We’ve all been there.
It’s what connects us as golfers – both pro and amateur alike. The difference is, after we blow a short “gimmie” putt, we don’t get to cash a million dollar check for winning a season long points race.
But Lexi Thompson did, and congrats to her on a great season, winning the race for the CME Globe.
But that botched 2-foot putt (that looked closer to 18 inches) on the 18th hole of the CME Group Tour Championship kept her from also winning the final tournament of the year, player of the year honors and an additional $500,000.
Ouch.
And considering the unfortunate and controversial rule violation she suffered earlier this season during the third round of the ANA Inspiration, it wouldn’t be far fetched to think that she might be getting a little nervy in tight moments of big events.
But Lexi is a world class player and technique is not her issue. Mentally, she will need to figure out how to overcome the tension of the big moment so she can execute properly, and I have no doubt she will in the future.
She shouldn’t dwell on this miss and let it get in her head. Just stay positive and move on.
But for the rest of us, there’s a little more to it.
Whether you are playing for 20 bucks against your pals, attempting to win your club championship, or just going for a personal best, that final short one can wreak havoc on your nerves. And if your technique isn’t sound, mistakes will be amplified.
It doesn’t take much for that putter face to open or close just fractionally enough to miss the putt.
Stress creates tension, and tension affects the way the nerves control the muscles in the body. You need them to stay relaxed so the stroke can remain smooth and pure, instead of jerky or wobbly.
But your technique must be solid or controlling the tension won’t matter.
Here are five tips to help ensure you handle those “gimmies” and keep the momentum of the round going.
1. Take a deep breath and breathe slowly.
First, remove as much tension as you can before you stroke the putt. Deep, slow breathing helps relax the nerves of the body. Take a deep breath or two before you get into your set up.
2. Go through your normal routine.
Just because it’s a chippy doesn’t mean you should rush or alter your method. It’s an important putt. So act as if it’s a 20-footer and give it the attention it deserves.
3. Don’t play it outside the hole.
99 times out of 100 you never want to play a 2-footer outside the hole. You should be hitting it with enough pace to negate most of the break. Unless the putt is severely downhill AND on a significant slick slope, always play the putt inside the hole. It may be played inside the right or left edge, but never outside the hole. Be confident and firm with the stroke. “Back of the cup” should be your mantra.
4. Maintain your normal tempo.
When pressure mounts, people tend to get quick with their stroke. Try to keep your normal rhythm and tempo. Whether you have a 1-2 tempo or a 1-2-3 tempo, try to duplicate it. Personally, I like the say it (one-two) in my head as I make the stroke. That also helps me not think about the stress of the putt.
5. Make sure the back of the lead hand goes towards the back of the cup.
This is the most important tip of all. When tension increases, we tend to leave the putter face open and push the putt to the right, just like Lexi did. For right handed golfers (opposite for lefties), once you’ve aimed the putt and locked your left hand in place, envision the back of your left hand moving towards the back of the cup throughout the stoke. This will keep your putter face square through impact.
Do these things and you will save yourself the frustration of the dreaded 2-foot miss.
As for Lexi, look for her to bounce back and have an even better year in 2018. Hopefully with less drama for her sake.
(Featured photo by Getty Images)