“Masters of Mentoring: Brad Faxon’s Journey as Rory McIlroy’s Mentor at the British Open 2023”

Brad Faxon: A Putting Guru and Mentor to Rory McIlroy

The Art of Putting

A good putter in the game of golf is an invaluable asset. It is an aspect of the game that requires precision, technique, and mental fortitude. Brad Faxon, a former professional golfer turned TV commentator and putting coach, is renowned for his expertise in the art of putting.

When Faxon first played at Royal Liverpool 40 years ago, he was not known for his putting skills. However, over time, he perfected his stroke and became one of the best putters on the PGA Tour. His rhythmic and joyful putting stroke caught the attention of fellow golfers and experts alike.

Nowadays, Faxon’s talents are sought after by players like Rory McIlroy, who is widely regarded as having a world-class putting game. Despite McIlroy’s success, there are those who obsess over his misses. Faxon believes that this fixation is not unique to golf, but rather a manifestation of a modern societal disease.

The Greens of Royal Liverpool

The greens at Royal Liverpool, also known as Hoylake, where McIlroy won the Open in 2014, are notably different from the greens encountered in the U.S. Open. They are flat and slow, which allows for less precision. On a slow green, players can strike the ball harder, play less break, and even use the flagstick as an aid. These characteristics create a unique challenge for golfers.

Reflecting on his experience at Royal Liverpool, Faxon recalls how he was struck by the unusual look of the greens. The blades of grass appeared like petals on a small flower. The absence of cushion or give beneath his feet made him realize that the only difference between the green and the fringe was the height of the grass. Faxon’s familiarity with different green conditions and his ability to adjust his stroke accordingly contributed to his success on these challenging surfaces.

Putting as Fun and Games

Faxon emphasizes the importance of fun and instinctiveness when it comes to putting. He urges his students to tap into their inner athleticism and embrace the game within the game. One of his key points is to avoid considering putting as work. Golf should be seen as a source of enjoyment rather than a chore.

Faxon’s mantra of “not caring” expresses a deeper philosophy of letting go of expectations and embracing the inherent uncertainty of putting. Even seemingly perfectly struck putts can stay out, and accepting this reality can liberate golfers from the pressures of perfectionism.

Beyond Uniform Greens

Another unique challenge faced by golfers at the British Open is the lack of uniformity in the greens. Unlike PGA Tour greens, which are often perfect and consistent, British Open greens can vary in terms of grass type and grain. The unpredictable nature of these greens should theoretically free up golfers and allow them to rely on their instincts and creativity.

For Faxon, reading the wind is essential for success on the greens. Wind conditions can significantly affect the trajectory and line of a putt. While Jack Nicklaus famously hovered his putter head over the ball to guard against potential wind movement, Faxon preferred to avoid this technique, fearing that the wind might unintentionally move the putter head into the ball.

The Insightful Mentor

As a putting coach, Faxon imparts his wisdom to players like McIlroy. He emphasizes the importance of certain fundamentals, such as having the right elbow slightly tucked in and making good contact on the center of the putter face. However, Faxon also encourages players to embrace their creativity and get lost in the process of putting.

McIlroy, like Faxon, grew up with a strong foundation in putting, thanks to his father’s guidance. This shared connection helps Faxon understand the mental challenges that come with high expectations, especially on putts from close range. Faxon’s advice to focus on the process rather than evaluating the importance or difficulty of a putt aligns with his own approach to the game.

The Legacy of Brad Faxon

After a long and successful career in professional golf, Brad Faxon continues to make an impact on the game as a mentor and commentator. His expertise in putting and ability to instill a sense of fun and creativity in his students is a testament to his understanding of the deeper psychological aspects of golf.

As Faxon returns to Royal Liverpool for the 13th Open, we can expect his insights to further enrich the viewer’s experience and contribute to the development of young golfers like Rory McIlroy. Faxon’s legacy as a putting guru and mentor serves as a reminder of the importance of expertise, creativity, and enjoyment in the game of golf.