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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