How Sergio solved putting woes
Posted: Thursday May 15, 2008 08:30AM ET
From 2004 through 2006, Sergio Garcia never ranked better than 129th on the PGA Tour in putts a green in regulation. Few players hit more greens than Sergio. And even fewer butchered more short-range putts than the uber-talented ball-striker, who couldn't threaten a manhole from 10 feet. Of course, Garcia never let facts get in the way of his own perception. He went winless in 2006 and 2007, burning through myriad flat sticks of differing shapes and sizes, while never questioning his stroke. His madness peaked at last year's British Open, which he lost in a playoff to Padraig Harrington. After Garcia watched putts graze the high side of the hole on six of the last eight holes at Carnoustie, he stormed into the media tent and blamed the gods for his loss. Perhaps reality found its mark in the aftermath of the British Open. Because earlier this season at the behest of occasional caddie Billy Foster, Garcia sought out Stan Utley, a feel-based short-game instructor and former tour player who teaches at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Sergio Garcia , AP
Comments (6)
Teach me, master ...
parsleydonn | 05/15/08, 10:42 AM
Report Offensive CommentFirst lesson.....make sure Tiger isn't within 10 miles of the course.I hate Tiger too!
Beer-n-drums | 05/15/08, 02:31 PM
Report Offensive CommentMaybe now Sergio will move onto more important problems of world.
Long Wang | 05/15/08, 10:26 PM
Report Offensive CommentOne solid putting day (Sunday) is not proof that Sergio has solved his struggles with the flat stick. He did not putt all that well on Saturday.
Let's see how he does in a few more tournaments before declaring he has it solved.
Dapper Dave | 05/16/08, 09:23 AM
Report Offensive CommentSergio is misreading all his putts to the right side and then pulling all his putts to the left --- making for some good putting overall.
Sergio is one of the few people not asking for a Patriots Spygate investigation so he is ok in my book. Of course sergio has no idea who the Patriots are wither.
Larry B | 05/16/08, 09:27 AM
Report Offensive Commenthe still can't putt, his driving stats where #1 and so was his G.I.R last week and his putting average was 50th out of 60 something guys who made the cut, thats terrible, but man what a great ball striker this guy is!
wingsfan#1 | 05/16/08, 08:37 PM
Report Offensive CommentAdd a comment
Remember to keep it clean. Bad words will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed. More Guidelines