Stop Missing Short Putts: Eyes Closed Drill (Video Tip)

Robin Symes

Oct 3, 2019 Mental Game

If you have arrived at this post you are probably having a problem with your short putting. It can be very frustrating as well as costly, as you know it can ruin your scorecard quickly! For me, anxiety is the most common cause of missing short putts, overly trying to make the putt with a lack of trust in your stroke. Try this simple drill to get your trust back and start making these simple putts again.

Transcript:

If you’re watching this video, perhaps you’re having a problem with your short putts. There’s no better way to ruin your scorecard. Now, I believe that players who’ve started missing short putts, it’s because they’ve missed a few, their anxiety level has started to increase, and they start trying to overly control the putter head and guide the ball into the hole. You’ve lost trust in your stroke.

To gain a little bit of trust back in your stroke, when you’re on the practice putting green, focus on aligning your putter head correctly. That’s probably, the most important thing in short putting; taking your address, and simply close your eyes, making a smooth stroke to the hole cup.

It’s a simple exercise to gain some trust back in your stroke. I know there have been a few tour pros who have enjoyed the exercise so much, they’ve taken it to tournament. I believe Suzanne Patterson has won two or three times putting with her eyes closed. So, give it a try.

Robin Symes

Originally from Northern Ireland, Robin has been involved with the game of golf for over 20 years. As an amateur golfer, Robin won at all levels, county, national, and international. Most notably, Robin was instrumental in helping Ireland to win the European Team Championship – also representing Great Britain & Ireland.

Following his amateur career, Robin pursed his Professional career playing in mini tours and regional tours with invitations on the European Tour. While competing, Robin was achieving his PGA Class A status, and it was during this time he developed a great interest in teaching. This passion to teach lead him to begin his new career in 2003, working for David Leadbetter in England, and in 2006, transferring to a newly opened David Leadbetter Academy in South Korea, in which he spent 3 years as Senior Instructor.

In 2009, together with a top Korean coach, Robin opened his own academy, “RNY Golf Institute” and has become a regular instructor for Golf Digest.
If you haven’t heard of Robin yet, you have most likely heard of a few of the world class professionals that he provides instruction and consultation to. The 2012 U.S. Women’s Open Champion, NaYeon Choi, is just one of the many talented tour pros that have been working with Robin for several years now.

While Robin’s main clients are aspiring tour professional, he also loves helping all levels of players. SwingStation’s goal is just that, a tool to pass Robin’s teaching on to players from anywhere in the world, helping them improve and increase their enjoyment of the game.