Lesson Notes: When to Putt vs. Chip from Off the Green
The Goal: To understand when putting from off the green is the correct tactical option and when you should switch to a chip shot.
Why Professionals Advocate for Chipping
- Heavy Grass Inconsistency: As a ball rolls through longer grass away from the green, the friction makes the overall speed unpredictable. Once the ball finally releases onto the smooth putting surface, it can unexpectedly take off.
- Predictable Flight: Utilizing a short chip shot flies the ball cleanly over the heavier, unpredictable fringe grass and lands it directly onto the green, giving you much better control over the final outcome.
When to Confidently Choose Your Putter
- The Safety Factor: Putting from off the green is generally a very safe and reliable choice, especially if the surrounding turf is closely mown. Jack Nicklaus historically advocated putting from off the green whenever a golfer has the opportunity.
- Evaluate the Distance: Being positioned right on the edge or a short distance out on closely mown turf is perfect for a putter. However, do not take the rule too literally by attempting to putt from extreme distances like 50 meters away.
- Check the Required Stroke Length: If you get too far back, the swing required to get the ball to the hole becomes too long. It is incredibly difficult to strike the ball cleanly and sweetly in the center of the putter face when using an excessively long putting stroke.
The Core Psychological Rule
- Putt for Strategy, Not Fear: You should always choose to putt because it is genuinely the right technical shot for that specific lie, never simply because you are too scared or nervous to execute a chip. Building your skills and confidence with a wedge ensures you make objective decisions on the course.
FAQ
Q: How does the weight of the grass affect my decision to use a putter from the fringe?
A: If the grass between your ball and the green is light and closely mown, a putter will easily roll right through it without losing too much energy. However, if the grass is heavy, thick, or long, it will grab the putter face or slow the ball down inconsistently, meaning a chip shot is the far better option.
Q: Why is a long putting stroke a bad idea when I am far away from the green?
A: Putters are engineered for short, controlled, precise movements. When you lengthen the stroke significantly to cover a vast distance through fairway turf, your timing can easily break down, making a solid, sweet-spot strike highly unlikely.
