If you’ve ever stood over a putt, feeling that pressure to sink it and lower your score, you know just how important putting can be.
For a lot of players, weekend golfing is when putting becomes the part of the game where strokes really start adding up fast.
But here’s the good news: with the right strategies, a little patience, and some focused practice, you can make big improvements in your golf putting game.
Feel the Green: Get the Speed and Break Right
A big part of putting is feeling the green. It’s not just about aiming for the hole; it’s about understanding the speed of the green and how much the ball is going to break.
I like to take a few minutes before I even pull out the putter to get a feel for the surface. Walk around the green, checking out any slopes or areas that might influence how the ball rolls.
Perfect Accuracy: Aiming Like a Pro
Let’s talk about accuracy. When you’re setting up for a putt, the aim is everything. A couple of drills can help sharpen that. I swear by the gate drill.
You set up two tees a few inches apart and work on putting through that gap. This helps ensure you hit your target line every time.
Stay Calm, Stay Confident
Putting can be the most stressful part of the game, especially when the pressure is on. But keeping your cool can make a huge difference.
I’ve found that having a consistent pre-putt routine helps me focus and block out distractions.
A simple mantra, like “smooth stroke,” can help me stay relaxed and confident as I go for that hole.
Choose the Right Equipment for Consistency
You might not think of equipment as a huge factor in your putting, but the right putter can actually improve your consistency.
I’ve found that getting professionally fitted for a putter was one of the best decisions I made for my game. A small change in the putter’s length, lie angle, or loft can seriously improve your accuracy.
Let’s Nail the Basics
Before we discuss drills and mental strategies, let’s review the basics. Getting your stance, grip, and ball position right is key to building consistency.
The Right Grip
Your grip is one of the most important aspects of your putting stroke. It’s all about making sure your wrists stay stable, so there’s no unnecessary movement. I’ve tried a few different grips, but the one that works best for me is the “inverted triangle”—a technique that pairs well with understanding the unspoken rules of golf etiquette for a smoother game overall.
This involves keeping your arms and shoulders aligned, giving you a solid base for a smooth stroke.
Stance and Alignment: Find Your Line
Your stance is just as important. I always make sure my eyes are directly over the ball so I know I’m lined up properly.
You want your feet about shoulder-width apart with even weight distribution. Keep your shoulders, hips, and feet aligned parallel to your target line.
Ball Position: Get It Right
Ball position can make or break your putt. The ball should sit slightly forward or center in your stance, which helps you strike the ball on the upswing. This gives you a smoother roll and allows the ball to start with some topspin.
Avoid placing the ball too far forward, though—it can cause inconsistent contact and make things a lot trickier.
How to Predict Your Putt’s Path
Reading the green is a skill you can’t afford to skip. Here’s how I approach it.
Look for the Slope
To figure out how the putt will break, I walk around the ball and check the green from multiple angles. Look for high and low spots, and pay attention to any subtle slopes that may influence the ball’s path.
Visualizing the Line
Once I’ve checked out the slope, I start visualizing how the ball will roll. I picture it curving toward the hole and factoring in both speed and break. Using alignment aids on my putter, like lines or dots, helps me make sure I’m aiming accurately.
Know Your Speed
One thing I’ve learned is that speed control is key. A faster putt tends to hold its line better, while a slower one will break more. On faster greens, I use a shorter stroke with a lighter touch, while on slower greens, I lengthen my stroke to generate more power, similar to how strength and fitness enhances your golf swing speed by adapting to different playing conditions.
Practice Makes Perfect
If you’re serious about improving your putting, you need to practice consistently. Consider incorporating golf coaching services into your routine, and set aside time for a variety of drills that focus on different aspects of your game.
Distance Control Drills
One drill I like for distance control involves setting up tees at different distances—10, 20, and 30 feet. The goal is to get the ball as close as possible to the tee. You can also try the ladder drill, where you work through distances from 10 feet to 50 feet.
Accuracy Drills
The gate drill is a great way to work on your aim. Place two tees a few inches apart and try to sink your putts through that gap. It’ll really help improve your ability to hit your target line.
Pressure Putting Drills
Putting under pressure is tough—so I like to practice under pressure, too. The 9-ball drill is a great one for this. Putts from 3, 4, and 5 feet need to be made in succession before moving to the next distance. If you miss one, you have to start over.
The Mental Game of Golf Putting: Keeping Your Cool
The mental side of putting is huge. It’s not just about technique—it’s about mindset.
Stay Confident and Calm
Confidence is everything in putting. Trust the line you’ve picked and stay focused on executing your stroke. A pre-putt routine can help you stay calm and centered.
Handle the Nerves
We all get nervous, especially on those crucial putts. To calm myself, I take a couple of deep breaths, wiggle the putter a bit to relax my arms, and visualize the ball going into the hole.
Keep Your Focus
When you’re putting, staying locked in is everything. I focus on a small spot on the back of the ball and keep my eyes there throughout the stroke.
Equipment: The Right Putter Can Make a Big Difference
Having the right equipment is more important than you might think.
Get Fitted for Your Putter
Choosing the right putter can really help with your consistency. I’ve found that getting professionally fitted for my putter was a game-changer.
If you make a straight-back, straight-through stroke, a blade might suit you better. Small tweaks like changing the putter’s length or loft can make a big difference.
Putter Maintenance
Keeping your putter in top shape is a must. Clean the face and grip regularly, and if the grip starts to wear out, replace it. A great way to perfectly clean golf clubs, along with taking care of your putter, ensures you get the best performance from your equipment, and it’ll last longer, too.
Closing Thoughts
Improving your putting is all about mastering the basics, practicing regularly, and keeping your mental game strong. The more you focus on the details and fine-tune your techniques, the better your putting will get.
So grab your putter, head to the green, and start sinking more putts!