On the Green

I find that whether someone who plays only nine or 18 holes, what happens on the course is different from what you see on the range. Let me explain. The golf course looks and is different from the range with hills, slopes, ponds, sand, flagsticks, doglegs and so on. How one golfer reacts to all this can be very different from another, however, I do find some similarities that cover most golfers. For example, a majority of approach shots that are made to the green are often short. I find golfers of all skill levels doing this, some more often than others.

One cause for short approach shots is fear based - afraid to hit the ball too far for fear of going over the green. This one unconscious fear prevents good scoring, but can be overcome through experience. Recently I was pushing and prodding and encouraging a student to be bold, brave and determined with his approach shots. On one particular hole he hit it onto the green and it rolled past and slightly off the back. I was so thrilled for him. He of course wasn't sure this was good at all.

The very next shot he made was short, fearful in his mind to go too far again especially with a downhill putt. I coaxed him on and as I held the flagstick for him I said, ‘be sure to get the ball to me or beyond." As the balled rolled steadily down hill the twenty feet to the cup with enough "spunk" to go past the hole, the ball dropped into the bottom of the cup. The excitement, laughter, and high fives were so contagious and rewarding.

I kept encouraging "get on the green, get it there" on each hole and believe it or not putts started to go in, chips were closer and smiles were abundant. On the last hole, the biggest joy of all came when he got on the green in two shots and sank a long putt for a birdie. Unbelievable fun and excitement there was. All because, he was no longer leaving shots short. It takes time and experience to believe that you can get it there and beyond and still play well, if not better.

Tiger Woods, the best player in the world, has always been known to hit the ball pin high on almost every hole. If it works for him, it will work for you.

Please take the time the next time you are out playing to notice how many times you come up short of the green, short on your chip shots or shot on your putts. Mark it down on your scorecard and assess your results at the end of the round. If you think you need help contact your nearest LPGA or PGA professional and ask them to follow you around the course for a few holes. You will be surprised what we see.

Joyce Wilcox is a teaching professional for Topsail Greens Golf Club and an LPGA Class A Member.