When world number one Scottie Scheffler sought the expertise of Phil Kenyon in September 2023, it marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation in his putting game. Despite being a major champion and having two wins that season, Scheffler struggled with his putting, ranking outside the top 150 in putting statistics. Enter Phil Kenyon, a coach renowned for his work with some of the best in the game.

Within 12 months, Scheffler's putting improved dramatically, propelling him into the top 15 putters. This improvement was pivotal in his stellar season, which included seven PGA Tour victories, a second Masters title, and an Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games. Kenyon's influence was evident as Scheffler arrived at the Open Championship on a streak of three wins in his last ten events, including a victory at the US PGA Championship.

Kenyon's approach involved several key adjustments. He focused on improving Scheffler's green reading skills and altering his grip. The most significant change, however, was the switch from a blade to a mallet putter, which helped Scheffler align his putts more effectively. This change came after a poor performance at the Genesis Invitational, where Scheffler finished joint 10th. The mallet putter debuted in his next event, leading to four wins in the following five tournaments, including the Masters.

Phil Kenyon, hailing from Southport, England, grew up surrounded by golf. His father was friends with Harold Swash, known as 'Britain's putting doctor,' who mentored Kenyon. Kenyon's career in coaching began after realizing he didn't have the game to make it as a professional player. Over 25 years, he has developed a reputation for his meticulous approach to putting, working with numerous top players, including Darren Clarke, Henrik Stenson, and Justin Rose.

Kenyon's coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of mastering three key skills: starting the ball on the right line, controlling the speed, and reading the green. He uses various techniques, including AimPoint, to help players improve their putting. AimPoint, which involves using feet to feel the slope and aligning putts using fingers, has gained popularity among players like Adam Scott and Justin Rose.

As the professional golf circuit moves to the UK for the Open Championship, Kenyon's expertise in adapting to links greens becomes crucial. Links greens are slower and have more subtle slopes compared to those on the PGA Tour, and wind plays a significant role in reading the greens. Kenyon's role at tournaments is more about supervised practice and providing feedback to ensure players are comfortable with their putting techniques.

For amateur golfers looking to improve their putting, Kenyon advises focusing on the three key skills and finding techniques that match their personality and playing style. Remember, even PGA Tour players miss 50% of their eight-foot putts, so patience and practice are essential.