Putting · Lesson
Roll Long Putts With Freedom
Part of our putting programs for three-putts, reading greens. Build a program with it
The word "lag" can make you timid. A timid stroke often comes up short. Try a different mindset. Give every long putt a chance to go in. Read it from the low side to judge speed. Pick the exact speed that would just reach the hole. Make practice strokes while looking at the hole. Then stay relaxed and let the putter swing. You'll often finish closer than when you steer it.
Step by step
- Read speed from the low side.
- Pick the speed that just reaches the hole.
- Rehearse while looking at the hole.
- Stay relaxed and swing freely.
- Expect to make it; accept two.
Why it works
Distance control on long putts depends on a stroke length and tempo that match the distance. When you look at the hole during practice strokes, your eyes and body gauge the distance together, so the stroke length matches the speed you picked. A relaxed, free swing keeps the tempo smooth and the contact consistent, while steering or tightening makes the stroke jerky and usually leaves the ball short.
Common mistakes
- You think about "lagging" and make a tentative stroke that stops short.Aim to give the ball enough speed to reach the hole, and see the putt as one that could go in.
- You take practice strokes while looking at the ball, so they don't match the distance.Look at the hole during each rehearsal and let your eyes set the stroke length.
- You grip tightly and guide the putter toward the target.Hold the putter lightly, keep your arms and shoulders relaxed, and let the putter swing back and through.
How you'll know it's working
- Your first putts finish within a short, tap-in distance of the hole more often, and fewer finish well short.
- The ball rolls end over end with a steady pace and the strike feels centered on the face.
- Your practice strokes and real stroke look and feel the same in length and tempo.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practice on a flat, straight putt of moderate length so you can focus only on picking the speed and swinging freely.
Harder: Practice on long putts with slopes or changes of pace, and give yourself one try per putt with no practice rolls after the read.
Common questions
How do you judge the speed of a long putt?
Read the putt from the low side, since you can see the slope and the distance more clearly there. Then pick the speed that would just reach the hole and rehearse that stroke while looking at the hole.
Why do I leave long putts short?
Often it is a timid or steered stroke that slows down through impact. A relaxed swing with a smooth tempo and a clear speed in mind usually fixes it.
