Putting · Drill
A Simple Lag Putting Routine
Part of our putting programs for three-putts, missing short putts, start line. Build a program with it
Long putts deserve real practice. Spend time on putts from 15, 20 and even 30 feet. Pace off the distance instead of just dropping balls. Use the same routine each time. Stand behind the ball. Read the slope. Choose a mark on the line partway to the cup. Rehearse the stroke a couple of times at the right length. Then roll it to reach the hole. After each one, adjust. Aim to finish in a six-foot circle. That's much easier than the hole itself.
The drill
- Pace off your practice distances.
- Read the slope from behind.
- Pick a spot on your line.
- Make two or three matching practice strokes.
- Aim for a six-foot circle.
Why it works
Three-putts usually start with poor distance control, not poor line. Pacing off the distance gives you a real number to match, and the rehearsal strokes teach your body the stroke length that sends the ball that far. Aiming for a six-foot circle gives you a target big enough to hit often, so you get feedback on speed and can adjust.
Common mistakes
- You drop balls at random spots without pacing the distance.Pace off 15, 20 and 30 feet each time so you learn what each distance feels like.
- You stare at the hole during the rehearsal strokes and the real stroke.Look at the hole while you rehearse, then focus on your chosen spot and let the stroke match what you rehearsed.
- You skip the routine on putts you think do not matter.Use the same steps on every ball: read from behind, pick a spot, rehearse two or three times, then roll it.
How you'll know it's working
- Most of your putts finish inside the six-foot circle, not just near the hole.
- Your first putts from each distance leave a comfortable second putt, and you stop leaving them well short or running far past.
- Your rehearsal strokes and your real stroke are the same length, and the ball starts over your chosen spot.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Start at 15 feet on a flat putt and use a larger circle until you can finish in it most of the time.
Harder: Move to 30 feet on a putt with slope, shrink the circle, or count a putt only if you complete the full routine and finish inside the circle.
Common questions
How far should I practice lag putting?
Practice from 15, 20 and 30 feet, since these are the distances where three-putts happen. Pace each one off so you know the distance you are working on.
How do I stop three-putting?
Focus on speed first, so your first putt finishes close enough for an easy second. Use the same routine each time and aim to finish inside a six-foot circle rather than trying to hole every long putt.
