Putting · Lesson
Three Ways to Take Fewer Putts
Part of our putting programs for three-putts, start line, reading greens. Build a program with it
Getting to around 30 putts a round is realistic for many golfers. Start with aim. Few putts are straight, so don't aim at the hole. Aim at the high point of the break on your line. Keep your technique sound, but don't get lost in it. A free stroke often works better than a perfect one. And pay attention. Watch how approach shots land and roll on each green. It tells you about speed and slope before you even putt.
Step by step
- Find the high point of the break.
- Aim there, not at the hole.
- Keep your setup and tempo sound.
- Let the stroke feel free.
- Watch how balls react on each green.
Why it works
A putt that breaks starts on a line above the hole and curves down to it. If you aim at the hole, you have to guess the curve with your hands, which gives inconsistent starts. Aiming at the high point of the break gives you a clear start line and lets gravity bring the ball in. A sound setup and steady tempo keep the face square, and a free stroke helps you judge pace. Watching approach shots shows you the speed and slope before you putt.
Common mistakes
- You aim at the hole and then try to steer the ball with your hands.Pick the high point of the break, aim your start line there, and commit to it.
- You think about stroke mechanics so much that the stroke becomes stiff and slow.Set up the same way each time, then make a smooth stroke and focus on the target.
- You ignore how other shots land and roll on the green.Watch each approach shot's last few feet of roll and note the speed and the direction it turns.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball starts on your chosen line and curves toward the hole instead of starting at the hole.
- Your long putts finish within a short distance of the hole, which cuts down three-putts.
- Your stroke feels smooth and the pace of your tempo is the same from putt to putt.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practice on a flat-to-gently-sloping green with one clear break, and place a tee at the high point so you can see your start line.
Harder: Practice from different distances on faster, more sloped putts, and pick the high point by eye before you place any marker.
Common questions
Where is the high point of a putt's break?
It is the point on the path where the ball is farthest above the hole line before it turns toward the cup. You aim at that point, then let the slope bring the ball down.
How can I take fewer putts per round?
Aim at the high point of the break, keep a sound setup and tempo, and make a free stroke. Also watch how approach shots roll on each green so you read speed and slope better.
