Putting · Tip
A Smoother Stroke for Better Lag Putts
Part of our putting programs for three-putts. Build a program with it
A short, jabby hit makes long putts hard to judge. A longer, smoother stroke gives you more control. Widen your stance a little for balance. Keep your legs quiet. Rock your shoulders so the putter swings like a pendulum. Make the backstroke and through-stroke about the same length. Keep the same tempo on every putt. Practice until your long putts finish inside three feet.
Step by step
- Widen your stance slightly.
- Rock your shoulders.
- Match back and through lengths.
- Keep the same tempo.
- Aim to finish inside three feet.
Why it works
A short, quick stroke has to speed up sharply at impact, so small changes in effort cause big changes in distance. A longer stroke with equal back and through lengths lets the putter swing at an even pace and strike the ball at a steady speed. A wider stance and quiet legs keep your body still, so the shoulders alone control the pendulum and contact stays consistent.
Common mistakes
- You hit at the ball with your hands and wrists, which makes the stroke short and jabby.Let your shoulders rock and keep your wrists quiet so the putter swings back and through on its own.
- Your backstroke is short and your through-stroke is long, so you speed up into the ball.Make both sides of the stroke about the same length and let the putter swing through without a push.
- You change your tempo from putt to putt, so the same stroke length gives different distances.Count a steady rhythm in your head and use it every time, changing only the length of the stroke for longer or shorter putts.
How you'll know it's working
- Your long putts finish inside three feet of the hole more often than not.
- The ball comes off the middle of the putter face and rolls end over end with no hop or skid.
- Your legs and head stay still from setup to finish, and you feel only your shoulders moving.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practice on a flat, medium-length putt of about 20 feet and use a wider stance so it is easy to stay balanced.
Harder: Move to longer putts with uphill or downhill slopes and try to keep every putt inside three feet while keeping the same tempo.
Common questions
How do I stop three-putting from long distance?
Focus on distance control rather than line. A smooth stroke with equal back and through lengths and a steady tempo helps you leave the ball close, so the second putt is short.
Should I use my wrists or my shoulders when lag putting?
Use your shoulders. Rocking them keeps the putter moving like a pendulum, while wrist action tends to make the stroke short and jabby, which makes distance harder to judge.
