Why look away when someone is putting?

[Countchunkula]

Originally Posted by glassila

I prefer to watch every shot of the people I'm playing with, including putts especially if it's a somewhat competitive round.

If they are putting confidently and hitting center chains I know I may have to step up my game. If their putts are all over the place I may have a different mind set.

My point being is if I watch them putt then I have a better idea of how they are playing and a better idea of how I need to play if my goal is to beat them. More information is better right?

Ohn is definitely not the norm, but most of her putts look wobbly and uncontrolled and just about all of them go in. I'm sure for 99% of opponents, your strategy is sound, but there's always exceptions.

[coupe]

Originally Posted by glassila

More information is better right?

Not if you don't know how to use it properly.

[Dcinmd]

Originally Posted by glassila

My point being is if I watch them putt then I have a better idea of how they are playing and a better idea of how I need to play if my goal is to beat them. More information is better right?

Personally I play against the course. If I am taking care of what I need to, it doesn't matter what the other members of my card are doing.

How is the other person putting 3 cards away that you're tied with doing? Doesn't matter.

[zenbot]

Originally Posted by glassila

Does anyone have a reasonable explanation as to why pro player look away when someone else is putting?

I work in film and it's always industry practice to not look at actors when they're acting. Eyes are drawn to eyes. It's just polite.

[jenb]

Seeing other people miss putts is like seeing a yawn

[notapro]

Originally Posted by zenbot

I work in film and it's always industry practice to not look at actors when they're acting. Eyes are drawn to eyes. It's just polite.

[Plastic Thunder]

Honestly, I don't think it matters, sometimes I watch other times I don't. Heck on tour the whole gallery is watching, holding their collective breaths and players seem to make all/most of the putts. If I'm not looking you can bet on the inside I am saying "MISS IT, MISS IT, **** IT MISS IT ALREADY.....Followed by the obligatory "nice putt or good line"....... or "Wow, thought you had it".

[rodneytravis33]

I look away but keep the shot in my peripheral. Has nothing to do with the person putting but more with myself. I'm focused on my game and my putting (and to be honest) could care less how you are shooting. I'm not trying to sabotage you by making eye contact or moving while you putt, but I'm also not trying to sabotage me by taking my mind off what I need to do. And I feel a lot of players are like that. We still "see" the shot, but are looking down or away more for ourselves than the person who is putting.