Jack Nicklaus knows a thing or two about getting a golf ball up and down from around the greens and over the years, he’s given out some of the best advice going.
Nicklaus was widely known for his attention to detail when it came to using the flatstick and he was often someone who would innovatively use the putter from distance.
As we know, there is the famous clip of Nicklaus showing Johnny Miller how to get it done from way off the green, a clip which is now infamous in the world of golf.
Over the years, with Nicklaus now pushing 90, he’s often used his knowledge and experience to share tips and tricks with amateurs and professionals alike.
But one of Nicklaus’ best ever tips comes in the form of when to use the putter, instead of a trusty iron or wedge to get the ball up on the green.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty ImagesJack Nicklaus’ tip for amateurs when it comes to chipping and putting
With Jack Nicklaus often spending time over the years to educate the golfing world, when he’s giving tips out on chipping and putting, it’s worth taking notice of.
Nicklaus has given out countless pieces of advice over the years but this one in particular, where he shares an interaction with an amateur on chipping and putting, is particularly thought provoking for the higher handicap player.
‘I say well that’s a pretty good chip [chipping it to within four feet]. But let’s take your putter. What would happen if you were in the same exact place and you used your putter for the same shot,” Nicklaus explained.
“Would four feet be acceptable? And he said ‘it would be a pretty bad putt’. Well here’s the thing, sort of think about it actually that your worst putt, might actually be as good as your best chip.’”
With the ‘Golden Bear’ winning 18 major trophies and countless other events in his career, if he is suggesting to use the putter ever so often from distance, then it’s a sure sign it’s good advice.
For the high handicap player, simply getting the ball onto the putting surface is often the toughest part of the entire job.
Duffed or skinny chips and lobs towards the greens cost so many shots and ultimately, if you aren’t confident in your game and can use the putter, then do so.