Will Asian golfers focus on putting for 2021 success?

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Asian Golfers' Putting Focus for 2021 Success Remains Uncertain, Though Key Players Show Improvement

While the adage "Drive for Show and Putt for Dough" underscores the critical role of putting in professional golf, the explicit strategic focus of Asian golfers on this aspect for the 2021 season remains a subject of observation rather than confirmed intent. Several prominent Asian players, recognized for their exceptional ball-striking, have historically faced challenges on the greens. For instance, Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, despite consistently ranking high in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green, was positioned 170th in Strokes Gained: Putting during the 2020-21 season. Similarly, Korea's Byeong Hun An, also a strong ball-striker, finished the previous season ranked 176th in putting metrics, even after working with putting coach Brad Faxon.
Putting Performance of Key Asian Players

The performance data for several leading Asian golfers highlights the variability in their putting effectiveness. Hideki Matsuyama, widely acknowledged as one of the purest ball strikers, recorded a Strokes Gained: Putting statistic that placed him 170th in the 2020-21 season, a figure that dropped to 158th in the ongoing season. Byeong Hun An, despite his efforts with Faxon, concluded the last season at 176th in Putting statistics, though he achieved a career-best 33rd in the FedExCup rankings. In contrast, Chinese Taipei's CT Pan demonstrated significant improvement, ascending from 188th to 79th in Strokes Gained: Putting, a development he described as a "big step up" and a significant confidence booster.
Potential Breakthrough Players and Their Short Game

Looking ahead to potential breakthroughs in 2021, players like India's Anirban Lahiri and Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat are noted. Lahiri has been rebuilding his game after a period of inconsistent form, focusing on regaining confidence and momentum, which led to a top-10 finish at the Corales Puntacana Resort and Club Championship. Aphibarnrat, while not possessing the extreme power of Bryson DeChambeau, is known for his excellent touch around the greens, a characteristic often seen in top Thai golfers, suggesting a strong short game foundation.
The Enduring Importance of Putting in Golf

The fundamental principle that putting often dictates success in professional golf, encapsulated by the phrase "Putt for Dough," remains a constant. While power and distance, exemplified by players like Bryson DeChambeau, are increasingly significant, the ability to convert putts is frequently the decisive factor in tournament outcomes. The PGA Tour season commencing in 2021 continues to present opportunities where a player's performance with the flatstick can be the key differentiator between winning and falling short, regardless of their prowess off the tee.

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Will Asian golfers focus on putting for 2021 success?

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