| Original Message |
sammy (no login)
Posted Feb 21, 2009 2:23 PM
It depends on how you want to use a practice green. I prefer a flat practice green, ideally without any cups. Those that need cups to practice may be diverting their attention away from the purpose of practice putting before a round.
All I do is find the flattest 20 feet of green and putt 3 balls ... I putt the first to any distance and then the next two I attempt to consciously repeat the energy of the stroke to get near to the first ball. I do this for varying distances which requires energy control.
On a sloped putt, all you can hope for is to control the first 2 yards or metres and then watch the ball roll where you assumed it would roll .. and then follow up with the next two balls. It's a learning process on the practice green because there are few "straight" putts in play.
On flat greens you practice to control the distance and direction ... while on sloped putts you control the start of the path and practice controlling the energy to reach the final resting point. Sometimes my energy generation is too varied and I know I have lost my "touch" .. most likely due to my emotional state of mind ... drats ..!!!!
Starting a round of golf, you should not try to hole putts on the practice green because that only deludes you into thinking you have your "feel". You should test your "feel" with varied exercises so you can consciously learn what you will be facing when you are on the course greens. Sinking putts on the practice green is not the test of competence. Some sink a couple of practice putts and say "I'm ready!"... good luck.
Most people don't know how to "practice" because practice is not "fun". True practice is done over years, not minutes ... and if you are trying to "find" your putting stroke mechanics before a round, you are in deep doodoo ...!!!! Most recreational golfers don't really care what kind of putting stroke they have and just poke the ball and hope.
The putting stroke may be next to nothing ... but it requires exquisite control and knowledge to execute properly. Ask Geoff ...!!!! |
|
|