Putting accounts for roughly 40% of your total strokes in golf, yet it's often the most neglected part of practice. The difference between a good putter and a great putter isn't talent—it's fundamentals. Master these core putting principles, and you'll see immediate improvement in your scores.
The Foundation: Setup and Stance
Great putting starts before you even move the putter. Your setup determines the quality of your stroke, and small adjustments here create massive improvements in consistency.
1. Proper Putting Stance
Your stance should promote stability and enable a pure pendulum motion:
- Feet placement: Shoulder-width apart, parallel to your target line
- Weight distribution: Slightly favoring your front foot (55/45 split)
- Knee flex: Minimal bend, just enough to feel athletic
- Balance: Stable and comfortable for the entire stroke
2. Ball Position and Alignment
Consistent ball position is crucial for solid contact and direction control:
- Forward of center: Position the ball slightly ahead of your sternum
- Eye position: Your eyes should be directly over the ball or slightly inside
- Putter face: Square to your intended start line
- Shoulders parallel: Aligned with your target line
Use the "coin drill" to check your eye position. Drop a coin from your eyes—it should land on or just inside your golf ball when you're in proper position.
The Putting Grip
Your grip controls the putter face throughout the stroke. While there are several effective grips, the key is finding one that neutralizes your hands and promotes consistent face control.
Popular Putting Grips
1. Conventional Overlap
- Similar to your full swing grip
- Right pinky overlaps left index finger
- Good for golfers who prefer consistency across all clubs
2. Cross-Handed (Left-Hand Low)
- Left hand below right hand
- Promotes better left wrist position
- Popular among tour professionals
- Great for golfers who struggle with wrist breakdown
3. Claw Grip
- Right hand "claws" the grip
- Reduces right-hand dominance
- Excellent for short putts and nerves
The Putting Stroke Mechanics
A great putting stroke is a controlled pendulum motion powered by your shoulders, with minimal hand and wrist action.
1. The Backswing
- Shoulder initiation: Start the stroke with your shoulders, not your hands
- Low and slow: Keep the putter head low to the ground
- Straight back: For short to medium putts, take the putter straight back
- Quiet hands: Minimal wrist hinge or manipulation
2. The Forward Stroke
- Acceleration through: The putter should be accelerating at impact
- Square face: Return the putter face to square at impact
- Solid contact: Strike the ball on the sweet spot
- Follow through: Finish with the putter face pointing at your target
3. Tempo and Rhythm
Consistent tempo is more important than stroke length. Develop a rhythm that you can repeat under pressure:
- 2:1 ratio: Forward stroke should be slightly faster than backswing
- Smooth transition: No pause or jerkiness at the top
- Personal rhythm: Find a tempo that feels natural and repeatable
Place two tees just wider than your putter head, 6 inches in front of your ball. Practice stroking putts through the "gate" without hitting either tee. This builds path consistency and confidence.
Distance Control
More three-putts are caused by poor distance control than poor direction. Master these principles to get every putt close to the hole.
1. Length of Stroke
- Consistent tempo: Keep the same rhythm for all putts
- Vary length: Control distance by changing stroke length, not speed
- Equal back and through: For most putts, backswing and follow-through should be equal length
2. Green Reading for Distance
- Uphill putts: Hit them firmer—they break less
- Downhill putts: Softer touch—they break more
- Green speed: Adjust your stroke for daily conditions
Practice with your eyes closed. Make strokes of varying lengths and try to feel the difference. This builds kinesthetic awareness that transfers to the course.
Short Putt Mastery
Converting putts inside 6 feet is crucial for scoring. These putts should be automatic, and the technique differs slightly from longer putts.
Short Putt Fundamentals
- Firm stroke: Take the break out by hitting firmly
- Back of the cup: Aim for the back of the hole
- Confident stroke: No deceleration or steering
- Hold your finish: Stay in your finish position until the ball drops
Place 5 balls in a circle around the hole, each 3 feet away. Make all 5 in a row. If you miss one, start over. This builds pressure and confidence for short putts.
Mental Game and Routine
Putting is as much mental as it is physical. Develop a pre-putt routine that builds confidence and keeps you calm under pressure.
Pre-Putt Routine Components
- Read the putt: Walk around if necessary, trust your first instinct
- Visualize: See the ball rolling into the hole
- Practice strokes: 1-2 practice strokes looking at your target
- Address and aim: Take your stance, align carefully
- Final look: One last look at the hole
- Stroke: Execute with commitment
Building Confidence
- Trust your read: Commit to your line and speed decision
- Focus on process: Control what you can control
- Positive self-talk: "I'm a great putter" not "Don't miss"
- Learn from misses: Every miss teaches you something about the green
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Try Green Reading AppCommon Putting Mistakes
1. Moving Your Head
Keep your head perfectly still until well after the ball has left the putter face. Early head movement causes inconsistent contact and direction.
2. Decelerating Through Impact
Always accelerate through the ball. A decelerating putter often hits the ball thin or pushes it offline.
3. Poor Alignment
Use alignment aids during practice. Most golfers think they're aimed correctly when they're not.
4. Inconsistent Routine
Develop a routine and stick to it. Consistency in preparation leads to consistency in execution.
Practice Plan
Effective putting practice focuses on fundamentals first, then specific situations:
Daily Practice (15 minutes)
- 5 minutes: Setup and alignment drills
- 5 minutes: Short putts (3-6 feet)
- 5 minutes: Distance control (various lengths)
Weekly Focus Areas
- Monday: Grip and stance work
- Wednesday: Stroke mechanics and tempo
- Friday: Pressure putts and routine
- Weekend: On-course application
Conclusion
Great putting isn't about having "soft hands" or natural talent—it's about mastering fundamentals and building consistency through proper practice. Focus on setup, develop a repeatable stroke, and trust your reads. With these foundations in place, you'll see dramatic improvement in your putting and lower scores on the course.
Remember, even tour professionals work constantly on these basics. Make putting practice enjoyable by setting small goals and celebrating improvements. The investment in your putting game pays immediate dividends in lower scores and increased confidence.