Justin Rose's Focus on Putting
When under pressure, Justin Rose doesn't try to force himself to feel calm. He explains how he maintains a smooth putting rhythm, how he deals with stress, and his “attention loop” that keeps him from freezing up over the ball.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
For Justin Rose, It's all about the rhythm when putting. He’s looking for a rhythm that doesn’t involve “hitting” the ball, because the pattern of a slow backswing followed by a sudden acceleration is hard to control when you’re nervous. His analogy: The ball is in the path of the putter, and the hole is in the path of the ball. He doesn't try to get the ball in the hole; he lets the result happen on its own. Second tip: keep her eyes perfectly still, otherwise you're looking for results too soon. When faced with stress, he doesn't shy away from his feelings: he tells himself that nervousness is useful and that his body knows what to do with it.
His pre-shot routine begins with reading the water: a strong cast on a bad line is useless. Once he's chosen the line, he no longer questions it. Next comes the attention loop: His focus goes to the target, his eyes follow, his focus returns to the ball, his eyes follow again, and then he hits the ball just as his focus shifts back to the target. Something is always moving in his mind, and he doesn’t have time to get stuck on a single thought or distraction.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Read the putt and choose a target, such as the edge of the hole.
- Decide that this interpretation is the right one, and don't second-guess it anymore.
- Align the ball's line—if you're using one—and then get into position.
- Focus your attention on the target, then look at it.
- Bring your attention—and then your eyes—back to the ball.
- Swing just as your focus returns to the target, keeping your eyes fixed on the ball.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- A slow backswing followed by a sudden acceleration.
- Wanting to “put” the ball in the hole instead of letting the shot happen naturally.
- Look up to see the result.
- To start doubting your figure once you've settled in.
- Hover over the ball with a single thought in mind.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Puts at a steady pace, without trying to generate speed with a sharp stroke
- A cycle of focus repeated with every putt: target, ball, target, shot
- A series in which you keep your eyes on the ball's location after the shot
- A few clutch putts, while making sure not to second-guess the line
Your Questions
What is Justin Rose's attention loop?
His attention is focused on the target; his eyes follow it, then his attention and eyes return to the ball. He hits the ball when his attention shifts back to the target. Nothing remains static, so there’s no room for distracting thoughts.
What does “the ball is in the path of the putter” mean?
He doesn't hit the ball: he makes a fluid motion, and the ball simply happens to be in his path, just as the hole happens to be in the ball's path. In this way, he lets the result happen naturally.
How do you deal with nerves on an important putt?
Rose says he gets nervous, too. He’s learned not to associate those feelings with failure and to tell himself that nervousness is a good thing, because his body knows how to handle it.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Justin Rose). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.