How many PUTTS does an average 20 handicapper make per round?
If you are a 20-handicap golfer, you might be wondering how many putts you should take in a round of golf. Putting is a crucial aspect of the game that can make or break your score. But how do you compare to other golfers of your level and what can you do to improve your putting performance?
According to data from Game Golf, a wearable real-time shot-tracking system, the average 20-handicapper makes about 36 putts per round. This means that putting accounts for about 41.3% of their strokes in a round. A scratch golfer, on the other hand, makes about 27 putts per round, which is only 30% of their strokes.
Why is there such a big difference between a 20-handicap and a scratch golfer when it comes to putting? There are several factors that influence the number of putts per round, such as:
The quality of approach shots: If you hit your irons closer to the hole, you will have shorter and easier putts to make. A scratch golfer is more likely to hit greens in regulation and leave themselves with birdie chances, while a 20-handicapper might miss more greens and face longer and tougher putts for par or bogey.
The distance control: One of the most important skills in putting is being able to judge the speed and slope of the green and hit your putts with the right pace. A scratch golfer has better distance control and can avoid leaving themselves with long second putts or running their putts past the hole. A 20-handicapper might struggle with distance control and end up with more three-putts or short misses.
The confidence and technique: Putting is also a mental game that requires confidence and concentration. A scratch golfer has more confidence in their putting stroke and can handle pressure situations better. They also have a more consistent and reliable technique that allows them to make more putts. A 20-handicapper might lack confidence and get nervous on the green. They might also have flaws in their technique that cause them to miss more putts.
So how can you improve your putting as a 20-handicapper and lower your number of putts per round? Here are some tips that might help:
Practice your putting regularly: The only way to get better at putting is to practice it often and work on different aspects of your game. You should practice your short putts, long putts, breaking putts, uphill and downhill putts, etc. You should also practice under pressure by simulating real situations on the course or playing games with yourself or others.
Work on your green reading: One of the keys to making more putts is being able to read the green correctly and visualize the line and speed of your putt. You should pay attention to the slope, grain, moisture, wind, and other factors that affect the roll of the ball. You should also walk around the hole and look at it from different angles before you putt.
Improve your distance control: Another key to making more putts is being able to hit your putts with the right pace for the given distance and slope. You should practice hitting different lengths of putts with different speeds and feel how the ball reacts on the green. You should also use a consistent routine and tempo for every putt.
Develop a confident and consistent technique: Finally, you should work on having a confident and consistent putting stroke that allows you to hit your putts on your intended line with good contact and roll. You should have a good grip, posture, alignment, stance, ball position, etc. You should also avoid any unnecessary movements or tension in your body that might affect your stroke.
Putting is a vital part of golf that can make a huge difference in your score. If you are a 20-handicapper who wants to lower your number of putts per round, you should follow these tips and practice your putting regularly. You might be surprised by how much you can improve your game by improving your putting.
