A change in grass means a change in outlook for Keith Mitchell
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PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Keith Mitchell had a perfect run through California during the recent West Coast Swing.
Three starts. Three missed cuts.
Let’s see if we can pinpoint the problem here.
“I hate poa annua so much I can’t even see straight,” Mitchell said Friday.
That would do it.
Now that Mitchell’s back on his beloved Bermudagrass, his game – and his demeanor – have definitely improved. His 4-under 66 in Friday’s second round of The Honda Classic moved him to 6 under and a share of the lead with Sungjae Im heading into the weekend.
California’s poa annua greens that can sometimes become bumpy and inconsistent throughout the day have been replaced by PGA National’s new firm, consistent greens. For Mitchell, it’s like going from Purgatory to Perfection.
He came into this week ranked 218th (out of 221 ranked players) in Strokes Gained: Putting, giving up more than a stroke per round to the field on the greens. Of his seven rounds in California this season, only one was lower than 72.
Thursday’s opening round wasn’t much better from a putting standpoint – he ranked 121st among the 143 finished players in Strokes Gained: Putting – but he still managed to shoot a 2-under 68.
MUST READS: Round 2, The Honda Classic
On Friday, he actually gained a stroke against the field, as his 66 included 18 putts inside 10 feet. He made them all.
“It’s definitely the grass,” said Mitchell, who was born in Tennessee and went to school in Georgia. “It’s Bermuda. I grew up on Bermuda. I know how to putt it. I know how to read it. It’s definitely helped a lot …
“I just have a tough time reading poa annua greens, and here in Florida, it’s just a lot better for me.”
Prior to this week, the last time Mitchell played on Bermuda greens was at Waialae, the host course for the Sony Open in Hawaii. Through three rounds, he was tied for third and played in the final threesome on Sunday with Andrew Putnam and eventual champion Matt Kuchar. Mitchell’s 72 dropped him to T-16.
“I knew I was making strides putting,” Mitchell said. “Once I got back to Bermuda, I knew I was a little bit more comfortable. My ball-striking has been above average on the West Coast, but my scores aren’t there.
“The last great tournament I had was Sony, and I was in the last group on Bermuda greens. I don’t want to say my game is winnier on Bermuda greens, but I’ve just got to get better on the West Coast and poa annua.”
For the time being, though, he doesn’t have to concern himself with that type of grass. With the PGA TOUR just now starting its Florida Swing, Mitchell hopes to hit his stride.
“I’m playing every Bermuda event we’ve got this year,” he said.