Golf is a game of precision and patience, but all too often, we find ourselves battling against the odds—especially when it comes to putting. In today’s chat, we dive deep into the often misunderstood world of putting with our guest, Chris Dennis, a renowned coach and YouTuber. We kick things off by sharing some of our own experiences on the course, including a particularly windy day that turned into a comedic disaster.

We recount my lacklustre performance and Chris’s expert observations, shedding light on the reality that sometimes, despite our best efforts, the golf gods just aren't on our side.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation is the emphasis on the importance of positioning. Chris passionately explains that making putts is not just about technique; it’s about putting yourself in the right position to succeed. We explore the common myths surrounding putting, such as the idea that every putt should be a sure thing.

Spoiler alert: it’s not. We delve into statistics that reveal even scratch golfers miss a significant percentage of their putts from longer distances, and Chris shares actionable advice on how to practice effectively to improve our chances on the green. Finally, we wrap up with Chris’s top tips for weekend golfers heading out to play.

He suggests a quick warm-up routine on the putting green that emphasizes pace over perfection. By focusing on distance control rather than just sinking putts, golfers can set themselves up for success before they even step onto the first tee.

This episode is packed with laughs, insights, and practical advice that will resonate with any golfer looking to improve their game while having a bit of fun along the way.

Takeaways:

• As a putting coach, I often tell my students that the make percentage of putts is surprisingly low; it's about getting into the right positions consistently rather than just making every single put.
• Practicing your putting can seem tedious, but it's essential to develop a solid routine that includes both pace and line to improve your scores on the course.
• When faced with a long putt, it's crucial to assess the green's slope and break, and visualize the best landing zone to ensure you give yourself the best chance for a two-putt.
• Many amateur golfers underestimate the importance of practicing their pace putting; focusing on how hard to hit the ball can significantly reduce the number of three-putts during a round.

A North of Par production.

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