Drive for Show, Putt for Dough? Not So Fast!
As a passionate golfer, I’ve always heard the old adage “drive for show, putt for dough.” But after spending countless hours at the driving range and on the putting green, I’ve come to realize that this phrase is nothing more than a myth. In fact, I’ve found that your driver wields far more influence over your score than your putter.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But I use my putter so much more than my driver on the course!” And you’d be absolutely right. The average golfer uses their putter 30-40 times per round, compared to just 14 tee shots. So, on the surface, it would seem that putting is the more important skill. [6]
However, the way par is set up for each hole tells a different story. Par takes into account the potential of reaching the green in regulation and then two-putting. So, while you may use your putter more often, each errant drive can have a much more devastating impact on your score. [6]
The True Cost of Bad Drives
Let’s say you have a round where you hit 10 bad drives. What kind of damage are we talking about here? Well, each shot that ends up in the water or out of bounds is a penalty stroke. And that’s just the start of it. [6]
Those bad drives could also lead to you having to punch out from the trees, leaving you with an impossible second shot. Or, if you manage to advance the ball, you might find yourself in an awkward sidehill lie, making it even harder to get the ball close to the green. Before you know it, that one errant drive has cost you multiple strokes. [6]
Now, compare that to 10 three-putts. Sure, those are frustrating, but the damage is limited to just one extra stroke per hole. The mental anguish of constantly searching for your ball in the woods, trying to make up for that bad drive, is far worse than the annoyance of a three-putt. [6]
Mastering the Driver
So, if the driver is so crucial, how do we ensure we’re getting the most out of it? Well, it all comes down to proper practice. And I’m not talking about just mindlessly hitting bucket after bucket of balls at the range. [6]
No, to truly improve your driving, you need a well-thought-out practice plan. That means focusing on things like swing path, clubface alignment, and ball position. And it’s not enough to just hit a few good shots – you need to ingrain those fundamentals until they become second nature. [6]
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But what about putting? Shouldn’t I be spending more time on that?” And you’re not wrong. Putting is an essential part of the game, and it’s something that every golfer should dedicate time to. But the truth is, most golfers simply don’t practice their putting effectively. [6]
Putting in the Work
Think about it – when was the last time you saw someone at the practice green who was actually working on their stroke, rather than just mindlessly rolling balls around? It’s a rare sight, to be sure. [6]
But the reality is, if you want to see real improvement in your putting, you need to treat it like any other aspect of your game. That means deliberate practice, focusing on things like green-reading, distance control, and stroke mechanics. [6]
And the good news is, once you’ve got your driver dialed in, all those extra strokes you’re saving off the tee can give you the confidence to really focus on your putting. Because let’s be honest, it’s a lot easier to stick that final putt when you’re not constantly trying to make up for a bad drive. [6]
The Eagle Ridge Advantage
Now, all of this brings me to Eagle Ridge Golf Club – a truly remarkable course that’s tailor-made for the modern golfer. With its expansive driving range and state-of-the-art putting green, Eagle Ridge provides the perfect environment for honing your skills. [1,3]
And the best part? The club’s membership options make it accessible to golfers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a absolute beginner, you’ll find everything you need to take your game to the next level. [1,3]
Just take a look at the table below, which outlines some of the key benefits of an Eagle Ridge membership:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Driving Range Access | Unlimited use of the club’s expansive driving range, with both grass and mat tee boxes. |
| Putting Green | A sprawling practice putting green that mimics the true greens on the course. |
| Chipping Area | A dedicated chipping area to help you perfect your short game. |
| Clubhouse Amenities | Access to the club’s top-notch facilities, including a pro shop, restaurant, and locker rooms. |
| Exclusive Events | Opportunities to participate in member-only tournaments, clinics, and social events. |
| Reciprocal Privileges | The ability to play at other affiliated clubs in the region. |
So, if you’re serious about taking your game to new heights, I highly recommend giving Eagle Ridge a closer look. With its unparalleled facilities and commitment to player development, it’s the perfect place to put in the work and start driving for dough. [1,3]
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the old saying “drive for show, putt for dough” is nothing more than a myth. The truth is, your driver has a far greater impact on your score than your putter – and it’s time to start treating it that way. [6]
With the right practice plan and the resources available at a club like Eagle Ridge, you can transform your driving game and start racking up the birdies. And once you’ve got that dialed in, you can turn your attention to your putting, confident in the knowledge that you’re already well on your way to lower scores. [1,3,6]
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to ditch the old cliches and start putting in the work. The dough is out there, just waiting to be claimed.
