Matchplay/putting woes.

[Deleted member 1740]

I played my 1st ever singles matchplay match today, and after a decent start ended up getting beat 4&3.

Although i played quite well my putting was abysmal to say the least. I was 1up after 3 going steady then my putting crumbled, losing the next 5 holes by putting like a complete tit, pulling, dallying, leaving short, and overhitting it.

I won 9th then lost 10th and won 11th lost 12+13, lost all the holes with my putting as i was on the green for same as my opponent. I was 5down with 5 to play on 14th tee and won that then halved 15 to lose the match.

I'm annoyed with myself cos i lost so cheaply and know i can do better.

Gutted sitting here thinking about it.

 

[Owen_Thomas_14]

I was the exact same today but only got beat 1 down. Least you made a few putts, i made 1 putt and that was from 3 feet and thats not over exaggerating either

It could be worse

 

[HawkeyeMS]

May sound stupid but try putting like you really don't care. Take a look at the putt pick a line you want address the ball, take a couple of looks and let the putt go. At no point tnink about how hard you're gonna hit it. Just look at the line a couple of times and hit it. Let your subconcious work out the detail and you'll be surprised how good you are. Takes a bit of getting used to but if you can hit the putt without actually thinking about the putt, the pace of the putt or the result of the putt, you'll be a better putter.

 

[Fyldewhite]

It's a mental thing. Putting in matchplay is completely different to putting in strokeplay. If you have never played one before then it's not surprising you struggled a bit. It's a skill to be learned just like any other and some players are just naturally good at it and become very good match players. Being agressive is key. I struggle with that as I'm naturally a "lag" putter which suits strokeplay as you don't leave so many 4/5 footers back the other way but that's the best speed to hold the line and hole the first one too which is a gamble worth taking in a match....it's just making yourself do it that's the problem !! Don't worry, you will learn from it and putt better next time.

 

[jammydodger]

It's all a learning curve so dont beat yourself up over it. There will be other days and you'll get comfortable with it the more you play matchplay (if you can get past the first round)

 

[DMC]

Dont obsess over it,concentrate on the positives of your round.

 

[inthecup]

I'm the same. Whether it be a friendly or competitive match my grip goes tight, arms stiff and putting stroke goes all over the shop.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Its something that can only be learned in battle so put it down to experience. Remember it isn't about your score but just matching or beating whatever your opponent does. I'm wondering if you had a little bit of a strokeplay head on and worrying about your score

 

[Deleted member 1740]

thanks for your replies gents.

After thinking about it yesterday i need to get on the putting green and putt some good practice in, possibly a lesson too.

 

[HRC99]

Some good advice here.

One thing I could add which has been working for me, is not looking up on longer putts. Staying right down and not looking for the result has improved my contact and roll.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I try and practice waiting for a couple of seconds after hitting the putt and looking at the spot where the ball left to stop me peeking early

 

[Robobum]

Some good advice here.

One thing I could add which has been working for me, is not looking up on longer putts. Staying right down and not looking for the result has improved my contact and roll.

Doc17 (Dean) hits his distance putts whilst looking at the hole and, in the main, his distance control was excellent.

He has got a putter that is roughly the same size as a small latin american country though!!