In golf, the saying goes: “Drive for show, putt for dough.” Indeed, putting is often the difference maker in close matches and tournament victories. It’s why many amateur golfers consider themselves not as good as they could be at this difficult game.
Much analytical evidence has come to surface in recent years that shows driving as the biggest advantage for skilled golfers and “strokes gained.” As the true stat that separates the good from the bad, there’s no denying the importance of putting.
In fact, golfers of all levels should undoubtedly aim to two-putt every hole. Two-putting every hole ensures golfers their lowest score — no matter their skill level. But, why exactly is it important to two-putt every hole? Let’s explore the five reasons why it should be an actionable goal for you this golf season.
1. Your score
For starters, par on each hole is based around offering golfers two putts on each hole. If all goes well for a player, two putts is all they’ll need to make par. For instance, on a par-3, reaching the green in one shot allows for a two-putt par. On a par-4, you’re given two shots to reach the green. On par-5s, you’re to reach the putting surface in three shots.
Whether you’re reaching every green in regulation, two-putting a majority of them will surely have you scoring well for your round.
2. Driving the ball
Two-putting every hole also means you’re playing well in other areas of the game. In order to two-putt most holes, you’ll surely be striking your approach shots well and hitting a lot of greens in regulation. With solid approach shots, you can get the ball closer to the hole, making two-putts a reality.
Take this theory one step further. Two-putting each hole also means you’re driving the ball well. To put yourself into a situation to hit a green in regulation, you surely will be hitting fairways off the tee.
3. Chipping
On the off chance you’re missing a green in regulation, solid putting performance also means that your short game is of high quality, too.
When you miss a green and need to chip from the rough, fairway or a sand bunker, you’ll need to rely on a sound short game. This will either save par or limit the damage to just a bogey on that hole. To two-putt every hole despite a few missed greens means that you’re not just a putting star — you can chip, too!
4. Keeping calm under pressure
Putting is undoubtedly one of the most nerve-wracking pieces of the game. Averaging two putts per hole means you’re one cool customer.
While hitting a tee shot or approach requires at least a little room for error, putting can be extremely difficult. If you’re managing to two-putt on every hole, you have a rare skill to keep calm under pressure — and that’s one of the best skills to have in golf.
5. Birdies
Finally, if you’re two-putting most holes, you’ve got to be making a few birdies, right? Two-putting each hole undoubtedly gives golfers a confidence that leads into other areas of their games. Above all else, two-putting most holes will give golfers confidence to trust in their lines and go after the cup on birdie putts.
This confidence, combined with the other intangibles already noted, means you’ll not only be two-putting every hole, but one-putting some, too.
–– Ben Larsen