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Putting...

• Romelio86 8 Posts

  Sun, Feb 7 2016 4:50 PM

  I'm sure there have been hundreds of posts like this already, but I want to say my piece too. I want to start by saying I do enjoy this game but it is quickly getting old because of just one aspect, putting. I'm really starting to get frustrated when I land the ball 10 ft from the pin and I'm putting for a birdie and next thing I know I have a double bogey... I have read numerous post, watched hours of tutorials and practiced putting endlessly, but my putting game has not improved at all... 

• ZioMio 4,680 Posts

  Sun, Feb 7 2016 6:29 PM

  Putting is hard to master.  You say that you have read a lot of posts and did a lot of practicing, but you do not say what part of the putting is frustrating you. Is it the speed (power to use) or the line (amount of break)?

  There are printable charts to use for speed that do help. Reading the break is much harder.

  Are you an aim and ding or an off ding for the break?  Each style works but to get advise, we need to know your style.

• hakman123 2,119 Posts

  Sun, Feb 7 2016 6:44 PM

  Romelio86:

  I'm sure there have been hundreds of posts like this already, but I want to say my piece too. I want to start by saying I do enjoy this game but it is quickly getting old because of just one aspect, putting. I'm really starting to get frustrated when I land the ball 10 ft from the pin and I'm putting for a birdie and next thing I know I have a double bogey... I have read numerous post, watched hours of tutorials and practiced putting endlessly, but my putting game has not improved at all... 

  I'm not sure what methods you are using --- but here are 4 simple tips to get close:-

  1. Look at the green speed rating (stimp meter) - then add 1 to it. That is the approx. distance a putt of scale 10 will travel on the flat. Everything else scales to that (so on Tourn 12,  scale 10 = 12+1 = 13 ft, so scale 100 = 130 ft).

  2. Adjust for elevation changes on the green by adding/subtracting 1 foot to the 'flat distance' (as in note 1), for each 1 inch upslope/downslope change. If it gets steep -- add/subtract a touch more (you'll need to get the feel for this).

  3. Assuming "average" or "medium" dot speed - aiming 1 grid square to the side of the cup should be sufficient for a 15 foot putt. Aiming 2 grid squares to the side should be sufficient for a 25 ft putt, 3 squares for 35 ft.  Refer JC Sneed notes for a useful explanatory picture. Once you get the feel for what 'average' dot speed is -- then need to scale the allowance for the speed. Even simply slow = 1/2 medium, fast = 2 x medium, should be enough to nail putts inside 10 ft.

  4. Never hit a putt requiring the full distance of the swing meter. It is too hard to DING the putt as the meter gets faster. So for a "10" scale putt you should not use the 10-scale and hit 100% power, much better to use a higher scale --- depends on your putter but 20-scale x 50%  or  30-scale x 33%    or 50-scale x 20% are all better options as the swing meter moves less and travels slower near the DING.

  Good Luck  &  Happy Hacking

  Neil (The Hakman)

   

   

• courteneyfish 15,796 Posts

  Sun, Feb 7 2016 9:34 PM

  You've bought all new clubs apart from the most important ones. Good wedges will get you closer so the putts are easier. I'd sell back your hybrid and get 3 evenly spaced wedges and the game will become a whole lot easier.

• MansfieldManiac 13 Posts

  Sun, Feb 7 2016 10:48 PM

  I'm with you Rome. It's a great game, and it's free to boot, but the putting is so ridiculous at times it's crazy. I've actually 4 putted from less than 5 feet away at times. Someone mentioned printable charts, come on man, most of us work and don't have the luxury of printing charts off and studying them while at work. I've been playing video games for more than 35 years now and i've never had to print charts or watch videos to post a decent score of golf on any system/computer. Again, it's a great game, but I dread putting everytime I play.  Oh, and what happened to all the free video's to watch, it seems like it's becoming more of a pay game to get anything decent anymore! But that's just my opinion. Thanks.
  

• RenoRick 108 Posts

  Mon, Feb 15 2016 5:08 PM

  1) Same thing for shots 50 yards or less from the hole.  If I'm in a bunker my first shot barely moves.  My second is usually over the green or 15+ feet too far.  Very very rarely do I get out of the bunker and within 10 feet of the pin.

  2) Some of the views are ludicrous.  You can't even see the player, green, or slope.

  3) I question the 'metric's' on some of these holes too.  I hit a club for 150 yards and it winds up going 135 or worse.  I know, wind and elevation play a part, which I account for.

  4) Forget adjusting forward or backward spin on the ball.  That gauge does nothing for me

  I'm with you, it's supposed to be 'fun' but it's often more frustrating than fun.  I'm at the point were improvement is not possible (too many things that don't work consistently) so the game has become tedious.  Spend $50-$100 to improve this 'game'?  Not me.

• Jimbog1964 8,378 Posts

  Mon, Feb 15 2016 6:10 PM

  It's not an easy game.  Candy crush is out there for that.

  Putting has always been a real strength of this game, IMO.  It's uncanny representation of RL and often all the difficulties is a real selling point - again IMO.  Yes only a mouse to click etc, and so not as hard as RL, but a real good best in class take on it all.

  Some good advice on putting in this thread.

  As for the rest of the comments I see little description.  Not checked but joining a good CC, and asking about shot types would be a great start.  Starter clubs and range ball are also limiting for obvious reasons.  Either through own pocket or watching vids/ dong surveys / whatever some better clubs can be purchased.  Great fun can still be had with starters (limitations in mind), but even there some effort is needed.  Candy crush (or the CC clash rubbish here) is there for those who don't like golf.  

• SweetiePie 4,925 Posts

  Mon, Feb 15 2016 7:56 PM

  courteneyfish:

  You've bought all new clubs apart from the most important ones. Good wedges will get you closer so the putts are easier. I'd sell back your hybrid and get 3 evenly spaced wedges and the game will become a whole lot easier.

  This is the best putting tip you will ever read..... love wedges, because they love you back...putters just toy around with your heart.  ~ SP ~ 

   

• alosso 21,088 Posts

  Mon, Feb 15 2016 11:04 PM

  @RenoRick:

  Understand your reluctance to spend any money, but for the better part the frustration comes from that side, given your situation as a Master with very basic clubs.

  ad 1) Rough & Bunker shots with the Starter wedges were frustrating to me, too. Hint: Get a custom 64° wedge (+ a 60°) for much better results. L28 Cleves, or L39 ATVs.

  ad 4) More spin comes with better clubs and better balls, and it's only perfect with top equipment. That is, long iron shots stopping on the dime (really!) and wedge shots that zzzip back to your feet (literally).

  These items are talkative about the difference between playing for free and paying for more fun and better scores - all at your hands!

  ad 2) I agree, it's less than perfect at times. This is the price we have to pay for the HD photo displays all over, and I gladly pay it. Other than in the real game, different views are available at a mouseclick, and with some experience (you're level 80!) it's dispensable - you know your aim, your club, the meter power - get it going!

  ad 3) These are the built-in variations - sometimes harsh but we have to bear them.

  There are other flaws which take away some fun of the game, discons, meter jumps and whatnots - nevertheless, ev1 has to decide if it's fun and leisure enough to invest some.