Tony Finau's Historic Putting Round at John Deere Classic

Discover how Tony Finau delivered one of the best putting performances ever at the John Deere Classic, setting a benchmark for golfers aiming to lower their scores.

By Marcus Bell, PGA Teaching Professional 2026-07-05

Tony Finau recently achieved one of the most outstanding putting performances at the John Deere Classic. His exceptional display on the greens set a new benchmark, showcasing the potential of precision and skill in lowering golf scores. Understanding Finau's techniques can provide valuable insights for golfers looking to enhance their own putting game.

What Made Finau's Putting So Remarkable?

Tony Finau's putting performance stood out due to his ability to consistently sink long putts and avoid three-putting. During the round, Finau gained over 4.5 strokes on the field with his putter, a testament to his skill and focus GOLF.com. This level of performance is rare and demonstrates the impact of exceptional putting on overall scores.

Finau's round included several putts over 20 feet, which is a distance where most amateurs struggle. His ability to read the greens and judge the speed allowed him to make these challenging putts look routine. For the average golfer, practicing putts from varying distances, especially those over 10 feet, can significantly enhance scoring potential.

How Can You Learn from Finau's Approach?

Finau's success can be attributed to several key factors that any golfer can emulate. First, his pre-shot routine was consistent, ensuring a focused mindset before each putt. This routine involved visualizing the putt, taking a few practice strokes to get a feel for the pace, and then committing to the stroke confidently.

Second, he effectively read the greens, a skill crucial for aligning putts accurately. A practical exercise to improve green reading is the 'clock drill'. Place balls at various positions around the hole at a distance of 3 to 10 feet, resembling the hours on a clock face. Practice reading and putting from each position to understand how subtle breaks affect the ball's path.

Repetition and Consistency

Repetition is key in developing a reliable putting routine. Spend at least 30 minutes a day practicing your pre-shot routine. This should include visualization, practice strokes, and a focus on committing to each putt. Consistency in your routine breeds confidence during actual play.

Why Is Putting Alignment Important?

Proper alignment is critical for successful putting. Finau's alignment was spot-on, allowing him to confidently execute each stroke. Practicing alignment at home can improve consistency. Check out Master Putting Alignment at Home for drills that can help refine this skill.

One effective drill for alignment is the 'railroad track' drill. Lay two alignment sticks parallel to each other on the ground, slightly wider than your putter. Practice your stroke while keeping the putter head moving along the 'tracks'. This drill helps ensure that your stroke is straight and that your putter face is square at impact.

Drill Frequency and Progression

To see tangible improvement, integrate the railroad track drill into your practice routine three times a week. Start with 10 putts per session, focusing on maintaining the putter path along the tracks. Gradually increase to 20 putts as your alignment consistency improves.

What Drills Can Improve Your Putting?

Incorporating specific drills into practice sessions can enhance putting performance. Drills such as the gate drill, where two tees are placed just wider than the putter head, can help with stroke accuracy. Additionally, distance control drills, like putting to different targets at varying distances, build confidence and touch.

Another valuable drill is the 'ladder drill'. Set up five balls in a straight line, each one foot apart, starting from three feet away from the hole. Putt each ball into the hole starting with the closest. If you miss, start over. This drill focuses on distance control and pressure putting, as it simulates the need to make consecutive putts under pressure.

Step-by-Step Drills

For the gate drill, set up two tees just wider than your putter head. Practice stroking 15 putts through the gate from 5 feet. Increase the distance by 2 feet once you make 10 out of 15 consistently. For the ladder drill, start with 10 balls, completing the sequence three times per session to build endurance and focus.

How Does Putting Impact Overall Scores?

Putting is a significant component of golf, influencing overall scores more than many realize. Finau's performance exemplifies how proficient putting can drastically lower scores. Practicing putting alongside other short game techniques, as discussed in Top 3 Short Game Shots to Master, is essential for improvement.

Statistics show that amateur golfers typically spend less than 30% of their practice time on putting, despite it accounting for approximately 40% of strokes in a round. Prioritizing putting practice can lead to more significant improvements in scoring than focusing solely on driving distance or iron play.

Practical Practice Tips

Allocate at least 50% of your practice time to putting and short game drills. Use a stopwatch to ensure you spend equal time on short putts, lag putts, and drills designed to simulate on-course pressure.

What Mindset Helps in Pressure Situations?

Finau's calm demeanor under pressure was crucial to his success. Developing a positive mindset and focusing on the process rather than the outcome can improve performance in high-stakes situations. Visualization techniques and controlled breathing can also aid in maintaining composure during pressure putts.

One technique is the 'three-breath method'. Before each putt, take three deep breaths, each lasting about five seconds. This helps to center your focus and reduce anxiety. Visualize the ball rolling into the hole during this time to enhance confidence and concentration.

Mindset Routine

Incorporate the three-breath method into your routine whenever you feel pressure mounting. Practice this during every putting session to make it a natural part of your game, enabling you to remain calm and focused in competitive situations.

How Do You Track Improvement?

Tracking progress is vital for continuous improvement in putting. Keep a record of your putting stats, such as putts per round and three-putt avoidance. Analyzing these metrics over time can highlight areas for improvement and measure success.

Use a scorecard or a golf app to log each round's putting stats. Note the number of putts per hole, the length of putts made, and instances of three-putting. Over time, look for trends and identify specific areas to focus on in practice, such as lag putting or short putts.

Tracking Tools

Consider using tools like Shot Scope or Golf Pad to track your putting performance during rounds. Regularly review your stats to adjust your practice focus and set realistic goals for improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What putter does Tony Finau use?

Tony Finau uses a Ping Anser 2 putter, which is known for its classic blade design that aids in alignment and feel.

How do I practice putting at home?

You can set up a putting mat or use carpet to practice alignment and stroke. Focus on distance control by varying target distances.

What is a good putting drill for alignment?

The gate drill is excellent for alignment. Place two tees slightly wider than your putter head and practice stroking the ball through them.

How important is green reading in putting?

Green reading is crucial as it helps you determine the line and speed of a putt. Improving this skill can significantly enhance putting performance.

How can I improve my mental game for putting?

Focus on routine, visualize successful putts, and use deep breathing techniques to stay calm and confident under pressure.

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