Everyone knows the aim: two putts or fewer per gap. However what number of complete putts do you have to be taking every spherical? How a lot does that quantity change relying in your handicap?
We requested Shot Scope for real-world placing information throughout a variety of handicaps, and what we discovered may shock you. The distinction between a 25-handicap and a scratch golfer isn’t at all times what you assume. Eliminating only one or two three-putts per spherical may be the simplest path to shaving strokes off your recreation.
Common putts per spherical by handicap
You’d count on higher gamers to putt higher—however the complete variety of putts per spherical doesn’t change all that a lot. The largest change you’ll see is the three-putt proportion. A scratch golfer three-putts simply three p.c of the time, whereas a 25-handicap golfer three-putts 13 p.c of the time.
Needless to say three-putts are normally a proximity downside first. Method accuracy, greens in regulation and short-game distance management all play an enormous position.
| Handicap | Avg Putts/Spherical | 3-Putts/Spherical |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 29.9 | 0.8 |
| 5 | 30.3 | 1.5 |
| 10 | 31.2 | 2.4 |
| 15 | 32.1 | 3.8 |
| 20 | 33.4 | 4.6 |
| 25 | 34.3 | 5.8 |
Make percentages by distance
We’ve already seen how higher-handicap golfers rack up extra three-putts, actually because they’re placing from longer distances. However missed quick putts are simply as pricey they usually occur extra typically than most gamers notice.
The make proportion inside six toes falls off quick as handicap goes up. A scratch golfer makes about three out of 4 (+/-75 p.c) from three to 6 toes. At a 25 handicap, it’s down to simply 48 p.c.
| Putt Distance | 0 HCP | 10 HCP | 25 HCP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 ft | 98% | 96% | 88% |
| 3–6 ft | 76% | 65% | 48% |
| 6–9 ft | 49% | 39% | 30% |
| 9–12 ft | 34% | 26% | 17% |
| 18–24 ft | 12% | 10% | 6% |
| 30 ft+ | 4% | 3% | 2% |
Assume higher gamers at all times hit it shut? Not precisely.
A number of golfers assume scratch gamers hit each inexperienced in regulation and stick it shut. Whereas it’s true they hit extra greens, practically 60 p.c in comparison with simply 9 p.c for a 25 handicap, they’re not precisely leaving themselves tap-ins every time.
From 150 yards out, scratch gamers common round 40 toes from the opening. At a 25 handicap, that quantity climbs to over 100 toes. Neither participant on this state of affairs is in assured two-putt vary.
Right here’s the place higher-handicap golfers can acquire an edge. You typically miss greens however meaning your subsequent shot is a chip or pitch as an alternative of a protracted lag putt. If you will get that shot inside six toes, you’ve acquired roughly a 50 p.c likelihood of creating the putt. However in case you’re leaving it at 15 to twenty toes, your make proportion drops into the one digits, and now you’re simply making an attempt to keep away from a three-putt.
Most excessive handicappers chip to twenty or 30 toes, then three-putt from there.
If you wish to decrease your complete putts per spherical:
- Work on constantly getting your chips and pitches inside 10 toes.
- Work on making extra putts from three to 6 toes, the place make percentages drop quick for larger handicaps
What to do with this info
Knowledge is nice however taking the information and turning it into methods to decrease your handicap is what issues. Listed below are some methods to make use of this info to assist decrease your scores.
- Observe your three-putts: Write them down, circle them and determine what distances or conditions trigger them most frequently.
- Apply lag placing: You’ll by no means eradicate three-putts, however controlling velocity from 30-plus toes is a extremely helpful placing ability.
- Concentrate on 3–6 footers: Particularly in case you’re capturing within the 80s or 90s, bettering your make proportion on this vary may prevent a few strokes instantly.
- Get higher across the greens: You’re going to overlook greens. That’s inevitable. The secret is studying to chip or pitch to 10–15 toes as an alternative of 25–30.
Last ideas
Each time I hit a scoring milestone —breaking 90, 80, 70 —the putter was the frequent denominator. It wasn’t about hitting 15 greens or driving it 280. It was fewer three-putts, extra one-putts. Placing gained’t repair all the pieces in your recreation however its impact is quickly seen.
The submit How Many Putts Should You Have Per Round (Based On Your Handicap) appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
