What are you thinking about when you see Tiger Woods struggle with his putting? As I watch, I’m thinking about the world’s best golfer, with the best resources available missing putts he should make.
Two Putting Heads
Anyone want to argue that Tiger’s head may not be in the greatest shape? He’s been through a lot. I’m not going to judge what he’s done, but I will say it’s affecting his putting game.
There are two heads that are important to making putts:
- The head on your shoulders
- The Putter Head
Tiger Woods is considered on of the best putters of all time. His putting technique and stroke are pure. I think it’s a toss-up between Tiger and Jack Nicklaus for the best clutch putter of all time. I don’t think there is anything fundamentally wrong with Tiger’s putting stroke. What’s going on then?
Is The Head on Your Shoulders Abusing You?
Tiger Woods goes into every round with the putting techniques and stroke that he’s perfected over the course of thousands of hours of training and practice. When you go into your round, you too are going into the round with all the skill and technique you have available.
Do you find it difficult to adjust your putting stroke on the golf course? I do. I have confidence in my putting, so I’m very reluctant to change my stroke. But my stroke is not usually the problem. The problem is what’s going through my head and my mind.
Too Much Noise
Distractions and frustrations make my putts unpredictable. Worse, missing the putts make me more frustrated creating a vicious circle. It just gets worse and worse.
Removing distractions is tough. I do everything I can to clear my mind on the way to the course. One of the best things I’ve found is to listen to calming music on the drive in.
Frustration Prevention
Routine helps too. Doing my pre-round putting routine sets my rhythm and let’s me work out problems on the practice green. Try it. Eliminate frustration before you get on the course.
Hot Head = Missed Putts
Do you get frustrated when you make a bad golf shot? I do. The trick is to compartmentalize that frustration. Get it out before you move your feet out of your stance after a bad shot. Leave it all right there. With your first step, start preparing for the next shot.
If you miss a putt you think you should have made, don’t rush into the next shot. Start by taking a step backwards and don’t move forward until you’ve started to think about MAKING the next putt.
If you take your frustrated distracted hot head to the next shot or putt, you are beating yourself. Do what you need to do to cool your head and focus on preparation and routine.
Summary
The head on your shoulders is probably more important that the putter head when making putts. Putting techniques and putting tips are going be of very little help if you’re playing with a hot head. Cool down, focus, prepare and follow your routine and step back until you’re ready
