Every week or so I hope to take some time to educate on the similarities and differences between the philosophy of golf versus minigolf.
I often hear that, "golf is a game of inches." I tend to counter this with, "Minigolf is a game of millimeters." This is not a flip response, in reality the way that a minigolfer prepares for a tournament grooves shots on each hole down to hitting a mark a couple feet away within a millimeter. But this is not the only reason for the comment...
Golf, above all, teaches its players to avoid making mistakes. A par on a tournament course is a good score. As much as the pros would like to aim every shot at the flagstick and blitz every birdie putt at the hole, the risk of a bogey is perceived to carry more weight than the benefit of a birdie. This shouldn't matter on the putting green, but this 2009 New York Times article indicates that PGA golfers are more risk averse on birdie putts of the same distance as par putts.
Why? In theory it shouldn't matter...
Per the authors of the referenced article, Devin Pope and Maurice Schweitzer, this risk aversion existed regardless of player skill, round/hole number, length, position with lead or cut, and other variables. The authors, within their article, indicate that the evidence shows that, [this] finding implies that the accuracy gap derives from a psychological rather than a mechanical process."
I'll get back to that, but for now it should be noted that the difference between par-putt and birdie-putt percentage made peaked around the 6-to-12 foot distance.
On Putt Putt minigolf courses, it is interesting to note that the average putt length is around 12-to-15 feet in length, just a little longer than this peak "risk-aversion zone."
From The Golfing Blog (11/4/2010 post), statistics gathered from Eyline Golf indicate that, in 2010, PGA Tour pros averaged 1-in-3 putts made for putts between 10 and 15 feet. Billy Caudle has posted the 2011 National event statistics for the Putt Putt Association (PPA) Pros and, on average, the PPA pro average is 51%, with the top-scorers averaging around 70%.
There are potentially several reasons for this difference, which I hope to explore as time goes on.
I will agree with Pope and Schweitzer for now and hypothesize that the differences are psychological in nature. The PGA Tour golfer is ingrained with minimizing risk from the tee to the green; Hank Haney has referred to this as "the big miss" that can derail a perfectly good tournament.
If a player is psychologically driven to be risk-averse from the tee to the green, is it unreasonable to see that they exhibit these same risk-averse traits in their putting style?
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
The stacked field and 6/24 results
Minigolf courses come in all shapes and sizes. Putt Putt courses all come from a "cookbook" of holes, but their difficulty can vary from place to place.
There are "aces races" courses, like the Red course in Martinez, GA; here are the scores from the 2011 Southern Open. You have to hit the putts pure, but there is less randomness in the carpet and rails than other courses.
Martinsville used to feel like one of those courses, but in recent years it has become much more difficult on the back nine. You better score early and hang on for dear life on the back because it is very easy to go from a 27 to 31 without any rhyme or reason. Bad kick off the rail...fluff of the carpet in the heat throwing the ball off line...take your pick. It is a test of patience and resiliency for the best of players.
I was excited about my pairing on Sunday as I was playing with two former national champions: Robert Johnson and Tony Varnadore. Then again, out here on the East Coast, it seems like everyone has a major title to their name. Every field is stacked, especially when the Southern Tour people show up.
Take the first 12 finishers on Sunday in Martinsville. (Results via DoggHouse)
Seven of them have Pro national titles on the PPA tour. One of the other five has multiple USPMGA national titles and recently won a PPA National major in convincing fashion. One has a Senior National title (and a major National event) in recent years. Two others have Amateur national titles in addition to multiple pro wins of state and major levels.
Eleven of the top-12 have stacked resumes. The 12th member of the dozen "only" has a couple dozen State level wins and a State player of the year award to go with it.
Mind you, only nine people can cash in this event. Some top players are going to be left out of the money. Competing at this level is difficult for the entry pro players; at the end of the year, like the weaker zebras in the herd, they are carved out and separated by the lions never to be heard from again.
The very top players never seem to finish out of the money. Greg Ward is, in my opinion, the best PPA putter of the last twenty years. His back-to-back Player of the Decade titles support this. What really impresses me is that there _have_ to be some days he isn't 100%. But as far as I can tell, over the last 20 years, he has cashed in all but a couple (if not cashed in all) events. You look at most leaderboards and he is in the mix of every event he is in.
This is why I was excited to play with Robert and Tony. I wanted to see what made them tick under competition. What did I learn? Their "bad" putts are still in play and have a chance. Speed control is incredible, probably better than their ability to control line. And when they are on a roll, it's fun to watch. As an example, I shot a 12 on the front nine my last round. By all accounts, even at this level, this is a solid score. Only one was not in play as I severely lagged hole 3; the other two had a chance. How did this match up? I still got my tail kicked by my playing partners. Tony shot an 11 and RoJo shot a perfect 9.
I gave up four strokes a round to people I want to compete with. That's a lot. Actually "a lot" underestimates the gap. My deuce patrols on the back nine didn't help, but at the end of the day I didn't make the holes I needed to make. I can take solace in that one of my playing partners mentioned that I seemed more competitive this year. The stats don't necessarily indicate that (15% cash rate and way too many finishes at/near the bottom). But my swing is improved and when I miss is usually speed related, not because I'm clanging it off a post or obstacle. So people I respect notice I'm grinding and improving, which is nice to fall back on in the weekly grind.
Next week is the North Carolina State Championships in Gastonia. While I would like to go, as it will be a stacked field before the National Northern Open the following week, it is a 7-8 hour drive. It might be best to take a week off; if I want to train I can drive to Richmond (2 hours) and practice for the National Eastern Open later this year.
Either way I need more reps and more speed control training. The only way for the zebra to avoid being eaten by the lions is to grow faster and stronger. Or grow a mane and blend in. Time will tell which path I'm on.
There are "aces races" courses, like the Red course in Martinez, GA; here are the scores from the 2011 Southern Open. You have to hit the putts pure, but there is less randomness in the carpet and rails than other courses.
Martinsville used to feel like one of those courses, but in recent years it has become much more difficult on the back nine. You better score early and hang on for dear life on the back because it is very easy to go from a 27 to 31 without any rhyme or reason. Bad kick off the rail...fluff of the carpet in the heat throwing the ball off line...take your pick. It is a test of patience and resiliency for the best of players.
I was excited about my pairing on Sunday as I was playing with two former national champions: Robert Johnson and Tony Varnadore. Then again, out here on the East Coast, it seems like everyone has a major title to their name. Every field is stacked, especially when the Southern Tour people show up.
Take the first 12 finishers on Sunday in Martinsville. (Results via DoggHouse)
Seven of them have Pro national titles on the PPA tour. One of the other five has multiple USPMGA national titles and recently won a PPA National major in convincing fashion. One has a Senior National title (and a major National event) in recent years. Two others have Amateur national titles in addition to multiple pro wins of state and major levels.
Eleven of the top-12 have stacked resumes. The 12th member of the dozen "only" has a couple dozen State level wins and a State player of the year award to go with it.
Mind you, only nine people can cash in this event. Some top players are going to be left out of the money. Competing at this level is difficult for the entry pro players; at the end of the year, like the weaker zebras in the herd, they are carved out and separated by the lions never to be heard from again.
The very top players never seem to finish out of the money. Greg Ward is, in my opinion, the best PPA putter of the last twenty years. His back-to-back Player of the Decade titles support this. What really impresses me is that there _have_ to be some days he isn't 100%. But as far as I can tell, over the last 20 years, he has cashed in all but a couple (if not cashed in all) events. You look at most leaderboards and he is in the mix of every event he is in.
This is why I was excited to play with Robert and Tony. I wanted to see what made them tick under competition. What did I learn? Their "bad" putts are still in play and have a chance. Speed control is incredible, probably better than their ability to control line. And when they are on a roll, it's fun to watch. As an example, I shot a 12 on the front nine my last round. By all accounts, even at this level, this is a solid score. Only one was not in play as I severely lagged hole 3; the other two had a chance. How did this match up? I still got my tail kicked by my playing partners. Tony shot an 11 and RoJo shot a perfect 9.
I gave up four strokes a round to people I want to compete with. That's a lot. Actually "a lot" underestimates the gap. My deuce patrols on the back nine didn't help, but at the end of the day I didn't make the holes I needed to make. I can take solace in that one of my playing partners mentioned that I seemed more competitive this year. The stats don't necessarily indicate that (15% cash rate and way too many finishes at/near the bottom). But my swing is improved and when I miss is usually speed related, not because I'm clanging it off a post or obstacle. So people I respect notice I'm grinding and improving, which is nice to fall back on in the weekly grind.
Next week is the North Carolina State Championships in Gastonia. While I would like to go, as it will be a stacked field before the National Northern Open the following week, it is a 7-8 hour drive. It might be best to take a week off; if I want to train I can drive to Richmond (2 hours) and practice for the National Eastern Open later this year.
Either way I need more reps and more speed control training. The only way for the zebra to avoid being eaten by the lions is to grow faster and stronger. Or grow a mane and blend in. Time will tell which path I'm on.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Sat. 6/23 Martinsville
A quick five-hour drive from Northern Virginia is all that it takes to reach the quiet reclusive area of Martinsville, VA. One of the great traits of the area is its ability to retain all heat; allegedly the temperature was supposed to be 85F, but all the thermometers were reading 100+F.
Because of this, I have to dial down the amount of practice I have. I only made one detailed lap of the course over 90 minutes, which is not to my liking. Fortunately, this is the location of my lone PPA title (here); so even though the course is more difficult and the shots have changed, I know what holes I need to focus on and what ones I just need to put in play and hope for the best. The goal was to shoot clean, take aces where they come (especially on the front nine), and keep attacking the course.
I was really happy with my random group pairing; Bill and TJ are two of the more relaxed people out there. Considering we were going to be baking on a course with no shade, we need all the relaxation we can find. Plus, both Bill and TJ can really roll it, so it is good chance to play heads-up against some quality competition.
My happiness quickly disappated with a bogey on the very first hole. Lagged a putt dead on line, leaving a 30-inch putt. Thinking it broke, I hit it firm, never giving up the cup...yet somehow it spun 180-degrees out of the hole and sat on the edge of the cup. One hole in and my chance for shooting clean was done.
Fortunately I was able to feed off of Bill's great shooting as well as TJ putting up a solid score to stay on track. As much as I prefer winning, I do tend to cheerlead when my playing partners are in contention. Bill ended up finishing in a playoff, but I decided to cool off in a shower...so I'll have to get the final tomorrow.
I did grind out some good patches and was able to lay up on the last hole to preserve a cash finish...so that was nice.
But if you want to see the difference between a top finish and not cashing out here, this is the tournament to watch.
76 wins in a playoff
81 - T-3rd/19
82 - T-5th/19
83 - T-7th/19 (last cash)
84 - T10th/19 (out of money)
85 - 13th
Image of Pro results
A break or two a round means the difference between not cashing and a podium finish.
That's why I harp on keeping focused and shooting clean. You can't afford to drop shots out here.
Because of this, I have to dial down the amount of practice I have. I only made one detailed lap of the course over 90 minutes, which is not to my liking. Fortunately, this is the location of my lone PPA title (here); so even though the course is more difficult and the shots have changed, I know what holes I need to focus on and what ones I just need to put in play and hope for the best. The goal was to shoot clean, take aces where they come (especially on the front nine), and keep attacking the course.
I was really happy with my random group pairing; Bill and TJ are two of the more relaxed people out there. Considering we were going to be baking on a course with no shade, we need all the relaxation we can find. Plus, both Bill and TJ can really roll it, so it is good chance to play heads-up against some quality competition.
My happiness quickly disappated with a bogey on the very first hole. Lagged a putt dead on line, leaving a 30-inch putt. Thinking it broke, I hit it firm, never giving up the cup...yet somehow it spun 180-degrees out of the hole and sat on the edge of the cup. One hole in and my chance for shooting clean was done.
Fortunately I was able to feed off of Bill's great shooting as well as TJ putting up a solid score to stay on track. As much as I prefer winning, I do tend to cheerlead when my playing partners are in contention. Bill ended up finishing in a playoff, but I decided to cool off in a shower...so I'll have to get the final tomorrow.
I did grind out some good patches and was able to lay up on the last hole to preserve a cash finish...so that was nice.
But if you want to see the difference between a top finish and not cashing out here, this is the tournament to watch.
76 wins in a playoff
81 - T-3rd/19
82 - T-5th/19
83 - T-7th/19 (last cash)
84 - T10th/19 (out of money)
85 - 13th
Image of Pro results
A break or two a round means the difference between not cashing and a podium finish.
That's why I harp on keeping focused and shooting clean. You can't afford to drop shots out here.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Roanoke Results 09-Jun-2012
I have a love-hate relationship with Course #2 in Roanoke. I enjoy the owners, the staff, the fact that they take good care of the course...but everything about the course drives me a little batty.
I have yet to post a decent result here, unless setting records for slides on rails is something I should strive for. I did get a few hours of practice, so I felt reasonable good at the start.
As the day went on, the temperatures rose to the 90s, tempers started fraying, and a mix of sweat, suntan lotion, liniment, and sadness seemed to fall over the course. Or maybe it was just the humidity and heat.
In the AM tournament I was relegated to cheerleader quickly as I parred Hole #9 in the first round through to Hole #6 in the second round. You can't get 15 deuces in a row at this level, especially in a three-round event. Played with Rick Baird and Gary Hinshaw; Rick had a nice roll and made the last hole to get into a playoff for the title (won by R. Johnson).
Morning PPA results
Morning results (Text) via MyDoggHouse
The PM tournament was pretty much the same. Could have gotten into the cash with a decent final round, but couldn't close the deal. Jeff Spainhour, rebounding from a tough morning performance, pulled off the victory.
Afternoon PPA results
Afternoon results (Text) via MyDoggHouse
Finished 2nd to last in both tournaments, which is disappointing and also doesn't feel like the level I played at. But the math doesn't lie...that's how it adds up.
Tomorrow I get a chance to rebound in a four-round State Major event. So we aren't done here in Roanoke...yet...
I have yet to post a decent result here, unless setting records for slides on rails is something I should strive for. I did get a few hours of practice, so I felt reasonable good at the start.
As the day went on, the temperatures rose to the 90s, tempers started fraying, and a mix of sweat, suntan lotion, liniment, and sadness seemed to fall over the course. Or maybe it was just the humidity and heat.
In the AM tournament I was relegated to cheerleader quickly as I parred Hole #9 in the first round through to Hole #6 in the second round. You can't get 15 deuces in a row at this level, especially in a three-round event. Played with Rick Baird and Gary Hinshaw; Rick had a nice roll and made the last hole to get into a playoff for the title (won by R. Johnson).
Morning PPA results
Morning results (Text) via MyDoggHouse
The PM tournament was pretty much the same. Could have gotten into the cash with a decent final round, but couldn't close the deal. Jeff Spainhour, rebounding from a tough morning performance, pulled off the victory.
Afternoon PPA results
Afternoon results (Text) via MyDoggHouse
Finished 2nd to last in both tournaments, which is disappointing and also doesn't feel like the level I played at. But the math doesn't lie...that's how it adds up.
Tomorrow I get a chance to rebound in a four-round State Major event. So we aren't done here in Roanoke...yet...
Here in Big Lick...Pass the salt
This weekend the Virginia and Great Lakes PPA Tours are co-hosting tournaments in Roanoke, Virginia on Course #2 at the Putt-Putt Golf and Games facility.
Here is my album of the course pictures with lines (shots) in the captions
Roanoke #2 Course Pictures
Roanoke is near the Blue Ridge the Blue Ridge mountains which gives the impression that it is a nice, cool, relaxing area. Unfortunately, this place also seems like it is in a bowl...which means that the thermals turn this place into a cross between a sauna and an Easy-Bake Oven (without the tasty treats).
Post-Civil War this place was known as "Big Lick" due to the large salt piles that were in the area. The salt piles may be gone, but you can still find flea markets inside of malls hawking reprint Star Wars posters and post-Hiroshima news articles from the local newspapers. The strange concept of selling reminders of world destruction as art disguises the fact that some of the nicest people in the Commonwealth live here.
Here is my album of the course pictures with lines (shots) in the captions
Roanoke #2 Course Pictures
Roanoke is near the Blue Ridge the Blue Ridge mountains which gives the impression that it is a nice, cool, relaxing area. Unfortunately, this place also seems like it is in a bowl...which means that the thermals turn this place into a cross between a sauna and an Easy-Bake Oven (without the tasty treats).
Post-Civil War this place was known as "Big Lick" due to the large salt piles that were in the area. The salt piles may be gone, but you can still find flea markets inside of malls hawking reprint Star Wars posters and post-Hiroshima news articles from the local newspapers. The strange concept of selling reminders of world destruction as art disguises the fact that some of the nicest people in the Commonwealth live here.
Welcome to the blog/Intro
Years ago I used to be pretty involved on the competitive miniature golf circuit. I had some nice amateur victories including a state title and state player of the year honor. I was also fortunate enough to compete on the US Minigolf team at the 1999 and 2001 World Championships.
Right after I transitioned to domestic/international professional, I had to drop off the circuit due to a hyperactive immune system. I've been off the circuit for several years but in 2012 I came back full steam trying to rebuild a stable putting stroke, meet up with old friends, and remember why I love this sport so much.
So what's the plan?
1) Friends who ask where/what I'm playing will now have a place to keep up-to-date
2) I'll be posting photos and lines of tournament courses
3) I'll be posting results of tournaments I compete in
4) For the international players, I hope to give insight on what competitions are like here in the US and how they compare to World Minigolf Federation events that they may be more familiar with
5) In down weeks, I hope to talk about what I've learned about the biomechanics of putting
And if there is anything of interest...always feel free to post...
Right after I transitioned to domestic/international professional, I had to drop off the circuit due to a hyperactive immune system. I've been off the circuit for several years but in 2012 I came back full steam trying to rebuild a stable putting stroke, meet up with old friends, and remember why I love this sport so much.
So what's the plan?
1) Friends who ask where/what I'm playing will now have a place to keep up-to-date
2) I'll be posting photos and lines of tournament courses
3) I'll be posting results of tournaments I compete in
4) For the international players, I hope to give insight on what competitions are like here in the US and how they compare to World Minigolf Federation events that they may be more familiar with
5) In down weeks, I hope to talk about what I've learned about the biomechanics of putting
And if there is anything of interest...always feel free to post...
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