Watching yesterday's Compaq Classic in New Orlean's reminded me of Compaq's World Putting Championship back in '96 & '97 featuring a first prize of $250,000! The search was on for the world's best putter, worldwide, and anyone could compete, amateurs as well as professionals. For several months, many local and regional putting contests were held and eventually the finals were at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. ESPN televised some of the early competition as well as the finals. Many of today's PGA Tour professionals competed and I believe that some amateurs did reach the finals; however, the '96 winner was current PGA Tour professional, Len Mattiace. Does anyone, amateur or professional, recall the event?...compete in the event?... or reach the finals in Florida?
Larry Stanley
The Putting Edge
Elk Grove, CA USA
OnePuttLarry@aol.com
http://www.ThePuttingEdge.com

The 1996 WPC won by Len Mattiace gave him a lot of exposure. On my Tips page, I have a link to a tip from Mattiace that came from his Golf Magazine article about the win.

The WPC was run by Pelz. You can find more info on http://www.pelzgolf.com I believe, unless it is no longer in operation. Or try searching http://www.google.com for "World putting championship".

Cheers!

Geoff Mangum
The PuttingZone
http://hometown.aol.com/puttmagic
The Future of Putting Now - elite instruction, comprehensive resources

Geoff
Thanks for your response. I did read Len Mattiace's putting tip on your Tips Page long ago, and if I recall I think he suggested that one inhale and hold for just a second before stroking the putt. I practiced it, but didn't notice any significant positive change in my putting. One may just have to stick with that technique for a while to be comfortable with it, then again maybe I just do it instinctively. I do believe that a good putter develops his or her own style of putting technique and the routine just comes naturally...then from time to time we are always trying to better our putting skills by experimenting with new putting tips and new putters. Your site is just so incredible and informative and offers one the opportunity to explore and learn about the many aspects/facets of putting...I can't say enough about this site and recommend it to my friends and acquaintances.

Thanks...Larry

Larry Stanley
The Putting Edge
Elk Grove, CA USA
OnePuttLarry@aol.com
http://www.ThePuttingEdge.com