Lewis: Watch your pace on the course

We all have our own timing and tempo. Every time we play, we work on the tempo and pace of our play. But everyone doesn’t always keep the same tempo. Sometimes on the putting green, people change how they play. They shouldn’t. The one area I recommend you keep a regular tempo is on the putting green.

I have recently noticed the change – especially during tournament play – of pace from the tee to green. We have a tempo for all shots but we change the tempo on the greens.

If you normally take three to four seconds before each shot on the tee, you should have the same timing elsewhere on the course.

Too much time over the ball, brings too many negative thoughts before your putt. Just as you see your shot, swing. And do the same with your putts.

Give this a try and see if you putt better and play a little quicker.

Working the Ball

Having the ability to hit a ball low or high – or draw and fade – is usually only seen with professional golfers or with very good amateurs. With the design of golf clubs today, it is even more difficult than ever to change the flight path of a ball.

Today’s golf clubs are designed to help golfers hit the ball straighter and higher. And perimeter weighting in the clubs with larger soles prevent golfers from shaping their shots.

Today, the best way to work the ball is to apply the Ball Flight Lams.

All LPGA and PGA teaching professionals can help you understand how the different swings and angles to produce the desired shot.

Are you in the 15 percent?

A recent study found only 15 percent of golfers line their putts correctly from six feet away. The test conducted only used a small number of golfers – under 100 – but I believe the results were accurate.

If you fall in the 85 percent, the next time you are on the practice greens, have a friend stand across from you to check to see if your putter is lined up at the cup. If not, it may be time to have your local LPGA or PGA help with your aiming.

I believe one of the reasons for the yips comes from adjusting our strokes just before impact because we aimed incorrectly.