[Kim Hyunjun's Theme Lesson] 'Jjanmul Putter' Lee Jeongeun6 "From Side Measurement Method to Putter Aim"

The side measurement method, where Lee Jeong-eun 6 rotates her body 90 degrees from the sitting position, reduces optical illusions as it is similar to the address angle.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyunjun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Focusing on the inflection point."

World No. 23 Lee Jeong-eun 6 (26, Daebang Construction) is famous on the LPGA Tour as an 'all-time great conservative putter.' This season, she averages 1.68 greens in regulation per hole (1st place) and 28.62 putts per round (4th place). Her average driving distance is 266.74 yards (37th place), and it is surprising that a power hitter can execute such delicate green play. Her greens in regulation rate, which was 75.36% (8th place) in 2019 with her 'needle-like iron shots,' has dulled to 68.78% (52nd place) this year, causing her some frustration.

Lee Jeong-eun 6 is the player who, in 2017, reached four wins on the Korean LPGA (KLPGA) Tour, becoming the first ever six-time titleholder by winning not only multiple victories but also the prize money title, the Player of the Year, and the lowest scoring average. In 2018, she also won two majors and successfully defended both the money title and the lowest scoring average for a second consecutive year. In November, she topped the LPGA Tour Qualifying (Q) Series and moved to the United States in 2019, immediately capturing the spotlight by winning the major US Women's Open in June.

Lee Jeong-eun 6 is especially known for her excellent 'clutch putting ability' in critical moments. When she reaches the green, she comprehensively assesses the overall slope in three dimensions and looks for the inflection point where the ball will curve while her playing partners are putting. Her unique routine of sitting and rotating her body 90 degrees started in 2014 when she was a junior at Cheongam High School in Suncheon, Jeollanam-do. She explained, "It was a method my friend used often," and "It reduces optical illusions because the address angle is similar."

Lee Jeong-eun 6 closes one eye and uses the shaft to precisely align the ball with the hole.

She has another routine using the putter when placing the ball. It is a precise aim where she closes one eye and aligns the ball, shaft, and hole. For mid- and long-distance putts, she naturally aims at a virtual target (the inflection point). Lastly, she fixes her head and introduced, "I even practice by resting my head against a wall." This is the most important point for amateur golfers. The setup changes depending on mood, and when the head moves, the ball often hits the inside or outside of the putter head.

Let's review the basics of putting once again. First is the address process. Both arms hang naturally, then the putter is held first with the right hand and aligned with the target, followed by placing the left hand on top and setting the stance. Short putts are taken somewhat firmly. This creates straightness that overcomes subtle slopes around the hole. Long putts focus on 'distance control.' The stroke should be kept low to the ground to improve the ball's roll.