Beljan: Ready to put slow start to the PGA season behind him

Charlie Beljan remains optimistic through putting struggles

Charlie Beljan working on his long drive before his practice round on the driving range. Alex Arthur/Toronto Observer

PALM HARBOR, FLA – PGA golfer Charlie Beljan is going through a slump. He is off to his worst start in his last six PGA seasons, and he has missed the cut in eight of his last nine tournaments.

Beljan currently holds the 438th spot on the official world golf ranking, and 227th in the FedEx Cup ranking, down 78 spots from last season.

However, judging from his demeanor in a recent practice round at the Innisbrook Golf Club, host of the Valspar Championship, Beljan appears resilient. He acknowledges the changes that need to be made in order for him to move up the ranks.

When asked what area of his game he is most concerned about, and needs improvement this season, Beljan says: “My putting has let me down.”

Beljan has the numbers to prove it. He is currently ranked 213th in putting, with a -1.641 strokes gained average this PGA tour season.

He says: “My ball striking has been impeccable, and in putting, which is the name of the game, I’m actually ranked the worst putter on the tour right now. So, that’s where we’re going to go and spend some time.”

“My putting is letting me down.”

Beljan appears concerned, but not deterred, by his putting woes. In his ninth season as a professional on the PGA tour, Beljan oozed with confidence, as his stout 6’4’’ frame towered over the majority of his competition at the driving range.

When asked about his biggest competition at the Valspar Championship, the 31-year-old Beljan did not mention any of his rivals. He said: “Myself and the golf course.”

Beljan added: “I can have a great day or vice versa, but if you can play the course and beat the course, or beat a score that you set out for yourself each day, that’s what you’re looking to do.”

When emotions run high for Beljan he has a unique calming mechanism to get over the butterflies. It is his three-year-old son, Graham.

“When things start going fast, or if I get down, in my yardage book I have a picture of Graham that I look at. It brings a smile to my face and really puts things into perspective,” Beljan said.

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Posted: Mar 9 2016 8:15 am
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