[Putting Variety②] Understanding the Putting Line "From Front, Back, and Side"... What is the 'Tunnel Effect'?

Lee Jeong-eun 6's Side Measurement Method "Similar to Actual Address Angle", Woods' 'Tunnel Effect', Lydia Ko's 'Aimpoint Express'

Lee Jeong-eun 6 twists her body 90 degrees to check the putting line from the side.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyunjun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "From the front and back, from the side."

The second step is the know-how to accurately examine the putting line. First, predict the path the ball will roll according to the slope around the hole. Players especially take precise measurements from the front and back. It is interesting that Lee Jeongeun6 (24, Daebang Construction) uses the 'side surveying method.' She introduced it by saying, "Because it is similar to the actual address angle." The 'returned golf emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) focuses on the 'tunnel effect.'

▲ Lee Jeongeun6's 'Side Surveying Method' = The same applies to amateur golfers. From the moment you step onto the green, try to gauge the overall slope and the positions of mountains and lakes. Mountain and ocean breaks mean the slope goes from the mountain toward the lake. In reality, Jeju Island golf courses, centered around Hallasan Mountain, often cause 'optical illusions' that differ from what you see with your eyes. Course designers also focus on drainage. Imagine the direction water flows.

On the green, find two high points and two low points among east, west, south, and north. You can tell which way the break curves and whether it is uphill or downhill. Lastly, consider the 'grain of the grass.' With the grain, it appears faint; against the grain, it looks darker like a shadow. This greatly affects the area near the hole where the ball’s momentum weakens. All this information should be gathered while your playing partners are putting. Spending too much time alone can be problematic.

Lee Jeongeun6’s unique routine of turning her body 90 degrees while seated began in 2014 when she was a third-year student at Cheongam High School in Suncheon, Jeonnam. She explained, "A friend who played golf with me often used it," adding, "Now it feels awkward to look straight on." She also uses the putter when placing the ball. Closing one eye, she makes a detailed aim connecting the hole and the ball. She recommended it, saying, "Putting while looking at the hole from the side seems more accurate."

Tiger Woods measures the putting line through the 'tunnel effect'.

▲ Woods' 'Tunnel Effect,' Lydia Ko's 'AimPoint Express' = Woods is famous for his 'clutch putting,' where he always sinks decisive putts. The 'tunnel effect' is the driving force behind his record-tying 82 PGA Tour wins, including 15 majors. He bends the brim of his cap with both hands behind the ball to exclude surrounding objects. This prevents visual distractions and enhances concentration on the putting line to detect subtle curves.

Lydia Ko (New Zealand) and Adam Scott (Australia) use 'AimPoint Express.' Stacy Lewis (USA) is the originator of the 'Original AimPoint.' First, determine the slope in 0 to 7 steps. Standing behind the ball, align your fingertips with the center of the hole and extend one more finger for each level of slope. This is useful for finding the inflection point where the ball curves. Feeling the weight distribution on the soles of your feet on a slope is a similar concept.

Long hitter J.B. Holmes (USA) uses the 'Plumb Bobbing' method, aiming the putter shaft to be perpendicular to the hole. This means the ball curves toward the side it leans. If the hole appears to the left of the shaft, it is a hook line; if to the right, a slice line. Amateur golfers need to practice holding the putter vertically. A downside is that the putter can shake in strong winds or bad weather. 'The Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau (USA) aims at the target through the putter shaft.