phil worked with Stockton, his speed improved and his Putts Gained improved tremendously.






3JACK

[gmbtempe]

Good article as usual...I would add for higher handicappers though they probably will get more out of 3 putt avoidance, I see so many 20-25 handicaps just 3 putt multiple times per round.

[Richie3Jack]

I agree. Although part of the problem is that they have 'ballstriking 3-putts.' They hit such bad shots into the green that even good putting Tour pros would have difficulty not 3-putting from super long distance. But again, if they can get that first putt inside 8 feet and are good at making puttins from 8 feet and in...then they won't have to worry about 3-putting as much.






3JACK