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Published Thursday June 2, 2005 Pro Golf Tip: Speed, not the break, blamed for three-putts

Had enough of those knee-knocking 7-footers for par?

The reason for those three-putts isn't the break on a putt, but the speed, says Bob Vermeer, head pro at Oak Hills Country Club in Omaha.

He said most golfers don't develop a good enough feel for a putt's speed, which often leaves lengthy second putts. He said picturing what the ball will do once it gets close to the hole is a good way to ensure a manageable second putt.

"A lot of putts are probably made or missed before you stroke it," Vermeer said. "You have to be observant, it helps you with your putt."

Another overlooked factor that helps avoid three-putts is hitting good lag putts. When standing over a 40-foot, double-breaking putt, players should focus on leaving the putt inside a three-foot circle around the hole.

To practice lag putting, Vermeer suggests using golf tees to form a 3- or 4-foot circle around a hole on the putting green, then lagging putts into the circle from a variety of distances. The drill will help develop a feel for speed, while also working on an overlooked aspect of many golfers' games.

"Most people don't spend that much time on that aspect that can help you the most," Vermeer said. "If you want your handicap to come down, you should spend half your time with lag putting."

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