Spend More Time on the Putting Green

Lets take a moment to do some simple math:

Let us propose that the average golfer incurs about 27 putts per round of golf (1.5 puts x 18 holes).  Considering hypothetically then that this same average golfer comes in with an 85 in 18 holes, putting would then account for almost 32% of the total score.  This percentage seems to hold true for golfers of all skill levels.  For example, a less experienced golfer who makes on average two puts per hole and shoots around 100 on 18 ends up with putting representing 36% of the total score.  Likewise, a scratch golfer who comes in with a 72 and averages only slightly over one put per hole, still ends up with putting representing around 30% of the final scorecard.

Contrast these numbers with the percentage of our total game that is represented by tee shots which make up roughly 25% or less of our total score.  Using the same average golfer who shoots an 85 on 18 holes the numbers are even lower at around 21% (18 tee shots / 85 total shots) and the percentage goes down as our total score goes up.

Given these ratios we can easily conclude that an improvement in our putting will most likely result in a greater overall improvement in total score than an improvement in any other single shot type.

Even with the numbers so clearly in front of our face, the vast majority of us will spend far more time at the driving range than we ever will on the putting green.  It’s certainly something to keep in mind the next time you have a free hour to work on your game!