Conference 7.286::golf

    Unless your a super senior, you are too young to have the yips.
    Orville Moody was the world's worst putter on the regular
    PGA tour, but now one of the best. The long putter gave him
    new confidence.
    
    I think putting IS THE REAL MENTAL part of the game.
    If your putting alone has added that many strokes to your game,
    you have a real feel and confidence issue. I'm a genius ,right??
    
    Well, my GUESS is your thinking "I don't want to 3 putt"
    instead of the hell with it and "go for the hole"
    
    DON"T count your putts, like a lot of people do.
    Think FEEDER when you putt, like your feeding the ball to
    a hungry hole. Your mechanics are good , you say , so
    I'll take your word.
    On the practise green, I don't care about ANYTHING other than
    rythem,stroke, and feel I'm feeding!!
    
    When I'm in a tight situation, I talk a lot to myself.
    "Give me a driving range swing NOW"
    Tell yourself to putt like you do on the practise green.
    EXACTLY. Block out anyone and everything and go into
    your own cacoon.
    
    YOU ARE , and I do it , SELF HYPNOTIZED, so you are on to 
    something.
    
    Down hill, you can have a 5 footer coming back, because you
    know your GOING TO FEED IT RIGHT IN.
    
    Up hill you can be short so , play short on long putts.
    
    BANG the 3,4,5, footers with little or no break.
    75% of short putts are missed because of lack of  speed that
    DOESN"T  hold the line.                                  
                 
    Hypnotist ? I don't know. Try hypnotising yourself. That's
    why pros hardly talk.  THEY are hypnotised.
    
    
    
    

    
       My problem isn't being short on putts.  I am almost never
     short on any putt.  The problem is yanking it off the line.
     The putts missed most frequently are the easy 2-3 foot uphill
     or flat putts if you can believe it. And the mechanics are
     fine in practice but I lose them when I get out on the course.
       Bernard Langer is not old, yet he's got the yips, so it isn't
     a senior's disease exclusively.
    
    -psycho

    According to Tom Watson most short puts are missed because of wanting
    to see the put go in i.e. looking up.....
    
    If your mechanics are sound try Sam Sneads method used by Gary Player
    and others.......listen for the put to drop into the hole....that
    way your letting your mechanics work.....this can help eliminate
    the yank left/push right/yips because your staying down and making
    a pure stroke back and through....try it if it works great if it
    don't good luck on finding a cure....

    Even better than listening for the putt to go in, try closing your eyes
    once you've set up your putt. And then putt with your eyes closed.
    You'll be amazed at the feel you have for the distance of the putt and
    on short putts this works really great. I recently played with my
    friend Tim who had played in a tournament down at Ocean
    Edge on the Cape. He told me one of the club pros playing shot a 70
    and the guy putts with his eyes closed. So when we were out golfing the
    other day we tried this on one of the greens, it was truly amazing I
    was dropping 2,3 and 4 footers no problem. And on long putts we
    actually made a few, but the thing to note is that the long putts we're
    ending up right around the hole. So if you've got good mechanics with
    your putting stroke. Try closing your eyes. Just one more thing I tried
    playing the next hole with my eyes closed and I split the fairway on my
    drive approx 250-270yds and then hit a 4 wood just to the right of the pin
    but over the green. What this showed me was how "in your head" this game 
    really is. When I see that ball there I go after it (result inconsistency)
    when I had my eyes closed, no ball to go after, I just took a smooth swing
    and "POW" the ball took off. After experiencing this, I'm working on the 
    keeping my eyes open during my stroke, but with the same feeling and 
    attitude as when I had my eyes closed. Try it!
    
    				-Paul
                

    
    
    I have to agree with .3 ...  That is the method that has improved
    my putting tremendously. It also worked for my partner. When he
    gets over a putt I say " I'll watch the putt you listen " What
    a feeling to hear that sucker hit the bottom of the cup !!
    This past season in league play I did not miss one putt under 3 feet
    and made 75% of putts within 8 feet !! It's the difference in shooting
    42 and 39 .....
    
    my proof... In the playoffs on the last hole I had a 2 foot putt to
    send us into sudden death ! I hit the putt and stood up to watch it
    miss the cup by 3 inches !! 8*(   !! ooohh what a feeling ! 
    
    Randy_who_will_just_have_to_get_'em_next_year !  8*(
    

    Hi Rick,
    
      I have had em and I think I know what they are in my case. It's
    something like a mental flinch caused by being too tense and putting
    too much (mental/emotional) pressure on yourself to make the putt. 
    Foe me, the chances that I would make an awful stroke were proportional to 
    how important I thought the putt was. These days I don't take things so 
    seriously and putt much better. I think meditation every morning will help.
    This will make you more conscious in general of what's going on in your 
    body, and when you need to relax. It will also help greatly your
    concentration. We know how important that is. I would try to work it
    out consciously this way before messing around sub-consciouly with
    hypnosis. 
    
      Stroke-wise, for short ones. I have tried with some success choking 
    up on the putter grip and bend down the back so my eyes are down closer to 
    the ball. Kinda like Hubert Green.
   
    
-Steve.
    

    
    I'm the guy Randy tells "I'll watch, you listen".  Listening most
    definitely works for any length putt.  Under 10 feet (after I make
    it, of course), I ask Randy if it went right in, how it broke, etc...
    
    But, this is mechanics.  You are psyched out.  For me, attitude
    is it.  After using the "listen" method on the practice green and
    making them, I will often tell Randy that "it's lights out on the
    greens today".  That attitude used for EVERY putt really helps.
    
    When you're over the putt, lined up and ready, just think ONE 
    thought...
    
    	"This #@&!* putt is IN !!!!"
    
    Tom_who_groaned_watching_randy's_putt_on_the_ninth
    

.3
>    and others.......listen for the put to drop into the hole....that
>    way your letting your mechanics work.....this can help eliminate
>    the yank left/push right/yips because your staying down and making

        I've tried this and it didn't work for me.  I found myself
     watching the hands twitch as the putter was coming through the
     ball.  And all I heard was the giggles of my group as the ball didn't
     come within a parsec of the hole.  8^{


.4  Paul

>    Even better than listening for the putt to go in, try closing your eyes
>    once you've set up your putt. And then putt with your eyes closed.

        Paul, this sounds real good.  I only tried it a couple of times and
      it felt strange at the time.  I'll try it for a full round next time
      I play. 
                
.6  Steve    

>      I have had em and I think I know what they are in my case. It's
>    something like a mental flinch caused by being too tense and putting

         Yup, that's exactly what it is and it happens when the clubhead
       is about to strike the ball. Doesn't matter how slow and smooth
       the backswing is, either.

>    too much (mental/emotional) pressure on yourself to make the putt. 
>    Foe me, the chances that I would make an awful stroke were proportional to 
>    how important I thought the putt was. These days I don't take things so 

         Ironically, the  biggest(most important) putt of the year that
       I had, I made!??  A 18 footer to tie my opponent in the league
       championship round on the last hole.  But give me a meaningless 
       straight-in three footer and I'll start sweating bullets. Strange game.

>      Stroke-wise, for short ones. I have tried with some success choking 
>    up on the putter grip and bend down the back so my eyes are down closer to 
>    the ball. Kinda like Hubert Green.
   
        Just the opposite for me. Later in the year, I had better touch when
      I went to the end of the grip and stood more upright. Different strokes 
      for different folks I guess...

    Thanks to all for your advice!   Now to find some time this month to play
  again.

-rick
    

    Randy, Tom,
    		You've peaked my interest some what.  Since I know and
    have played against you both, I have at least, a little idea of
    how you putt.  Granted, I'm sure it has changed over the last 3
    years, but, since you mentioned it, when you say you make 75% of
    the putts inside of 8 feet, what are you including?  Are you including
    tap-ins and/or putts insdie of 4 feet?  The reason I ask, is the
    survey done on the PGA tour, showed that pros only make approx.
    55% of putts between the range of 6 to 7 feet.  I assume you're
    saying 8 feet and in.  I would like to know what the percentage,
    if you know, is between 5 and 8 feet.  I can tell you mine within
    say 5%.  It's abour 30%.  That's pretty good from an amateur.  My
    biggest putting problem, is those putts 30 feet and out, which I
    seem to leave over 5 feet away most of the time.  And both of you
    know, playing at Southampton, you can get quite a few of these in
    a given round.
    
    PS: Randy, what is this NBA stuff you sent me for???
    
    Beak

I've played with Rick several times this year.  I've played with 3-7
handicappers, and I've NEVER seen a player hit the ball better from tee 
to green than Rick.  I'll never forget our first round -- I observed him
yip and chili-dip his way through the entire round.  It just didn't make 
sense.

His problem is, of course, mental.  He has the ability, but when he gets 
around the green he falls to pieces.  When he misses, he usually misses by 
a mile.  However, I have also seen him putt on his living room and sink
everything.  His stance is good.  Putting grips are supposed to be
comfortable, and he looks comfortable.  But he still yips.  For good
golfer, he also chili-dips more chips than he should.  I think it is the
same problem.  

He poor guy has struggled all summer, trying everything.  That is part of 
the problem.  To develop a good short game you've got to identify a
pre-shot routine prior to the chip or putt and then groove a stroke you 
feel comfortable with.  When I've seen Rick three putt it seems that he 
can't forget the first (missed) putt or chip.  He completely forgets
routine, and then tempo, and then how to stoke it.  He often four putts
because of a lack of concentration.  

This whole situation does not compute. I believe Rick was the birdie leader
in our league. Every time we play together he typically gets 2 or 3 birds. 
But, when he has a 1-n footer for par he seems to collapse.  The pressure
does him in. 

Last year I won a few tournaments at the end of the season, one at Poquoy 
Brook and one at Ferncroft.  I won both in sudden death playoffs with ~40 
people watching each shot.  I learned a lesson that I will never forget:
when under intense pressure, follow your normal routine, and think "just
make a nice swing/stroke" to stay within yourself.  If Rick could develop 
a routine and when around the putting surface, I'm sure he'd conquer the
yips.  

Now someone is bound to say Bernhard Langer is the slowest man in golf, and 
he is.  That he has a routine, and he does.  However, the yips for a pro is 
probably 30+ putts.  At the recent United Way tournament Rick had 42 putts.

Jeff

    
    Speaking of routine, did you ever watch Tom Watson on the greens?
    No matter what, he gets over the putt, looks at the hole, looks
    down, looks at the hole a second time, looks down, then hits it.
    He never strays from this, even if it was the last putt for the
    US Open.
    
    Unfortunately, he's lost it on the greens too...
    
    Another thought.  Tension tightens everything and actually makes
    your arms shorter, certainly enough to chili-dip it.
    
    Everyone knows the more you miss, the more you miss.  Guess he's
    just gotta make 'em early.  Or miss 'em quick.
    
    Tom
    
    Btw, Beak, that was Randy with the 75% within 8 feet.  Musta been
    the rounds when I wasn't there ;^)   But yes, my putting has
    improved this year.
    

      Didn't Payne Stewart see an accupuncturist awhile ago? I seem to
    recall him actually playing a round with needles stuck in his ear!
    Though his problems were physical I think. Still, I have had
    accupuncture done on me and I can attest that it is powerful stuff!
    Body and mind are closely interconnected. I am sure a good one could 
    treat something like this.
    
-S.

    
    Hey Rick,
    
    Just for the heck of it give one of the long putters a try...!!!
    
    
    Gene

    Well Rick it seems as if everyone has a great tip for trying to
    help you improve your putting but nobody has addressed your real
    question which was about a hypnotist. I have friends that have gone
    to hypnotists for help with their eating or smoking problems so
    I don't see why you couldn't give it a try for your putting woes!!
    It sounds as if all of your fundamentals are good so why keep
    thrashing over technique maybe the fix is in your mental approach.
    Good luck in your search for improvement!!!
    
    THE MAD HACKER

    Rick,
    
          If you can find the answer to your putting woes, please let
    me know. My game this year has suffered because of putting problems.
    My playing partners are shocked at how bad it has become. Two putts
    are relished by me now. Frankly, my problem goes back to last September
    on the back nine at Wachusett CC. I came in from the front at 47
    and shot 53 on the back. The putting on the back nine was 7 three
    putt green and 2 four putters !!!! 
     I really haven't putted well or even close to that since. 
    
    The pressure that putting put on game was terrible. My tee to green
    game is back now. But the putts....... forget it. I plan on buying
    a mat to practice on this winter. 
    
    
    
                          Ken--

    
>    game is back now. But the putts....... forget it. I plan on buying
>    a mat to practice on this winter. 
    
>                          Ken--

         Ken, I bought one and it didn't really help at all.  Save your
       money for the hypnotist that I find and recommend to you. ;^)
    
        Thank you Mad Hacker!
    
    -rick

    Have you heard about the book"THE INSIDE GAME OF GOLF"?
    I hear it's great for the mental side of the game.
    
    Chuck Jacobs at Stow Acres came in 13th in the Chrysler
    National putting contest last year.
    Got a lot of know how.
    You might ask for a lesson.
                                  Angelo
    

Ya know Rich this may not be too helpful but it worked for me and.......
well ya never know.  I had a case of the twitches so bad that the guys I
played with had a thing they called the snake.  The last guy to 3 putt of 
a side had to pay everyone else $1.  

	My philosophy of putting (short putts) is to get the ball off the 
putter face a quickly as possible.  That way when the small muscles of the 
hands start to take over, the ball is gone and you can't y___ the putt.
This requires a short FIRM stroke.  What I did was to go to the practice
green and I put my foot behind the line of the putt.  When I drew the blade
back it sould hit my foot and to get the ball to the hole I had to hit it hard.
I know it sounds weird but I started to get the ball on line and the putts
started to drop.  You can't prove it this year because it was a horrible
year with the putter but in the past I was known as a real good putter.
Gene might even tell you a great putter.  Before you go off star gazing
give it try.  Let me know if it works for you.


						KO

        Just so I'm clear on the concept KO, will the setup look like
    this?
    
                     l     r
                     f     f
hole   <--ball       o     o
                     o     o
                     t     t

          Hey, I'll give anything a try (in golf that is) at least
        once!  Thanks!
    
    -rick
    

Rick,

Yeah that's right.  At first you'll feel like your pushing the ball to
the hole but after awhile you should fell like you are striking the ball along
the line.


							KO

    re .19
    When I read Kevin's suggestion I assumed he meant just the right
    foot behind the putter. Surely this would achieve the same 
    objective while making stance and balance a lot easier. These things
    are very important too. Also it would be easier to control your
    arm movement since they would be in the normal position. No ??
    
    Tony.
    

RE: .21

	Yes, did I read Rick's reply wrong?  Sometimes the replies looks funny
when I read them in a DECwindows window.  Just the rear foot (in case you're
left handed) is behind the intended line of the putt.  The object is to stop the putter
blade from going too far back, thus causing the player to decelerate through
the putt.  The theory is that a short backstroke will generate a FIRM stroke
thorugh the ball.  Of course the usual mechanics hold, use your shoulders
and not the wrists when stroking the putt, keep the EYES still.  Most people
talk about keeping the head down so the tendancy is to move your eyes to see
the putt.  This causes the head and shoulders to move causing the putt
to go off line.  You get the idea, take it back short and hit it firm.


							KO

    
    Beak
    
    What NBA stuff ???? I did'nt send you anything !?!
    
    as far as 75% putting, that is from 8' to tap ins.....
    from 5' to 8'  I would say 40 to 45% , but then again maybe Tom
    sees it different ;^) !! of course the condition and speed of the
    greens have a big impact on my putting, it should'nt be that way
    but it is ! real fast greens kill me !!
    
    Randy
    

    Randy,
    	I got a flyer in and internal DEC mailing envelop that was
    promoting the Seattle Supersonics, and the last name on it, besides
    mine was Randy Stuart.  The other name on it was Dick Amann, if
    that means anything to you.
    
    Beak

     Some of you folks may be interested about my solution to the yips.
   No, I didn't see the hypnotist, although it very nearly came to that
   at the beginning of the year.  What I did is switch to putting left
   handed.  I've seen dramatic results because of it.  The yips are
   gone period, and I've gone from averaging  20 putts per 9 holes (last
   year) to averaging  17 putts per 9 holes this year!  There is still
   a problem getting close on long putts, but that is something that I
   can work on, as I want to get down to an average of 15-16 putts per 9.
   What a difference it has made in my attitude and confidence.  If anyone 
   is a little ambidextrous and has the yips, I'd recommend trying it from 
   the other side.

 -rick    

    RE: .-1
    
    	My sister-in-law made this switch last year.  She's naturally
    right-handed, and is right-eye-dominant, so when she was standing over
    a putt, she would tend to turn her head too much so that she could use
    her right eye to see the cup.  As a result she would tend to pick her
    head up (sort of like Jack did on 17 at the Seniors' Open) and not hit
    the putt well.
    	Once she changed to putting left-handed, she's been putting much
    better.
    
    -Tom

             -< could you please post the test for eye-dominance? >-

Hold your hand up at arms length making a circle with your thumb & index finger.
With both eyes open sight an object thru the circle.  Now alternately close one
eye, then the other.  The eye that still sees the object in the circle is your
dominate eye.

Larry

    
    Another test is make a circle with your hand as in .-1, then hold the
    hand at arms length and look at a distant object through the circle
    with both eyes open. Slowly bring the hand to your face, keeping both
    eyes open, never let the object disappear, then eye your hand goes to
    is your dominant eye.
    
    --Bob