I’m not a good putter.
But I’m better than you think.
Like many amateurs, when I’m on, I’m on. This is especially true from circle two, in my experience. However, when I’m off, I’m really off – and things get ugly. What’s perhaps most maddening about my “off” days on the putting green, though, is that they’re rarely ever the same.
There are guys who tend to miss high. There are guys who tend to miss low. And, of course, there are guys who tend to miss off to the side of the basket in either direction, as well. At one point or another, depending on the day, I’ve done it all. Here’s what’s turning my hair gray …
During a poor-putting round, rarely do I spray my KC Pro Aviar all over the basket. Instead, it’s the same miss over and over again. Have you ever heard this definition of “insanity,” by chance?
It’s frequently attributed to Albert Einstein:
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.”
He never said that.
The idea (and quote) actually comes from Rita Mae Brown’s 1983 novel, “Sudden Death.” Regardless, the principle is one that’s got tons of application on the putting green.
For example, let’s say that, over the course of 18 holes, I’m repeatedly missing high from 33 feet and in – it’s obvious to anyone watching. Usually, in the process of turning in a poor putting performance, my knee-jerk reaction is to whine, complain about my “bad luck” and talk incessantly about how good of a score I’d have if it wasn’t for my sucky short game.
All this, mind you, while continuing with the SAME nonsense …
- Off the top.
- Off the chastity belt.
- Off the number plate.
Dear reader, I don’t care who came up with the concept …
THIS is insanity.
Whether from the tee, in the middle of the fairway or on the putting green, you don’t have to be near an empty soccer field or in the backyard next to your practice basket to make a few tweaks to your game. Go straight to the source – do it during a round. And if things don’t improve …
Who cares?
At least you’ve acknowledged that there’s a problem and are attempting to do something about it. In time, with enough of a sample size, you’ll get it right. This can’t be said for throwing 400-plus feet. It can be said for putting well, though. Make a much-needed change or two. Then, move on.
Otherwise, it’s off to the funny farm for your next round …
I’ll see you there.
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Editor’s Suggestions:
- This is where the ‘Green Splatter’ name comes from
- Gripe No. 71: Wet socks as a result of a disc-retrieval
- Disc golf: Do this when tempted to throw an ill-advised ‘hero shot’
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