Improving Golf Putting: Techniques & Stats for Success

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From The Smylie Kaufman Show

Improvements in Putting and Seasonal Reflections

Smylie Kaufman has seen a noticeable improvement in his putting game this year, attributing the progress to adjustments in his setup and extensive practice. He described a specific drill, resembling the Tiger gate drill, where he draws lines using tees to improve the path of his putter. This exercise, combined with getting his hips more square and adjusting his stance to be less open, has helped refine his starts and overall ball roll.

Kaufman emphasized the mental aspect of putting, mentioning a shift from overthinking to a more focused practice regimen. During the off-season, he dedicated himself to making hundreds, if not thousands, of putts daily from three to eight feet, which has led to better performance, especially in the six to ten foot range. Despite these improvements, he recognized that perfection in putting is still a work in progress.

Reflecting on the past season, Kaufman noted that even though he won on the PGA Tour and broke into the top 50 in the world, his putting held him back from possibly winning additional tournaments. He specifically recalled a tournament in Detroit where poor putting affected his performance, despite leading for a portion of the event. However, he also acknowledged a standout putting performance at the Barracuda, where he achieved victory in the absence of performance statistics.

Kaufman also mentioned a switch from a traditional blade-style putter to a mid-mallet, which suggests an ongoing evolution in his equipment and technique. Looking forward, he expressed both frustration and optimism, driven by the knowledge that there's substantial room for improvement and victories in upcoming seasons.