Putting is often called "the game within the game." While driving and iron play get more attention, putting is where scores are really made and lost. The best putters in the world understand that putting is as much about feel and confidence as it is about technique. Improving your putting can lower your scores faster than any other aspect of the game.
Before you even address the ball, you need to read the green. Walk around your ball and the hole from multiple angles. Look for the general slope – is the green sloping left to right, uphill, or downhill? Look for subtle breaks that might affect your putt. Many golfers miss putts because they don't take time to properly read the green.
Pay attention to the grain of the grass as well. In some regions, grass grows in a particular direction, which affects how the ball rolls. If you're putting with the grain, the ball rolls faster and farther. If you're putting against the grain, the ball rolls slower and shorter.
A good putting stroke is simple and repeatable. Your putter should swing like a pendulum – back and through in a smooth motion. Your arms and shoulders should move as one unit, with minimal wrist movement. The putter should stay on the target line throughout the stroke.
Many golfers make the mistake of trying to steer the putt into the hole. This causes tension and inconsistency. Instead, trust your read and make a smooth stroke. The goal is to hit the putt on your intended line at your intended speed.
Distance control is one of the most important skills in putting. Missing a putt by three feet is much worse than missing it by one foot. The length of your putting stroke determines distance. A longer stroke produces more distance, while a shorter stroke produces less distance.
Practice different distances to develop feel. Spend time on the practice green hitting putts from 3 feet, 6 feet, 10 feet, and longer. This helps you develop the muscle memory needed to control distance on the course.
When you're far from the hole, your goal should be to lag the putt close to the hole rather than make it. A good lag putt leaves you with a short, makeable putt for your next stroke. This is where distance control is most important. Many golfers three-putt because they don't lag putt well.
Putting is as much mental as it is physical. Confidence is crucial. If you don't believe you can make the putt, you probably won't. Develop a pre-putt routine that helps you get into the right mindset. Some golfers take a deep breath, others visualize the putt going in. Find what works for you and stick with it.
Accept that you'll miss putts. Even the best putters in the world miss putts. The key is to learn from misses and move on. Dwelling on a missed putt will only hurt your confidence on the next one.
Learn more about golf tips and explore swing fundamentals for a complete game improvement.