Spieth's Putter Woes

[fishgolf]

Just what is going on with Jordan's putting?  Arguably his best weapon since joining the tour, it's suddenly gone.  Sure, all players have elements of their game go into "the funky zone", but this has been both long in the tooth and not subtle in the least - from #2 best putter in 2016 to #201 recently.  When the issues started in 2017, he switched putters and then switched back. As lights out as he had been, I'm surprised he switched.  Short of being slammed into the turf or golf bag in aggravation, it's not like putters get tweaked or worn out.  I could see a player never having that command of the green constantly trying putters, but I wouldn't have switched.  

[saevel25]

He’s never been a great putter inside 10 FT. He’s exceptional from 15-25 FT.  It’s tough to be that good. 

[ChrisP]

A lot of it’s mental. When you start struggling from short distance, the hole looks smaller and smaller and confidence is shaken. It comes and goes in waves. He’ll get through it and be fine within a few weeks, but like mentioned, short putting isn’t his strength and will always miss his fair share of shorties. Just right now the funk is a bit worse.

[fishgolf]

Just heard one of the commentators at the Ft. Worth Invitational say that Michael Greller wants Jordan to chuck the "greens map" - suggesting that he's allowing that info dominant his natural feel/read skills.  At this point, I think he should take the advice as he continues to leak some serious oil.

[saevel25]

Just now, fishgolf said:

Just heard one of the commentators at the Ft. Worth Invitational say that Michael Greller wants Jordan to chuck the "greens map" - suggesting that he's allowing that info dominant his natural feel/read skills.  At this point, I think he should take the advice as he continues to leak some serious oil.

Could be, or could be not. Jordan was always an above average putter from 15-25FT, almost too good. I wonder if he is regressing a bit. He’s never been an elite putter inside 10FT. 

[fishgolf]

As good as he is at all the other facets of the game, elite inside 10' would be extra gravy.  Various analysts state they really don't see anything in the set-up/stroke.  Perhaps it's the recent engagement to Annie?  Wouldn't be the first PGA pro whose game sputtered when cupid's arrow found them.

[DeadMan]

Jordan's putting has never been his best weapon. He has never been the best putter on tour, despite what the announcers say. It's true that he's been a good putter, but his best attribute has always been his ball striking. Which is why he's so good in the first place.

Now, his putting is really bad this year. He's always had a bad putt in him from inside 10 feet, so I'm just guessing that whatever caused that issue crept into the rest of his putting. I expect he'll work it out and win, probably more than once, this year. He's already been close a couple of times with awful putting, so even average putting would probably get him a win.

[Buckeyebowman]

On 5/19/2018 at 5:10 PM, ChrisP said:

A lot of it’s mental. When you start struggling from short distance, the hole looks smaller and smaller and confidence is shaken. It comes and goes in waves. He’ll get through it and be fine within a few weeks, but like mentioned, short putting isn’t his strength and will always miss his fair share of shorties. Just right now the funk is a bit worse.

Reminds me of a quote by Roberto DeVincenzo about putting under pressure with no confidence. "I look at the hole, and she look like a little spike mark! I say to myself, Roberto, you no can put the ball in there!"

2 hours ago, fishgolf said:

Just heard one of the commentators at the Ft. Worth Invitational say that Michael Greller wants Jordan to chuck the "greens map" - suggesting that he's allowing that info dominant his natural feel/read skills.  At this point, I think he should take the advice as he continues to leak some serious oil.

I'd take that advice! Read the greens the way you used to when you were putting well. With your eyes and with your feet! There's a reason for the phrase "paralysis through analysis"!

[billchao]

2 hours ago, saevel25 said:

Could be, or could be not. Jordan was always an above average putter from 15-25FT, almost too good. I wonder if he is regressing a bit. He’s never been an elite putter inside 10FT. 

Yea I always felt his success from mid-range was unsustainable, guess we're seeing that now.

[fishgolf]

Uggg… it continues at The Memorial, however now it's more than just the putter.  A fascinating aspect about this game is just how quick players get into and out of the groove.