In the world of professional golf, where every stroke counts and the margins between victory and defeat are razor-thin, the art of putting often separates the good from the truly great. For those of us who cherish our rounds on Hawaii's stunning courses, from the windswept fairways of Kapalua to the serene greens of Mauna Lani, the quest for putting perfection is a familiar one. This season, a name has emerged that stands out in this crucial aspect of the game: Jacob Bridgeman.
Bridgeman, a rising star on the PGA Tour, has been turning heads not just with his overall play, but specifically with his uncanny ability on the greens. He currently holds the coveted top spot in Strokes Gained: Putting, a statistic that meticulously measures a player's putting performance against the field. This isn't just about making a few long putts; it's a consistent, reliable performance that shaves strokes off his score round after round.
So, what's his secret? It's not a revolutionary new putter model or a mystical pre-shot routine. Instead, Bridgeman employs a surprisingly straightforward yet highly effective practice technique that many amateur golfers, especially those navigating the diverse putting surfaces across our islands, could benefit from. He practices with not one, but two distinct putters: a classic blade-style putter and a more modern mallet design.
This isn't about choosing a favorite for the day. Bridgeman uses both during his practice sessions to achieve different objectives. The blade putter, known for its minimalist design and less forgiving nature, demands a precise, pure stroke. It provides immediate, unfiltered feedback on mishits, forcing him to focus intently on the center of the face and a consistent path. It's an excellent tool for refining the fundamentals – ensuring his eyes are over the ball, his hands are quiet, and his stroke is square to the target line.
Conversely, the mallet putter, with its larger head and perimeter weighting, offers greater stability and forgiveness. While he might use the blade to hone his feel and precision, the mallet allows him to practice with confidence, focusing on speed control and reading the breaks without the added pressure of perfect contact. This dual approach ensures that his stroke is not only fundamentally sound but also adaptable and robust enough to perform under pressure, regardless of the putter he ultimately chooses for competition.
For Hawaii golfers, this insight from Bridgeman offers a compelling lesson. Our island greens present a unique set of challenges – from the grainy Bermuda grass that can grab your ball, to the subtle ocean-influenced breaks, and the varying speeds found from course to course. Developing a versatile and reliable putting stroke is paramount. Practicing with different putter types, or even just focusing on different aspects of your stroke with your current putter, can significantly enhance your feel, consistency, and confidence.
Imagine taking a blade putter to practice your alignment and strike on the relatively flat practice greens, then switching to your mallet to dial in speed control on the undulating surfaces of a course like Poipu Bay. This systematic approach can help you identify weaknesses and build a more adaptable putting game, ready for any challenge the Aloha State's beautiful courses throw your way.
The HGT Take
Jacob Bridgeman's approach is a brilliant reminder that sometimes the most effective strategies are rooted in fundamental principles, applied with thoughtful intention. For Hawaii golfers, this isn't just about copying a pro; it's about understanding the 'why' behind his method. Our island greens demand adaptability, and by diversifying our practice, even with just one putter, we can build a more resilient stroke. It's a testament to the idea that true mastery comes from constantly challenging and refining your technique, ensuring you're ready for any break, any speed, and any pressure putt on our spectacular Hawaiian layouts.
