Dear Scott,
My question concerns the specifications of a world record throw. How are conditions figured into the process of claiming a record? Also, what were the conditions for your record throw, or similar attempts? Finally, when will you have the opportunity to reclaim your title (if it was relinquished)? Thanks."
Paul Nolen
Swope Park
Kansas City MO
Paul,
There are several rules that must be followed when setting a world distance record. First off, the throw must be set on perfectly flat ground. Second, the event must be published well in advance to give all the players competing for the record the opportunity to make the trip and go for the record as well. Third , there's a limit of 15 throws per day to go for any of the world distance records.
As far as when I'll get to go for my record again, I'm hoping to run an event this fall either in Montana or possibly the Bonniville Salt Flats.
Dear Scott,
Can you give me any hints to consistency on hitting putts from 50-80 feet? I have been practicing flicking and I hit ten in a row from 30 ft in my backyard. But that was just a day thing because I can't do it anymore. And also, is it hard to play with Julianna -- she is hot!
David Jones
White Clay State Park
Newark DE
David,
Unfortunately there is no trick to consistently hitting 50 to 80 ft. putts. Nobody in the world makes these shots most of the time. Rather, the good players weigh the risk of going for it with the reward of making it and decide whether it is worth going for the shot. What is important is that if you go for the shot you must make it a higher percentage of time than you miss the comeback putt.
Before I ever go for a long putt I decide what would happen if I laid the putt up 10 times verses what would happen if I went for the putt 10 times. In other words, will I make the putt more often than I'll miss the comeback putt. If I will, then I will go for it. If I will miss the comeback putt more, then I will lay up.
Don't be afraid to play defense on the longer putts. You make your strokes not by making the big putts that everybody high-five's you for, but rather by playing it smart and not messing up.
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Distance Record Rules and Hitting Long Putts
