Smylie Kaufman On Ways Gotterup Can Further Imrpove

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From The Smylie Kaufman Show

Exploring Chris Goddard's Putting Challenges and Short Game Adjustments

In a detailed examination of golfer Chris Goddard's game, the focus shifts to his putting and short game strategies. Despite leading in several strokes gained categories this week, such as first tee to green and second around the green, Goddard finds himself ranked 50th in putting. Looking beyond a single tournament, his overall stats show he is typically above average in putting, yet his performance fluctuates significantly from day to day and week to week.

Chris and his team have been working on key aspects of his short game, particularly with wedges and putting from 10 to 25 feet. His short game coach, Tim Yelverton, pointed out a specific issue during the Farmers Insurance Open where Goddard stood too close to the golf ball, impacting his putting. This setup error was corrected, evidently improving his performance in subsequent rounds.

Interestingly, the challenges of TPC Scottsdale's greens, with their firm surfaces requiring bump and chip shots, seem well-suited to Goddard’s game strengths. These conditions leverage his skill in low shots with spin, a technique he showcases particularly well in bunker shots. During this week's event, Goddard also experimented with higher shots on the advice of coach Joe Mayo, who encouraged maintaining his current technique with minor adjustments rather than a complete overhaul.

Moreover, Brett McCabe, a mental game coach, has been instrumental in Goddard’s recent successes by fostering his mental resilience and encouraging a mindset of freedom during play. This comprehensive approach, combining technical skill enhancements with mental fortitude, contributed significantly to Goddard's performance and his triumph at this week’s tournament.