Golf Putting Tips that are Elementary for Mr. Watson

Tom Watson has been in the news lately with mixed publicity, most notably as Ryder Cup Captain and most recently as honoree of the NAIA Champions of Character Foundation.

Golf for Beginners considers Mr. Watson to be a distinguished sportsman as well as one of the greatest short-game players to ever grace a green.

In this golf blog we will review a few of the putting tips that helped "Huckleberry Dillinger" win thirty-nine events on the PGA Tour as well as five Champions Tour major events.

In Watson's book, "Getting Up and Down", putting takes center stage and with good reason; Tom mentions that "putting is half the game so it deserves half of your practice time." Feel, set-up, aim and a good judge of distance are essentials to being a great putter.

To practice his putting when not on Tour, Tom has just installed a SYNLawn putting green in his own backyard (and what a view!)

Tom Watson's putting green installed by SYNLawn!

Golf putting tips from short game master Tom Watson:

Aim the Putter, then Align Your Body

Just like a golfer sets up at the tee box, the same is true when standing over a putt. Proper set-up is the beginning of a solid putt.

Sometimes, the best golf advice we ever receive is from our dads. Such is the case with Watson who, in the November issue of Golf Digest Magazine, offered up this simple dimple tip.

Eye on the Ball

"Pick out a dimple in the middle of the back of the ball and hit that dimple with the middle of the putter, keeping your eyes on it as you swing through." Eyes focused on the dimple keeps your head still and gives you a more "consistent stroke".

Swivel your head, don't lift it: "You'll see the line of the putt and you'll be less prone to look up too soon."

Most importantly, DON'T LOOK UP! Watson follows Sam Snead's advice of not looking where the golf ball goes but listening for the hopeful clink into the cup!

Finally, something every golfer who thinks about pulling out his wedge should consider - as Tom Watson states, "even the best chippers putt when they can."


Share how you practice your putting with Golf for Beginners blog and SYNLawn Golf: Twitter @Golf4Beginners and @SYNLawn_golf.


Photo credit: SYNLawn Golf, SF Gate blog


Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Proudly Wearing Pink While Playing Golf for a Cure!

This guest golf blog by Rachael Stockwell discusses how a golf course development is committed to finding a cure for breast cancer, not just during Breast Cancer Month but year-round!

By Rachael Stockwell:  This weather this week has been beautiful here in South Carolina. I look outside to see my two girls and their friends jumping on our trampoline. The joyful screams surround the neighborhood and the sunlight is sparkling in their shiny hair. A smile comes to my face to watch them, but then I get an uncertain feeling in my stomach. Knowing one of them may develop breast cancer during their lifetime causes this sensation.

The Susan G. Komen® Organization stated, “In 2014, an estimated 232,030 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. alone”.

All of us either know a mother, sister, daughter and or friend who have this unstoppable disease. I find myself touched by every story I read, mostly, I think, because this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the statistics are highlighted in everything I read. There are numerous organizations that focus on research to find a cure. One place that stands out in my mind for cancer research is the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. 

The Huntsman Commitment

For the Huntsman family, philanthropy is as much a part of life as is the business they have built over a span of four decades. Mr. Huntsman is widely recognized as one of America’s foremost-concerned citizens and philanthropists. As a further commitment to this, the family created a community that is developed around nature and maintains the small town feel that everyone enjoys here.

Huntsman Springs is a community that is built around a nature preserve with stunning views of the Grand Tetons and has won the highest award in four categories of the prestigious 2014 International Property Awards. Director of Sales for Huntsman Springs, Julie Bryan, accepted top honors in the categories of Best Leisure Development and Best Golf Development in the United States and in Idaho.

At the heart of the community is a world-class golf course designed by the acclaimed golf architect David McLay Kidd, winner of GOLF Magazine’s 2008 “Architect of the Year.” The Teton Valley, Idaho, Huntsman Springs is a tranquil place, full of hope and surrounded in beauty. Golfers are able to seek solitude and have views of this beautiful space in every direction their swing takes them.

What a gratifying experience it is to be able to help a cure for cancer by simply living in one of the most extraordinary places in America!

Playing the golf course reflects an impeccable quality of design and construction with fairways that average 80 yards wide, greens that average 10,000 sq. ft., 153 bunkers, and 450,000 cubic yards of sand to maintain contour and promote drainage. Huntsman Springs provides championship conditions throughout the season on eighty-four acres of Kentucky Bluegrass, sixty-four acres of Irish Red Tipped Fescue, and forty-eight acres of mountain water running throughout the golf course.

Honestly, this might seem like any other luxury community; however, the best part is what it stands for and how its residents help those in need of a cure for cancer.

Leading the Way for Research

In 1995, Jon and Karen Huntsman founded the Huntsman Cancer Institute. The Institute is now one of America’s major cancer centers dedicated to finding a cure. They recently announced a $100 million expansion that will double the laboratory space and create the Primary Children’s and Families’ Cancer Research Center which will focus exclusively on inherited and childhood cancers. Profits from Huntsman Springs Real Estate will be contributed to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

I truly hope that one day in my children’s lifetime breast cancer can be a disease of the past, but I do know that a community such as Huntsman Springs brings new meaning to cancer research. The next time you’re about to embark on your golf adventure make sure you wear pink for Breast Cancer, you never know when you actually might be golfing for a cure.

Rachael Stockwell Bio: Rachael has ten years of experience in online marketing and focuses on PR development for the economic development, energy, luxury, and rental market sectors.

Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners or on our Golf for Beginners blog!

Top Three #Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach Worth the Trip

If you have visited Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on previous golf vacations, chances are you have heard of, or played, one or more of the three Mystical Golf Courses within fifteen minutes of the Coast. With over one-hundred golf courses to choose from, here are a few reasons why the Witch, Wizard and Man O'War are definitely worth a trip to the Beach!

Survival is the name of the game on the three Mystical Golf Courses:

The Season of The Witch

Although the trifecta of Witch, Wizard and Man O'War are mystical, there is an eerie ambiance as you drive your golf cart along the creaky wooden plank paths on this eighteen hole maze through the natural beauty of marsh and forestry compelling you to move strategically onward.

Although The Witch website states, "There's nothing scary about The Witch", golf blogger Andy Reistetter thinks otherwise, "witnessing the wildlife and scenic insights into the surrounding marshes will definitely cast a spell over you."

Challenging doglegs and safe landings are the name of the game at The Witch and placement should be safe or your golf ball may be engulfed by water (or maybe by an alligator...).

I plan to play a round of golf on The Witch this Halloween, enough said.

Off to See The Wizard

In a previous golf blog about Mystical Golf, I mentioned that the Wizard requires, "thought in ball placement as the second cut of rough was deep."

Yes, this is a links course but there are elevation changes as well. According to MyrtleBeachGolf.com, "More than 1 million cubic yards of dirt were moved to form this layout of gently rolling hills and berms." The Wizard is in amazing shape, the greens roll fast and the course is basically humbling due to the wind and the elements.

If you think this is an easy course because of online reviews you might have read, think again. The Wizard will conjure its spell upon you.

Man O'War - Ready for Battle

Man O' War is designed for the golfer who thinks about the shot before stepping up to the ball. A Golf Digest 4-Star course with beautiful atmosphere with challenging wind and water captures your ball on the ninth hole island green and throughout the round. If you like a course with personality, stunning views, immaculate fairways and greens... which bites back, this is a must-play during your stay.

All three Dan Maples golf courses are in prime condition, the wind and pin placement should be considered and the greens are fast and require that you roll more than just a few on the practice putting green to get your speed and line.

Myrtle Beach Revelry

Since we attend this golf writers tournament in Myrtle Beach every year, there is also a bit of revelry in addition to playing golf on these three amazing courses. We were last off the tee on day one of The Witch, so we didn't make the yearly excursion to the fabulous Alabama Theater to see the production of "One" a family-themed show which was top-notch, fun and patriotic.

We did have dinner at the River City Cafe, eating up delicious burgers at their Surfside Beach location along with a beautiful view. The wonderful buffet spreads by Sea Mist Resort were delectable, from the salmon on toast points to the most delicious roast beef I had eaten in years.

Thank you once again for your hospitality Claude Pardue and Mystical Golf, Sea Mist Resort and to all the folks in Myrtle Beach who always say, "Welcome to the Beach" and mean it!

Stacy Captures the Flag at Man O War Golf Course!

And, to the three golf courses which put my team in the middle of the pack, as MacArthur stated, "I came through and I Shall Return". I will be better prepared and ready for battle next year.

Have you played golf at The Witch, Wizard or Man O'War? Share your thoughts on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and at the bottom of this golf blog!


photo credit: MyrtleBeachGolfDirectors.com, Golf for Beginners