My twelve year old son Jack has been playing competitive golf for a couple of years. *He has steadily improved to the point where he typically posts scores in the *low to mid 80's. *The one area of Jack's game that has been somewhat inconsistent is his putting.
A few weeks ago, I contacted Lynn to schedule a putting lesson with Jack. *Coincidentally, Lynn mentioned he was going to be in the Washington, DC area (where we live) the following week and would be happy to work with Jack. *We scheduled a two hour lesson.
The first hour, it was pouring rain outside, so Lynn worked with Jack in the carpeted area of the clubhouse. *Lynn explained in detail the mechanics and theory of putting and completely overhauled Jack's putting routine, including his stance, grip, alignment, and stroke. *Jack started making nearly every putt indoors. *But would this success translate to the actual putting green?
When the rain subsided, Lynn and Jack headed outside for the second hour. *Lynn taught Jack how to read the greens, the best strategy for lag putting, and a tried and true warm up routine. *Putts were dropping from everywhere, 3ft, 7 ft, 15 ft, 25 ft. At the end of the lesson, Lynn set up an 80 foot putt across the entire putting green, an uphill, double breaker, and said "Ok Jack, it is the 72nd hole of the U.S. Junior Championship and you need to two putt for victory.". Recalling everything Lynn had taught him that day, Jack went through his routine, addressed the ball, and let it roll......uphill, breaking left, breaking right...in the cup! *An 80 foot birdie putt for the victory!
Three days later, Jack played in a Middle Atlantic PGA Junior Tour event and finished in first place against a strong field with a score of 79. *Jack made impossible putt and after putt that day, including birdies from 24 and 42 feet. *He wound up with 5 birdies that day (3 more than his previous best) and needed only 30 putts in the round.
All I can say is "Thank you Lynn. *You are a genius. *Hope to see you again soon."
Great story Jonathan thanks for sharing it and best of luck to Jack in the coming years.
There is no more dangerous putter than a young lad with confidence. There's magic there at that age. May he keep it as long as he plays the game. And may the rest of us old codgers remember what it was like to be that natural, that magical and that young.
If Lynn gets the chance could he perhaps mention if there was anything different from the AG putting DVD that he taught to young Jack.
__________________ The student senses his teacher’s steadfast belief and quiet resolve: “This is doable. It is doable by you. The pathway is there. All you need is determination and time.” And together, they make it happen.
If Lynn gets the chance could he perhaps mention if there was anything different from the AG putting DVD that he taught to young Jack.
After 4, 3 putt greens on my way to an 85 today, I will be watching the third DVD A LOT!!
Bravo, Jack!
__________________
HP, grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change, the courage to change what I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Progress and not perfection is the goal every day!
My twelve year old son Jack has been playing competitive golf for a couple of years. *He has steadily improved to the point where he typically posts scores in the *low to mid 80's. *The one area of Jack's game that has been somewhat inconsistent is his putting.
A few weeks ago, I contacted Lynn to schedule a putting lesson with Jack. *Coincidentally, Lynn mentioned he was going to be in the Washington, DC area (where we live) the following week and would be happy to work with Jack. *We scheduled a two hour lesson.
The first hour, it was pouring rain outside, so Lynn worked with Jack in the carpeted area of the clubhouse. *Lynn explained in detail the mechanics and theory of putting and completely overhauled Jack's putting routine, including his stance, grip, alignment, and stroke. *Jack started making nearly every putt indoors. *But would this success translate to the actual putting green?
When the rain subsided, Lynn and Jack headed outside for the second hour. *Lynn taught Jack how to read the greens, the best strategy for lag putting, and a tried and true warm up routine. *Putts were dropping from everywhere, 3ft, 7 ft, 15 ft, 25 ft. At the end of the lesson, Lynn set up an 80 foot putt across the entire putting green, an uphill, double breaker, and said "Ok Jack, it is the 72nd hole of the U.S. Junior Championship and you need to two putt for victory.". Recalling everything Lynn had taught him that day, Jack went through his routine, addressed the ball, and let it roll......uphill, breaking left, breaking right...in the cup! *An 80 foot birdie putt for the victory!
Three days later, Jack played in a Middle Atlantic PGA Junior Tour event and finished in first place against a strong field with a score of 79. *Jack made impossible putt and after putt that day, including birdies from 24 and 42 feet. *He wound up with 5 birdies that day (3 more than his previous best) and needed only 30 putts in the round.
All I can say is "Thank you Lynn. *You are a genius. *Hope to see you again soon."
Jonathan Klein
It's been a whirlwind lately, Jonathan, and I've just read this. Jack (the student) and I (the teacher) together made it happen, and no one was happier than me!
Thanks also to all who have posted in this thread. I appreciate your interest and will be back soon.
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