I have been keeping track of my putting stats for some time now whenever I golf. Three putts are, of course, the biggest bane for me. And I’m sure for most golfers as well. The average two putts are good, while a one-putt is revered.
Yesterday, I played in my club’s Monthly Medal tournament, and as always, the putting was something I was more conscious of than my other shots. I was doing okay until one hole – it was disastrous beyond words.
Whenever the flagstick is at the back of the green, doubt would creep in. What do I do? How do I play the shot? Unfortunately, I tend to make the wrong decision on what clubs to use to approach the green.
It’s as if I never learn from past experiences and repeat the same mistakes whenever I’m in this situation. All the time! Why? Yesterday was no different.
I approached the green and left myself short on the front for a long putt. Or what I call a three-putt zone. Uh-oh, danger lights were flickering wildly for the impending three-putt.
But did I three-putt? No! I did not. Instead, I five-putted. Yes, you read that right! I landed on the green front on three and did a five-putt! I was beyond peeved. Was it bad putting? I certainly erred in my line reading.
When I missed the third putt, I lost my focus. Whatever it was, it was a record, albeit a horrid one, for me to do a five-putt. I hope this will be the first and last time.
The lesson learned here is perhaps not to approach the green short on the front whenever there is the blue flagstick. Either play it short for a chip-and-run approach or take a club or two longer to land the ball closer to the cup.
This theory may or may not work, and I will only know the next time I golf and find myself in this situation again. I hope I can remember this theory to save the blushes and no more repeat of the horrendous five-putt record.
Angieneering 
Remarks