[Kim Ha-neul's FunFun Golf] 'Fringe Putter Method'

Check Grass Length, Grain, and Distance to Hole
Maintain the Same Posture, Extend Longer During Follow-Through

Once the ball is settled on the green, there is no need to worry. Just grab the putter and aim for a birdie. However, iron shots are not always accurate. Amateur golfers often find their ball landing on the fringe. This is when a dilemma arises: whether to use a wedge or a putter. Today, we will discuss the fringe putting method.

The fringe refers to the edge of the green. It consists of grass that is shorter than the fairway but slightly longer than the green. Weekend golfers often struggle when their ball lands on the fringe. Golf is a game of increasing probabilities, so it is important to reduce the chances of a mishit. Using a wedge will cause the ball to lift, while a putter will roll the ball. Which is safer? Generally, grabbing the putter is more advantageous for score management.

The grass on the fringe is not very long. Even tour players find it difficult to make precise contact. Amateur golfers tend to assume that hitting the ball with a wedge will easily get it close to the hole. This is a risky mindset. On the fringe, topping or fat shots can occur. A mishit near the green can have lasting negative effects and ruin your round. It is much better to grab the putter and roll the ball.

Here are some points to remember when putting from the fringe. First, you need to recognize that the grass length is different. Putting as you would on the green will cause you to misjudge the distance. A stronger stroke than usual is necessary. However, you should not hit the ball too hard, as it will bounce and lose both distance control and direction. Maintain your usual rhythm and tempo, but try to extend your arms a bit longer during the follow-through.

You should check the grain of the fringe grass. Assess the grain direction and adjust the stroke strength accordingly. When putting from the fringe, you must abandon the thought of sinking the ball into the hole. Instead, putt with the mindset of sending the ball close to the hole without greed to achieve the desired result. Practicing putting from the fringe is essential. Before your round, check how much the ball slows down when rolling on the fringe of the practice green; this can be a great help. Sportainer and 14-time winner on the Korea-Japan Tour

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.