Drive for show putt for dough the saying goes. The meaning behind this is that you will, on average use your driver eight to ten times a round maybe a little more maybe a little less, you will however use your putter on average thirty six times in a regulation round and on a good day. We have all had rounds I'm sure where the flat stick has been out of the bag thirty times in the first nine. Think about it, that's thirty six strokes, that's half the strokes on a regular par seventy two course! So miss a turn at the driving range and head for the putting green to cut your strokes. This article is called 'Look To Cut Your Strokes' and so putting green aside these are five simple 'looks' to get that score card in a healthier condition.
1; As you approach the green look at the contours of it, does it slope left or right, to the back or to the front, it is often easier to see the main contours from a distance and so when you get to the green you already know the lie of the land.
2; Once upon the green, 'look' at it from all angles. Walk around it, mindful of yours and your playing partners lines, feel the contours through your feet. You will gain so much information about the breaks and borrows from different viewpoints, a little rise here a little dip there which could affect your putt.
3; 'Look' at the grass, which way is it growing? It gradually changes throughout the day as the tiny blades follow the sun. If the nap is towards you it will create more drag and slow the ball, if the grass is growing away towards the hole the putt will be a little faster.
4; It sounds silly but 'look' at your ball. In fact always, always mark it and pick it up, this gives you the opportunity to clean it and also slows you down so you have the chance to really gauge your line. If you don't know where you are aiming it makes it impossible to hit the target.
5; finally, 'look' at the hole, not just to see where it is but how it is. Are the footprints around it? There often are as everybody in front of you will have placed a foot near the hole as they reach in to retrieve their ball. Is the hole level? A difference in levels around the hole can allow a ball to jump the hole or lip out.
These simple tips will cut your strokes and cost you nothing except a little time and after all golf ain't a race is it?
Happy Rounds.
Big Norm is a weekend hacker,gives private tuition and never pays full price http://www.golfamateur.co.uk
