In general, around half of the strokes made during a round will be from on or around the putting greens. The more putts that players take to hole out, the longer a round will take. The number of chips and putts will be strongly influenced by a combination of the following factors:
As referenced above, the positions in which the holes are cut on the greens has an impact on pace of play. If the holes are cut on or close to slopes, this inevitably makes it more challenging to stop the ball close to the hole with a putt (or a chip), and this means that lag putting and putting from close to the hole is made more difficult. In match play, this will mean fewer conceded putts, and in stroke play there will be fewer tap in putts. Locating the holes in flatter areas of the greens will reduce putting time and benefit the pace of play.
Hole positions can also have a significant impact on approach shots. If the hole is positioned close to the edge of the green or close to bunkers, water hazards or severe greenside run offs, the recovery shot will be more difficult or the penalty will be more severe for a slightly errant shot. If the focus is on reducing the time taken to play, then the hole positions should offer a greater margin for error with the approach shot.
Better get that "putting practice' in before your next round!
Stay tuned for next weeks post,
Happy golfing!
- the severity of the slopes on the greens,
- the speed of the greens,
- the firmness of the greens, and
- the position of the holes on the greens.
As referenced above, the positions in which the holes are cut on the greens has an impact on pace of play. If the holes are cut on or close to slopes, this inevitably makes it more challenging to stop the ball close to the hole with a putt (or a chip), and this means that lag putting and putting from close to the hole is made more difficult. In match play, this will mean fewer conceded putts, and in stroke play there will be fewer tap in putts. Locating the holes in flatter areas of the greens will reduce putting time and benefit the pace of play.
Hole positions can also have a significant impact on approach shots. If the hole is positioned close to the edge of the green or close to bunkers, water hazards or severe greenside run offs, the recovery shot will be more difficult or the penalty will be more severe for a slightly errant shot. If the focus is on reducing the time taken to play, then the hole positions should offer a greater margin for error with the approach shot.
Better get that "putting practice' in before your next round!
Stay tuned for next weeks post,
Happy golfing!