This endearing term is for those that use the putter or “Texas wedge” from off the green. It is a fall back to the need to use a putter when off the green and faced with no obstacles on route to the green. Considered by many to be the go-to club when faced with such a shot, amateur golfers worldwide are falling foul to the temptation of reaching for the putter.
But I feel that this reliance on the texas wedge is holding so many amateur golfers back from achieving their true potential.
We have all heard the old adage that a bad putt is always better than a bad chip, but I have to disagree with that statement to an extent, because that surely must depend on your ability to both chip and putt. However, if you are never willing to try chipping the ball, and instead reach for the putter, then how are you ever going to know how good the results could be?
During the off season, I have often asked my clients to refuse to use their putter unless they are on the putting surface in an attempt to make them have to test their abilities chipping with a wedge or an 8 iron. The client is often very dubious, as they feel their scores will not improve and in fact probably get worse. But it is not about scoring, the closed season is the perfect time to work on improving your game ready for the season.
What you need to be aware of is that if improve your chipping and can choose the shot which is correct for the moment then you are going to start shooting better scores. It is this that is important, you need to be able to play a variety of shots from around the green rather than being scared of hitting a poor chip and reaching for the putter, which let´s be honest from the thicker rough around the green is a lottery as to whether you can achieve a decent or acceptable result.
Improving scores is about giving yourself the best chances to do so, meaning you need to have an arsenal of shots to call upon, when the time comes. If you are not a good chipper then you obviously need to head down to the chipping green and dedicate a few hours a week to improving your technique and feel, both with chipping and pitching.
You cannot rely on a putter from 5 or 6 metres short of a green, it is not as consistent as you have been told. If it was you would see all the professionals doing the same thing, it was created as an excuse not to have to hone your skills around the green.
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