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Lag putting is basically a long putt utilized by a golfer to get the ball as close to the hole as possible to have an easy follow-up put. It is essentially a strategy formed to avoid three putts. This book walks the reader through a series of steps to determine how to best hit lag putts logically. First, the golfer must determine their individual power factor (IPF). This is the length the putt will travel based on how many inches the putter has been pulled away from the ball before striking. Building consistency on one’s swing is key. Once this is known, the golfer can make adjustments based on the terrain, the speed of the greens, and the distance. The key is to always spend time before a round on the practice green to determine the conditions of play that day. Once a golfer has these tools in hand, they can determine the strike distance from the ball based on a quick calculation of the range and the information gained during practice. It is a mathematical approach based on being consistent in one’s putting force and understanding the changing factors that can affect each putt.
It takes a few pages to understand the approach Labbe is taking in this golf book. Labbe worked as an engineer, and that plays out in his strategy to lag putting. Readers expecting a Golf For Dummies book will be a bit confused as they first begin reading and trying to absorb Labbe’s method, as it is not about getting down to the basics of grip, stance, etc. Nor is this book a deep dive into the mind and techniques of a celebrity golfer such as Ben Hogan, as is chronicled in the classic Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons. Instead, this highly practical book tackles one crucial aspect of a golfer’s game: the putt. Labbe breaks down the issue mathematically and informs the reader that many golfers hit nearly half their shots as putts. Logically, reducing the number of putts should lower their score. This has allowed the author to take a quantitative view of putting and, over twenty-five years of practice and refinement, develop a solution based more on intellect than feel. Once the reader begins to grasp the consistency at the core of Labbe’s instructions, the method becomes much clearer and makes a lot of practical sense.
Labbe’s book stands out from the typical offerings golfers may be used to, such as advice on their swing, club selection, etc. Those who can transition to Labbe’s instruction for putt consistency may find it surprisingly helpful. His writing is easy to read. A specialized book on putting stance and form might also add a little comfort, especially for golfers who are struggling to master this essential part of the game. Readers of this book will be rewarded with a thoughtful, well-planned, and interesting approach to improving their putting game. Labbe has charted new ground in this unique work and has created a solid entry into the literature of golf.