Course Management · Lesson
Lower Scores With Good Speed and Smart Choices
Part of our course management programs for big numbers, picking targets, wind and weather. Build a program with it
Two things lower scores fast: putting speed and smart choices. Before your round, roll putts for about 10 minutes. Hit short, medium and long ones. Notice if the greens are soft or firm. Good speed forgives small mistakes in line. On the course, when a shot feels shaky, aim at the middle of the green. In a crosswind, take an extra club and swing easier. In trouble, get back in play first. Boring pars keep good rounds from falling apart.
Step by step
- Roll putts for 10 minutes before you play.
- Hit short, medium and long warm-up putts.
- Aim center-green when unsure.
- Extra club and easier swing in crosswinds.
- From trouble, get back in play.
Why it works
Most three-putts come from poor distance control, not poor aim. If you leave the first putt close, a small error in line still gives you a short second putt. Aiming at the middle of the green gives you the largest safe target, so a slightly off strike still finishes on the putting surface. Getting out of trouble first keeps one bad shot from turning into a double bogey or worse.
Common mistakes
- You only hit short putts in the warm-up because they feel good.Spend part of the 10 minutes on medium and long putts, since those are the ones that cause three-putts.
- You roll warm-up putts without noticing how fast or slow the greens are, or how firm they are.Pay attention to how far the ball rolls on each stroke and adjust your pace to match before you reach the first tee.
- You try a risky recovery shot from trouble because it might save par.Pick the shot that puts the ball back in play, even if it leaves a longer approach.
How you'll know it's working
- Your long putts finish within a short tap-in range of the hole rather than leaving a testing second putt.
- You see fewer three-putts on your scorecard over a round.
- Your approach shots from uncertain lies finish on the green, even if they are not close to the pin.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Warm up on a flat part of the practice green and focus only on how far each putt rolls past the hole.
Harder: Pick a spot to finish the ball within a club-length of the hole on each long putt, and repeat on a sloped part of the green.
Common questions
How long should I warm up my putting before a round?
About 10 minutes is enough. Roll short, medium and long putts so you can judge the speed and firmness of the greens.
Should I always aim at the middle of the green?
Aim there when a shot feels shaky or you are unsure. It gives you the biggest margin for error, and you can take on a pin when you feel confident.
