Putting Mentor Faces Student: Stanford Alums McNealy and Bramlett Battle at RSM Classic
Joseph Bramlett's putting breakthrough came from an unexpected source - tour leader Maverick McNealy, his former Stanford colleague. While Bramlett excels in the long game, his putting statistics have consistently ranked among the lowest on Tour.
McNealy, who ranked #1 in putting on Tour in 2023, shared his putting "blueprint" with Bramlett during summer practice sessions. Instead of focusing on technique, McNealy's approach emphasizes:
- Speed control
- Eye line alignment
- Green reading
- Rhythm and timing
- Consistent practice drills
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The collaboration has shown promising results. Bramlett ranked 19th in Strokes Gained: Putting through Saturday at the RSM Classic, shooting a third-round 64. If Bramlett can achieve Tour-average putting stats, he could potentially rank alongside players like Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry.
McNealy's support extends beyond technical advice. "I would trade 100 trophies to have him on the PGA Tour next year," McNealy said, highlighting his commitment to helping Bramlett secure Tour status for the next season.
Key to their success has been Bramlett's dedication to McNealy's practice routines, including a specific speed drill using coins that he performs daily. This disciplined approach has helped transform Bramlett's putting game from a weakness to a competitive advantage.
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