When it comes to putting in golf, distance control is the key to success. While reading greens and understanding slopes are important, having precise speed can make the game a little easier for yourself. To improve your distance control and elevate your putting game, consider taking this Brad Faxon-approved putting IQ test.
The Importance of Distance Control
Did you know that PGA players only make 18 percent of putts from 15-20 feet? However, when they have a putt between 3-5 feet, they sink it 88 percent of the time. This drastic difference in success rates is a result of their expertise in distance control. PGA players have mastered the art of lag putting, consistently leaving their first shot close to the hole and finishing it off with a precise putt.
Understanding the Concept
The putting IQ test shared by Brad Faxon, an eight-time PGA Tour winner and Rory McIlroy’s putting coach, is designed to improve distance control and green-reading ability. The test involves two 10-foot putts, one below the hole and the other above the hole. The question is: If both putts are hit at the same time, which ball will reach the hole first?
The Outcomes
According to Faxon, there are three possible outcomes: the uphill putt gets there first, the downhill putt gets there first, or they both reach the hole at the same time. To understand the dynamics, consider that hitting an uphill putt to the same distance as a downhill putt requires hitting it harder. Therefore, the uphill putt moves faster over the same length of time and reaches the hole first.
The Role of Break and Green Imperfections
One interesting stat shared by Faxon is that PGA Tour players make more putts from the same distance when putting uphill compared to putting downhill. This is due to the fact that the slower a putt travels, the more it breaks. For example, a putt traveling uphill from 6 o’clock to 8 o’clock will break left to right, while a putt from 4 o’clock to 8 o’clock will break right to left.
Furthermore, when putting from the top side of the hole (10 o’clock to 2 o’clock), putts will have more break compared to putts from 4 o’clock to 8 o’clock. Understanding this break and adjusting your distance control accordingly becomes crucial, especially when dealing with downhill putts. Downhill putts require a softer touch and a better understanding of uncontrollable factors such as imperfections in the green, wind, and the influence of gravity due to the slower pace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How can I improve my distance control in putting?
Practice is key. Spend time on the putting green, focusing on lag putting and leaving yourself with shorter second putts. Experiment with different speeds and read the breaks on the greens to enhance your distance control.
Why is distance control more challenging on downhill putts?
Downhill putts require a softer touch because the ball is traveling at a slower pace and is more susceptible to the elements, imperfections in the green, wind, and the pull of gravity. Understanding these factors and adjusting your stroke accordingly is crucial for successful distance control on downhill putts.
Is distance control more important than trying to make every putt?
Yes, distance control is paramount. While it’s tempting to always aim to make every putt, it’s unrealistic and can lead to inconsistent results. Focusing on distance control allows you to leave yourself with manageable second putts, increasing your chances of sinking more putts overall.
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