Joe Highsmith, a rising talent on the PGA Tour, has opened up about his unusual habit of closing his eyes while making critical putts. This distinctive technique, which involves shutting his eyes during important strokes, has drawn attention, especially as Highsmith celebrates a breakthrough season highlighted by his first victory at the Cognizant Classic in March. His approach to clutch putting offers a fresh perspective on how players manage pressure during pivotal moments.

Background on Highsmith’s Eye-Closed Putting Habit

Although putting drills encouraging golfers to close their eyes to improve distance feel are somewhat known, Highsmith takes the practice to another level by actually keeping his eyes shut during key putts in professional competition. Unlike other players such as Jordan Spieth, who focuses on the hole rather than the ball on short putts, Highsmith’s routine is distinct. He explains that any vital putt he has faced was taken with his eyes closed.

Highsmith reflected on the origins of this habit noting,

“I know the No Laying Up guys just released a clip talking about me putting with my eyes closed and yeah, I’ve done that for quite a long time now,”

highlighting that the practice has been consistent for years. He recalls an early professional moment on the PGA Tour Canada, where he shut his eyes for a 15-foot eagle putt on the 18th hole to qualify for a playoff, emphasizing the trust he places in this method.

The Reasoning Behind Closing His Eyes on Important Putts

When asked why he employs this unusual technique, Highsmith explained that closing his eyes allows him to eliminate visual distractions and increase his focus on the stroke itself. He described the process as a form of mental mechanism to manage nervousness under pressure.

He said,

“Maybe it’s like a nerve coping mechanism in a way,”

adding,

“If I’m looking at the ball and I see the hole right there I think it just makes it difficult if you have that whole visual aspect.”

By shutting his eyes, Highsmith removes the pressure of visualizing the hole, enabling him to concentrate solely on executing a smooth stroke. He elaborated,

“When I shut my eyes then I can just focus on making a stroke and take the results out of it and just try to put a good stroke on the ball.”

Implications for Golfers and Potential Influence on the Game

This distinctive approach might be considered unconventional or even controversial among golfers and coaches, but Highsmith’s recent success has spotlighted the possible benefits of his method. Whether his technique sparks a larger trend on the PGA Tour remains uncertain, yet it could inspire amateurs and weekend players to experiment with similar mental strategies in their own games.

As the professional golfing community continues to examine various techniques for improving performance, Highsmith’s eye-closed putting style adds an intriguing example of how mental focus and nervous system control can play a key role in clutch golf moments.

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