Mastering the Green Like a Pro

Putting Is Key to Lowering Your Golf Score

We all know that putting can make or break a round of golf. It's the part of the game that can turn a decent day on the course into a great one—or, let's be real, a frustrating one if things aren’t going well. But don't worry—putting doesn't have to be the hardest part of your game. With a little practice and the right mindset, you can start sinking more putts, cutting down those 3-putts, and most importantly, having fun on the greens.

Whether you’re a beginner just learning the ropes or a seasoned golfer refining your technique, these tips will help you get your putting game on point.

1. Perfect Your Setup

A consistent setup is the foundation of a solid putting stroke. Make sure your feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the target line, and your eyes are directly over the ball. This setup makes it way easier to strike the ball consistently and develop muscle memory for a smoother stroke. And remember: keep your eyes locked on the ball as you swing to avoid any mishits!

2. Grip It Lightly

Grip pressure matters more than you might think. The key to a smooth putt is a light grip. If you squeeze your putter too tightly, tension builds up in your arms and shoulders, making it harder to control your stroke. A relaxed grip lets your body naturally flow through the putt, giving you a better feel for the greens.

3. Smooth Acceleration is Everything

Smooth and consistent acceleration is your best friend when putting. Avoid decelerating or “jabbing” at the ball—that can mess up both your distance and accuracy. Focus on making a smooth stroke that accelerates through the ball for better control and a more consistent roll. This will help you sink more putts and avoid those dreaded 3-putts.

4. Master Distance Control

Distance control is key to putting success. Practice lag putts from different distances to get a feel for the speed of the greens. (A lag putt simply put, is aiming to get the ball close to the hole on a long putt, to make the next putt as easy as possible.) Every green is different, so learning how to adjust your stroke based on speed will help you get the ball close to the hole, even if you don’t sink it right away. Remember, it’s about getting close enough to avoid a three-putt.

5. Follow Through for Accuracy

Don’t forget to follow through on every putt. After you strike the ball, let your putter continue its natural path towards the target. This follow-through ensures accuracy and helps you maintain distance control, so you’re more likely to end up close to the hole.

6. Stay Positive and Confident

Putting requires confidence. Every time you step up to a putt, visualize sinking it and approach the hole with a positive mindset. If you miss, don’t let it throw you off—stay focused, learn from it, and stay mentally sharp for the next one. Keep it light and fun!

7. Practice, Practice, Practice

Putting is like any other part of golf—it takes practice to improve. Spend time on the practice green working on your stroke, distance control, and reading greens. The more time you spend practicing, the more confident you’ll feel when you're on the course. Plus, practicing can actually be fun, especially when you're seeing real improvements!

8. Try Different Putting Styles

If you're not feeling comfortable with your putting stroke, it might be time to try something new. Alternative putting styles like Aim Point can help with reading greens and improve your accuracy. Or using alternative gripping methods like the "Claw."

9. Find the Right Putter

Also, finding the right putter for your stroke style is essential. Not all putters are created equal! If you have more of an arcing stroke, you might want a putter that allows for that, while a face-balanced putter could work better if your stroke is more straight-back and straight-through. The right fit can make a huge difference in your confidence and consistency on the greens.

10. Use Alignment Golf Balls

A simple but effective way to improve your putting and overall alignment is by using golf balls with built-in alignment features. Most major brands offer golf balls with alignment aids. Some examples are Titleist Enhanced Alignment, TaylorMade Stripe, or Callaway TruTrack series golf balls that all have visual markings to help you line up your putts and shots more accurately. These alignment aids help you focus on the right line and can boost your confidence on the greens, making it easier to sink more putts and stay consistent with your aim.