This Guy Just Broke Golf (And My Brain) With a 122-Yard Putt

By Lewis Barnett 11 June, 2025 5 mins read 72 Views

I've been covering golf for eight years now, and I thought I'd seen everything.

I was wrong. Dead wrong.

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When Your Practice Round Goes Viral

So there I was, scrolling through Twitter during my lunch break yesterday when this video pops up. Zac Blair - yeah, the world No. 284 who most casual fans have never heard of - is standing 122 yards away from the pin at Oakmont. But here's the kicker: he's holding his putter. Not a wedge. Not an iron. His freaking putter.

My first thought? "This guy's lost his mind." My second thought, after watching him absolutely stripe this ball down the fairway and onto the green like he's playing mini golf: "Holy hell, he might be a genius."

The US Open starts tomorrow at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, and everyone's been whining about how impossible the course is. Five-inch rough. Greens faster than my ex leaving after she saw my credit card statement. You know, the usual major championship drama.

But Blair Said "Hold My Beer"

This 34-year-old from Salt Lake City just casually walked up to hole one during his practice round and decided to rewrite the rulebook. While Scottie Scheffler's calling Oakmont the "hardest course in the world" and Bryson DeChambeau's having an existential crisis about his sanity, Blair's out here playing 4D chess.

The shot itself? Pure poetry. He gives the ball this confident whack with his putter, and it just... rolls. And rolls. Down that steep fairway like it's following GPS directions straight to the green. Stops in perfect position too, like it planned the whole thing.

I rewatched it probably fifteen times. My editor walked by and asked if I was okay because I kept muttering "that's not possible" under my breath.

The Internet Lost Its Collective Mind

The reactions were instant and brutal. One fan called it "the greatest shot in the history of golf" - which, okay, might be hyperbole but I'm not arguing. Another just said "This is the play" and honestly? Facts.

Someone else dropped "That's elite" in the comments, and yeah. It really is.

Here's a guy who's never won a PGA Tour event, ranked 284th in the world, and he just figured out what all the big names couldn't. While they're complaining about course conditions, he's literally putting from the fairway like it's the most natural thing in the world.

Meanwhile, the Stars Are Melting Down

The contrast is beautiful, really. You've got DeChambeau saying "This course doesn't just challenge your game, it challenges your sanity." Jordan Spieth's going on about how "you're in big trouble" if you don't hit perfect shots.

And then there's Blair, probably at home right now, calmly adding a putter to his approach shot arsenal while everyone else panics.

The course setup is genuinely terrifying - I walked it during the 2016 US Open and nearly twisted my ankle just watching other people play. Those greens are slicker than a politician's promises, and the rough could hide a small child. But apparently all you need is the right perspective... and the guts to putt from 122 yards out.

This Changes Everything (Maybe)

Look, will Blair actually use this strategy during the tournament? Probably not every time. Will other players start experimenting with similar shots? God, I hope so, because golf needs more moments like this.

What I love about this whole thing is how it perfectly captures what makes golf both maddening and magical. You can overthink every aspect of this game, worry about conditions and course setups and all that technical stuff. Or you can just... putt from the fairway and watch the internet explode.

Blair might not win the US Open this week. Hell, he might not even make the cut. But he's already won something bigger - he reminded us that sometimes the best solution is the one nobody else thought to try.

And honestly? That might just be the greatest shot in golf history after all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common injuries pro golfers face, and how do they prevent them?

Professional golfers are prone to injuries such as back pain, wrist injury, tendinitis and shoulder problems. In order to prevent injuries, professional golfers use regular fitness training that focuses on strengthening the muscles they use for golf as well as increasing flexibility. Swing analysis helps golfers ensure that their technique doesn't put too much stress on the body. Warm-up exercises, good nutrition, and consultations with physical therapists can all help prevent injury.

How does an elite golfer maintain the swing technique they use?

The routine of a professional golfer is not complete without the maintenance of their swing technique. The swing coach will guide you through the process of repetition and practice. Golfers spend countless hours at the driving range perfecting their swing mechanics to ensure their movements are consistent and efficient. Video analysis is used to analyze their swing and make small improvements. In addition, golfers often perform specific strength and flexible exercises that help to build the muscle memory necessary for an effective swing.

How do golfers recover and rest?

Rest and recovery are paramount in a pro golfer's training regime. Adequate rest improves performance because it allows the body's healing and rejuvenation, which prevents injury and fatigue. Golfers have a number of recovery strategies, such as massage therapy, sleep optimization and active recovery. During respective rest periods, they might also engage in light activities that promote recovery without overtaxing the body. It is important to follow these practices in order to maintain a high level of performance throughout the tour schedule.

Is cross-training beneficial for professional golfers?

It is true that cross-training can be beneficial to professional golfers. It improves their overall athleticism and prevents imbalances which could cause injury. Cycling, swimming and yoga are all beneficial for golfers because they improve cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and core stability. Cross-training is chosen to complement primary golf training, and not to interfere with the player's swing or performance.

Statistics

Studies show that consuming a balanced diet is a priority for 95% of professional golfers as part of their training protocol.
Up to 90% of professional golfers incorporate some form of cross-training into their fitness regimen.
According to a fitness survey, 55% of professional golfers prioritize yoga and pilates for improving flexibility and core strength.
It is estimated that back pain affects up to 34% of pro golfers, making it one of the most common injuries in golf.
An estimated 60% of professional golfers change at least one piece of their equipment each season.
Rest days are included in 100% of the training schedules of top professional golfers to prevent burnout and injury.
Statistical data indicates that around 50% of pro golfers have experienced a golf-related injury due to overtraining.
Nearly 80% of professional golfers engage in regular physical fitness programs designed specifically for golf.

External Links

How To

How to Develop a Golf-Specific Fitness Regimen

Focus on developing a golf-specific workout regimen that focuses on strengthening mobility, stability and power. Exercises for the core improve rotational power, which is important for the swing. Lower body workouts help build a strong base. Yoga and dynamic stretching can improve flexibility. Plyometrics are a great way to improve explosive power. Professional golfers can work with a trainer to create a program tailored to their goals and needs.

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