Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Whilst out on the course with a student last week, she was left with a 12ft putt on the 10th hole. She put a good stroke on the ball but it missed, it finished two-inches behind the hole and she tapped in for par.
As we walked to the next tee she berated herself on missing the long putt. When I asked if she knew the percentage of successful 12ft putts made by PGA Tour players she said ‘probably 80-90 per cent’. The answer is actually around 30 per cent.
These are some of the best golfers in the world and, in my opinion, TV is to blame for this misunderstanding. When we watch at home it’s essentially a highlight reel of whoever is playing well that week, and, yes, when they are on top form that 30 per cent probably does increase, but only for that week.
Have a look below and see what PGA Tour stats are like for the most common of distances:
1ft – 100% (of course)
3ft – 98%
6ft – 65% (Big drop from 3ft)
10ft – 38%
15ft – 22%
20ft – 14%
25ft – 10%
So next time you are putting, take some comfort that even the best in the world miss. For more on this view at www.roryyounggolf.com or contact me 39215224
