Lee Westwood and the Yips

[Yukari]

I was watching the Dubai Classic this weekend and noticed Lee Westwood miss a handful of short putts. I also notice that last few weeks when he was in contention.

I like watching Lee Westwood play, but I can't help wonder whether he has the yips.

[Tiger Spuds]

His putting stroke did look a bit 'iffy' on the last few holes today alright.And he had more than enough chances to win that playoff.He flew past the green twice, hit mediocre wedge shots and two poor putts.Given his record in the majors I think it's fair to say he doesn't handle pressure very well.

[Alex B]

Yeah, his 3-putt on the 72nd hole at Turnberry last year was awful; the second putt, a 7-footer to tie, wasn't even close. He also babied that putt to tie on the 72nd at Torrey Pines in 2008 -- it wasn't quite left short, but it crossed beneath the hole about three feet too early.

[MSDOGS1976]

He just looks too mechanical to me. Might need a little forward press to get things started. But what do I know? I'm just a hacker posting on a message board.

[michaeljames92]

I stil think on those 5-6 footers he needs to hit it a little harder with much less break. I have noticed for a while now that he almost always leaves a putt right next to the hole and never a foot past or so. his putt on the last playoff hole was never going to go in. a right to lefter and he aimed straight at it, and of course it missed on the low side.

[chuangyee]

I stil think on those 5-6 footers he needs to hit it a little harder with much less break. I have noticed for a while now that he almost always leaves a putt right next to the hole and never a foot past or so. his putt on the last playoff hole was never going to go in. a right to lefter and he aimed straight at it, and of course it missed on the low side.

Exactly what I think too. It really breaks my heart when his last putt seem so makable! Why didn't he factor in the break?!? Arghh...

[uttexas]

He barely missed that putt to win in regulation---probably needed another rotation and it's in. Agree--he needs to strike the short ones a tad firmer.
Jimenez made some great putts coming down the stretch. I don't know how his ball stayed out of the water on 18 (in regulation).

[BallStriker]

I stil think on those 5-6 footers he needs to hit it a little harder with much less break. I have noticed for a while now that he almost always leaves a putt right next to the hole and never a foot past or so. his putt on the last playoff hole was never going to go in. a right to lefter and he aimed straight at it, and of course it missed on the low side.

Didn't Harvey Pennik opine that you have a 4 inch target when the ball dies at the hole, and a 1 inch target when you try and ram it in?

Just food for thought.....there are a lot of ways to play this game

[mcfc_nick]

he just isnt a great putter imo, i think that from 5-10 feet the good putters hit it into the back of the cup (and i mean as if it would go 3 or 4 feet past) and i dont think lee is confident enough to do this and worries about the one coming back

[Tiger Spuds]

he just isnt a great putter imo

Yes and no.I think he's a

great lag putter.He showed that yet again a few times last week.But yeah, anywhere from 5-15 foot he can get a little nervy, especially under pressure.

[Dr. Strangeclub]

I've always been a little curious why the pros who start missing the short ones don't carry two putters. The big complaint with the long putter is that the long putts are really tough. They do it with wedges, why not the putters? Far as these guys hit it, they could afford to bag an iron they don't use as often, say the 4. Even the 9 iron seems largely expendable, since they seem to be forever diddling about smooth 8s versus hard 9s and hard wedges versus smooth 9s.

[Cussin hacker]

#4 in the world.....I don't think so!!