How to Handle "Plugged / Sanded Greens"
This is the first in many unique articles designed to help you with tough issues you encounter but have never had an effective solution for. That is, until now: I have brought together myself and four other teachers to give you quick tips on "How to Handle "Plugged / Sanded Greens". Enjoy the 5 Tips from 5 Teachers on the same subject...
Please let me know what you think...Jim
| Putt with a Metal Wood |
Try this: “Never lose your putting stroke again, by using a hybrid or fairway wood or driver to putt with on plugged greens. Why? 1st they have a mallet effect and 2nd they have much needed loft.” by Jim DeLaby (PGA Director Of Golf C.A.R.E. Membership) |
| Be Patient |
Tom Watson shot a 55 or 56 (his personal best) on “Plugged
Greens”. And I shot 67 recently on “Plugged
Greens”. So don’t be intimidated be patient. I also
like to take the break out by hitting the putts stronger.
by Billy Gibbs (Tour Contributor and Dir. Of Instruction) |
| Pitch, Don’t Chip |
Because the nature of the greens promote
bounce, don’t chip and run, get the ball up in the air more
with a pitch shot. Utilize your wedges more around “Plugged
Greens”. Go ahead and use a lob shot more often. by Mike Brabenec (Resident Long Driving, PGA Director of Golf) |
| Play for Straighter Putts |
Play everything straighter. Thus focus
on speed and less emphasis on break. by Rudi Fann (Head Golf Professional, Black Lake GC) |
| Take the Break Out |
Aerification takes the “Read” out of greens Don’t fret; your job is much easier once the ball is on the short grass. The sand and aerification holes cause the golf ball to roll on a much straighter line than normal. When reading the green, factor this in and play half of the break you see. The greens are naturally slower, so use enough back swing to get it there. by Jay Farrior (Head Golf Professional, Avila Beach Golf Resort) |