Good putting comes down to three things: a consistent setup, a pendulum-style stroke driven by the shoulders, and reliable distance control. Aim the putter face at your starting line first, then set your body parallel to it. Position your eyes over the ball or just inside it, play the ball slightly forward of center, and keep your wrists quiet as your shoulders rock the putter back and through. Use the same tempo for every putt and control distance mainly with the length of the stroke. Most amateurs lose more strokes to poor speed than poor aim, so practicing distance control is one of the fastest ways to lower scores.
Why putting matters so much
Putting often accounts for a large share of a golfer’s strokes in a round, commonly somewhere around 30 to 40 percent for many amateurs. Every missed short putt or three-putt adds directly to your score, while holing a few extra putts can save several strokes. Unlike the full swing, putting does not require strength or speed, which means golfers of any age or ability can become excellent putters through good technique and practice.
Putting fundamentals
| Element | Key point |
|---|---|
| Grip | Conventional reverse overlap, cross-handed or claw, with palms facing each other |
| Grip pressure | Light and consistent to preserve feel |
| Posture | Bend from the hips, arms hanging naturally, eyes over or slightly inside the ball |
| Ball position | Slightly forward of center |
| Alignment | Putter face square to your start line first, then body parallel |
| Stroke | Shoulders rock like a pendulum; wrists stay quiet |
| Tempo | Same rhythm for every length; longer stroke for longer putts |
| Head | Still until the ball is well on its way |
How to putt step by step
- Read the green and decide the speed and starting line.
- Pick a spot a few inches in front of the ball on your starting line.
- Set the putter face square to that spot before taking your stance.
- Take your stance with feet about shoulder-width or slightly narrower, body parallel to the line.
- Check your eyes are over or just inside the ball.
- Take one or two practice strokes while looking at the hole to feel the distance.
- Make the stroke by rocking your shoulders, keeping wrists and lower body quiet.
- Accelerate gently through the ball, with a follow-through similar in length to the backstroke.
- Keep your head still until the ball has left the putter face.
Putting grips
The conventional reverse overlap grip, where the lead index finger rests over the fingers of the trail hand, is the most common. The cross-handed or lead-hand-low grip places the lead hand below the trail hand and helps many golfers keep their wrists quiet and shoulders level. The claw grip holds the trail hand more loosely with the fingers, reducing its ability to take over the stroke. There is no single correct grip; choose the one that gives you the most consistent strike and feels comfortable under pressure.
Distance control
Speed control is the most important putting skill for most golfers. A putt that reaches the hole with the right pace has a chance to drop even if the line is slightly off, and it stops close if it misses. Many coaches suggest aiming to roll the ball about 12 to 18 inches past the hole on short and medium putts, which keeps it on line and gives it a chance to fall. Control distance with the length of your stroke while keeping tempo consistent, rather than hitting harder or softer with the same stroke length.
| Putt length | Main goal |
|---|---|
| Short (under 6 feet) | Hole it: solid, confident stroke on your chosen line |
| Medium (6 to 20 feet) | Hole some, and leave misses within tap-in range |
| Long (over 20 feet) | Lag the ball close to avoid three-putts |
Aim and alignment
Even a perfect stroke will miss if the putter face is aimed incorrectly. Use an intermediate target a few inches in front of the ball, since it is easier to aim at a close spot than a distant hole. Many putters have alignment lines, and some golfers draw a line on the ball to help. Check your aim in practice by setting an alignment stick along your start line or using a mirror designed for putting.
Building a putting routine
A consistent pre-putt routine helps you perform under pressure. Read the putt from behind the ball and, if time allows, from the low side. Decide on your speed and line, then pick an intermediate spot. Take one or two rehearsal strokes while looking at the hole to feel the distance. Set the putter behind the ball aimed at your spot, settle your stance, take one last look at the hole, and then stroke the putt without long delays. Keeping the routine similar in length every time helps reduce tension and keeps your mind focused on the task instead of the outcome.
Handling short putts under pressure
Short putts can feel harder than they should because the expectation of holing them is high. Pick a firm, specific line, often inside the edge of the hole, and commit to a slightly firmer pace that takes out some of the break. Focus on a smooth stroke and a still head rather than the result. Practicing a large number of short putts, such as with the clock drill, builds the confidence that makes them feel routine on the course.
The rules and putting
Under Rule 10.1b of the Rules of Golf, you may not anchor the club against your body, directly or by using a forearm as an anchor point, when making a stroke. Long and belly putters are still allowed if they are not anchored. On the putting green, you may mark, lift and clean your ball and repair most damage, including ball marks and spike marks. Rules note: this summary follows the Rules of Golf published by the R&A and USGA; check the current official Rules for exact details.
Putting drills
- Gate drill: Place two tees just wider than the putter head and stroke putts without touching them to groove a square path.
- Clock drill: Place six balls in a circle about three feet from the hole and hole them all in a row to build confidence.
- Ladder drill: Putt to targets at increasing distances, trying to stop each ball just past the previous one.
- Coin drill: Place a coin a few inches ahead of the ball and roll the ball over it to check your start line.
- One-hand drill: Putt with only your lead or trail hand to improve feel and stroke control.
Choosing the right putter
Putters come in blade and mallet styles. Blades often suit golfers with a slight arc in their stroke, while mallets are usually more stable on off-center hits and suit straighter strokes. Length matters too: a putter that is too long or short changes your posture and eye position. Try several models on a practice green and choose the one that aims naturally and gives consistent contact.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the wrists. Wristy strokes make contact and speed inconsistent.
- Decelerating. A slowing putter often pushes or pulls putts.
- Poor aim. Set the face first, then the body.
- Looking up too soon. Keep your head still until the ball is gone.
- Ignoring speed practice. Most three-putts come from poor distance control.
- Changing technique constantly. Commit to one method and practice it.
Frequently asked questions
Where should my eyes be when putting?
Over the ball or just inside it, so you can see the line clearly.
Should I use my wrists when putting?
Most coaches recommend keeping the wrists quiet and letting the shoulders control the stroke.
How far past the hole should a putt roll?
A common guide is about 12 to 18 inches past if it misses, which keeps the ball on line.
