OC Golf Course

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Most of us have drained that long putt before.  You know, that 25+ footer that seems to track to the hole right after it leaves the putter face.  Even though we know it's all luck, we instantly gain confidence in our overall putting skills, which usually translate to a good putting for the rest of the day.

That feeling is amazing, because the rest of the foursome are usually cheering while you lift your hand up to show your satisfaction and happiness.

Eventually though, that moment fades away and in an attempt to recreate it, we all end up putting the ball too hard.  We remember the saying of "never up, never in" and we end up hitting the ball 8 feet pass the hole.  We look around and no one is smiling because you are still up, as you are still farthest away from the hole.

If scores are what you care about, I suggest lagging the ball close to the hole on long putts.  Your goal on long putts should never be trying to hole it because setting this expectation is unreasonable.  Next time you're up, try this on long putts.

Pretend the hole is 2 feet wide and putt the ball into that imaginery hole.  Once you succeed, you will have an easy tap-in for a 2-putt.  This avoids the dreaded 3 putt, or even a 4 putt.  The pros do this all the time, maybe it's time you try it too.