Okay, let’s talk about that Michael Phelps putt. The really long one.
I remember seeing the highlight years ago. You know, the one from that pro-am tournament over in Scotland. 159 feet, something absolutely bonkers like that. Honestly, my first thought wasn’t even about Phelps, it was just “How does anyone even get the ball that close from that far away on a green?” Forget sinking it, just getting it to stop near the hole would be a miracle for most folks, myself included.
Watching it Again
So, the other day, I was just messing around online, and a clip of it popped up again. I watched it a few times. It wasn’t like a laser beam straight to the hole, right? It sort of wandered, took the curves of the green. Looked like it was slowing down, maybe gonna stop short, and then plunk, right in the cup. Wild.
It got me thinking about my own putting game. Or lack thereof, maybe I should say. I head out to the local course sometimes, not often, just to whack the ball around. Putting is where it all falls apart for me. I can spend ages lining things up, take a practice swing or two, feel confident, and then completely duff it. Send it way past the hole, or leave it miles short.
- Trying too hard, probably.
- Reading the green? More like guessing wildly.
- That smooth stroke? Mine looks more like I’m swatting a fly.
My Own “Long Putt” Story (Kind Of)
This reminds me of one time, must’ve been last summer. I was on the practice green, nobody else around. Just for kicks, I went to the very edge, maybe 50 feet away? Not Phelps-level, not even close. I just gave the ball a hopeful tap, aiming somewhere in the general direction of the hole. Didn’t even watch it properly, turned away to grab another ball.
Then I heard that beautiful sound – the ball hitting the bottom of the cup. I swear, my jaw dropped. Pure, dumb luck. I tried it again maybe ten times after that. Couldn’t get within ten feet of the hole. That’s golf, I guess. Or at least, that’s my golf.
Back to Phelps
So yeah, seeing that Phelps putt again was fun. It’s one of those freak moments in sports. Sure, he’s an incredible athlete, maybe the best swimmer ever. Does that translate to holing a 159-foot putt? Probably not directly. Seems like it was just one of those moments where the stars align, the golf gods smiled, whatever you want to call it. A bit of skill in getting the line right, sure, but mostly a whole lot of luck on the speed and the final roll.
It’s cool to see stuff like that happen. Makes you realize crazy things are possible, even if it’s just for a moment on a golf course. Doesn’t make my own putting any better, but it’s a fun memory to revisit.
