TIPS FROM THE PROS * BY MIKE BARGE * Mike Barge is the director of instruction at Hazeltine National GC and a Class A member of the PGA of America. The Long and Short of Lag Putting These quick mental tips can help transform three putts into two putts. T he great amateur Bobby Jones said the key to golf is turning three shots into two, and that's especially true when it comes to long putts. When we fail to roll long putts close to the hole, it puts extreme pressure on making the next one. And I've never been a fan of putting to an imaginary three-foot circle around the cup-if you miss your circle by three feet, you now have a six-footer. Every putt can be made with proper speed, line and attitude. Achieving the right distance on long putts starts with getting a thorough look at the terrain and feeling the length and pace you need to swing the putter. Spending more time looking at the hole and less time staring at the ball is crucial for this to happen. I like to stand slightly taller to see the distance to the hole and allow my arms to swing freely. Solid contact is a must, since a mis-hit will surely come up short. Change your mindset on how you approach these long putts, and you just might turn two shots into one. mngolf.org Fall 2019 MINNESOTAGOLFER 9 PHOTO BY MATT SEEFELDThttp://www.mngolf.org