How important is putting? Putting is so important that it has been described as a “game within the game.” Ben Hogan once said, “There is no similarity between golf and putting: they are two different games — one played in the air, the other on the ground.” We as golfers need to develop a personal style and routine, which we are able to repeat under game situations, and achieve our desired results.

To be a good putter there are two simple tasks you want to accomplish.

1. Roll the ball well — Rolling the ball well happens when the putter is swung smoothly, the ball is hit solidly and the speed takes the ball into or near the hole.

2. Roll the ball on line — Is the more detailed part of putting. Having good essentials, such as grip and setup, stance, aim and path will help us in rolling the ball on line.

Having confidence in your putting plays a major roll. If you think you are a poor putter, you will be a poor putter. Practice putts that are able to be made so you build up confidence for the course. You want to practice drills that are specific to your needs. Remember, Tour players don’t make everything they look at. They focus on making a good stroke and having good speed control.

I wanted to share some statistics from the PGA Tour that I found online. These statistics might surprise you and help you with your confidence. Are you really a poor putter or do you think you are because you don’t make everything?

Percentage of putts made by Tour professionals:

2 feet — 99 percent

3 feet — 91 percent

4 feet — 81 percent

5 feet — 70 percent

6 feet — 62 percent

7 feet — 54 percent

8 feet — 47 percent

9 feet — 43 percent

10-14 feet — 31 percent

15-19 feet — 19 percent

20-24 feet — 14 percent

25 feet and greater — 6 percent

Come have your putting stroke analyzed on our Putting System T.O.M.I. A University in Florida had their golf team practice on a system similar to ours, and the Golf Team improved their putting statistics by 25 percent. For more information, call (706) 467-1660.

If you go to www.reynoldsgolfacademy.com, there are videos and specific drills that will help you begin your journey on becoming a better putter. As the old saying goes in the game of golf, “you play for show and you putt for dough.” We know when it comes down to winning a golf tournament, or trying to lower your score, that putting plays a huge part. Just ask Tiger.

Karen Nicoletti is the lead staff instructor at Reynolds Golf Academy and can be reached at (706) 467-1660 or

knicoletti@reynoldsplantation.com.