Mastering the Art of Lag Putting: Tips and Techniques to Improve Your Long Putts

Are you struggling with long putts in golf? I feel your pain. Through countless hours of trial and error on the green, backed by extensive research, I’ve uncovered valuable insights on mastering lag putting.

This blog post is packed full of tips and techniques that will drastically improve your ability to get the ball close to the hole from long distances away, a skill known as lag putting.

Ready for fewer three-putts and lower scores? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

• Lag putting is important in golf to help control the distance and accuracy of your putts.
• Developing a good pendulum rhythm, evaluating each putt, increasing the length of your putts, reading the green, and setting goals are key techniques for mastering lag putting.
• Minimizing head movement, proper alignment, developing a green reading technique, making more short putts, and mastering mid-length putts are additional tips to improve your lag putting skills.
• Common mistakes to avoid in lag putting include using a soft grip, starting too big when aiming for the hole, focusing on the cup during practice strokes instead of technique development.

What is Lag Putting?

Lag putting is a neat kind of golf shot. It helps get the ball close to the cup when you’re far away. You don’t aim to sink your first putt. Instead, you roll it near enough to make your next putt easy.

This makes lag putting a key skill for distance control in golf. Great lag putts help avoid three-putts and other problems on the green.

In a sense, lag putting is like taking small steps towards success in golf! The aim is simple: make sure your ball ends within 3 feet of the hole from any original distance.

The Importance of Lag Putting

Lag putting is crucial in golf because it helps you maintain control and accuracy, ensuring that your ball gets close to the cup without going past it.

Pendulum rhythm

When it comes to lag putting, having a good pendulum rhythm is important. This means swinging your putter back and forth like a pendulum with a smooth and consistent motion. It helps in maintaining control and accuracy while striking the ball.

Keeping this steady rhythm throughout your stroke can improve your distance control and reduce the chances of overshooting or coming up short on long putts. So, focus on developing a nice pendulum rhythm when practicing your lag putting to improve your overall performance on the greens.

Evaluate putt

When it comes to lag putting, one important aspect is evaluating the putt. Before making your stroke, take a moment to assess the distance and slope of the green. Consider factors like uphill or downhill slopes, grain direction, and speed of the green.

This evaluation will help you determine how much power and break to apply to your putt. By carefully evaluating each putt, you can make more accurate judgments and improve your chances of getting the ball close to the cup on long putts.

Increase length

To improve your lag putting and increase the length of your putts, focus on two key factors: speed control and distance judgment. Practice hitting putts with different amounts of force to determine how far they roll on the green.

This will give you a better feel for how hard or soft to hit the ball based on its starting position and the desired ending point near the hole. Additionally, work on developing your ability to judge distances accurately by practicing putting from various locations around the green.

By honing these skills, you can consistently hit longer putts closer to the cup and reduce three-putts during your rounds of golf. Remember, lag putting is about getting close to the hole rather than sinking every long putt.

Read putt

To improve your lag putting skills, it’s important to learn how to read a putt. This means understanding the slope and break of the green, as well as the speed and direction the ball will roll.

By carefully observing these factors, you can make better decisions on how to aim and strike your putt. Take note of any uphill or downhill slopes, as they can affect the speed of your putt.

Look for subtle breaks in the green that could cause your ball to veer off course. Pay attention to grain (the direction in which grass grows), as it can influence how much a putt will break.

Set goal

To improve your lag putting skills, it’s important to set a goal for each putt. Instead of focusing on sinking the ball in one shot, aim to get it as close to the hole as possible.

This helps you avoid three-putting and puts less pressure on the rest of your game. By rolling your putts with enough force to reach the hole but not hit the stick, you can develop better distance control and accuracy.

Practicing this technique on the practice green will give you a better understanding of how much force is needed for different distances. So remember, when lag putting, always keep your goal in mind – get it close!

Tips for Mastering Lag Putting

– Minimize head movement for better stability and control while putting.

– Align properly to ensure the correct line and aim for your long putts.

– Develop a green reading technique to understand the break and slope of the greens.

– Make more short putts to build confidence in your overall putting game.

– Master mid-length putts, as they bridge the gap between short and long putts.

Minimize head movement

To improve your lag putting, it’s important to minimize head movement. When you keep your head still and steady throughout the stroke, it helps maintain consistent contact with the ball.

By reducing any unnecessary movement, you can focus on striking the ball cleanly and accurately. This technique promotes greater control and distance control, allowing you to get closer to the hole on long putts.

So remember, keep your head still and minimize any unnecessary head movements for better lag putting performance.

Align properly

To improve your lag putting, it’s important to align yourself properly before taking your shot. Proper alignment ensures that you’re aiming in the right direction and increases the chances of getting your ball closer to the cup.

One way to align yourself is by picking a spot on the green, a few feet ahead of your ball, that lies in line with both your target and putter face. This spot will serve as a guide for your aim.

Additionally, make sure that both your feet and shoulders are parallel to this line. By aligning yourself correctly, you’ll have a better chance of executing an accurate lag putt and improving your long putt skills overall.

Develop a green reading technique

To improve your lag putting, it’s important to develop a green reading technique. Here are some tips to help you read the greens effectively:

1. Look at the slope: Notice if the green is sloping uphill or downhill. This will affect the speed and break of your putt.
2. Observe the grain: The grass on the green can have a grain that either supports or resists your putt. Pay attention to the direction of the grain to adjust your aim.
3. Identify any slopes or contours: Look for any subtle slopes or contours on the green that could influence the path of your putt. Take note of these features when planning your stroke.
4. Consider the speed: Assess how fast or slow the greens are playing that day. This will help you gauge how hard you need to hit your lag putts.
5. Visualize the ball’s path: Picture in your mind how you want the ball to roll towards the hole. Imagine taking into account all the factors mentioned above and visualize a successful putt.

Make more short putts

To improve your lag putting, it’s important to focus on making more short putts. This means developing a consistent stroke and improving your accuracy when putting from close range.

By practicing shorter putts, you can build confidence in your ability to sink them consistently. Work on maintaining a steady head position, aligning yourself properly with the target, and reading the green accurately.

Developing these skills will not only help you make more short putts but also improve your overall lag putting performance. So take the time to practice those short ones!

Master mid-length putts

Mastering mid-length putts is crucial in improving your lag putting skills. Here are some tips to help you achieve better results:

1. Focus on proper alignment: Ensure that your feet, hips, and shoulders are all aligned with the intended target line.
2. Develop a consistent stroke: Practice maintaining a smooth and pendulum-like motion throughout your putting stroke.
3. Pay attention to distance control: Spend time practicing different distances to develop a better feel for how hard or soft you need to hit the ball.
4. Read the green effectively: Take note of any slopes, breaks, or grain on the green that could affect the direction and speed of your putt.
5. Visualize success: Before taking your shot, visualize yourself making a successful mid-length putt to boost confidence and improve focus.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Lag Putting

1. Soft grip: Maintaining a light grip on the putter can result in decreased control and accuracy, leading to inconsistent lag putts.

2. Starting too big: Trying to make long putts by taking an aggressive swing right from the start can lead to poor distance control and often results in three-putting.

3. Focusing on the cup during practice strokes: Instead of fixating on the target, focus on developing a smooth pendulum-like stroke and maintaining proper rhythm for better lag putting.

4. Ignoring the green and grain: Neglecting to assess the slope, grain, and overall conditions of the green can cause misjudgment of speed and direction when attempting long putts.

5. Neglecting the 3-foot radius: For a successful lag putt, it is crucial to have an accurate idea of where you want your ball to land within a 3-foot radius around the hole, as that will greatly reduce three-putt situations.

Remember, avoiding these

Soft grip

A soft grip is an important factor in mastering the art of lag putting. When you have a firm grip on the putter, it can cause tension in your hands and arms, affecting the fluidity and control of your stroke.

By adopting a soft grip, you allow for smooth and natural movement in your hands and wrists, which helps with distance control and accuracy. Additionally, a soft grip promotes better feel for the putt, allowing you to sense the speed and break of the green more effectively.

Remember that finding the right balance between grip pressure and control is crucial when it comes to lag putting. So practice holding the putter with a soft touch to improve your lag putting skills.

Starting too big

One common mistake to avoid in lag putting is starting too big. When you aim for the hole right away and try to make a long putt, it increases the risk of leaving yourself with a difficult second putt.

Instead, focus on getting the ball close to the cup on your first attempt. By starting with a conservative goal of getting within a three-foot radius of the hole, you can improve your chances of making that second putt and avoiding costly three-putts.

So next time you’re faced with a long putt, remember not to start too big and prioritize getting close to the hole instead. It will help you lower your score and gain more confidence in your lag putting skills!

Focusing on the cup during practice strokes

When practicing lag putting, it’s important to focus on the cup during your practice strokes. This helps you develop a better feel for the distance and speed needed to get the ball close to the hole.

By visualizing the target and focusing on it during your practice strokes, you can train your brain and body to make more accurate putts. It also helps you gauge how much force is needed so that when you’re out on the course, you have a better understanding of how far each putt will roll.

So, don’t just aimlessly hit balls on the practice green – concentrate on the cup and improve your lag putting skills.

Ignoring the green and grain

When it comes to lag putting, one common mistake to avoid is ignoring the green and grain. The surface of the green can greatly affect how your putt rolls, so it’s important to pay attention to its texture and slope.

Additionally, understanding the grain – the direction in which the grass is growing – can also play a significant role in your putt’s break and speed. Neglecting these factors can lead to misreads and improper speed control, making it harder to get your ball close to the hole on long putts.

By taking into account the condition of the green and considering the grain, you’ll be better equipped to make accurate adjustments for a successful lag putt.

Neglecting the 3-foot radius

One common mistake in lag putting is neglecting the 3-foot radius around the hole. When we focus solely on making long putts, we tend to forget that those short putts are just as important.

Additionally, many golfers assume that short putts are easy and don’t require much attention. But the truth is, even a small misalignment or lack of focus can result in missed opportunities for easy pars or birdies.

Therefore, it’s crucial to prioritize accuracy and concentration when practicing and playing those short putts within the 3-foot radius. Remember, every stroke counts when it comes to improving your overall score and mastering the art of lag putting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the art of lag putting is crucial for improving your long putts in golf. By focusing on techniques such as pendulum rhythm, proper alignment, and green reading, you can enhance your distance control and get closer to the cup with each putt.

Avoid common mistakes like a soft grip or neglecting the 3-foot radius around the hole. With practice and dedication, you can become more confident in your lag putting skills and improve your overall golf game.

FAQs

1. How can I improve my lag putting?

To improve your lag putting, focus on distance control by practicing your speed and tempo, reading the green for slope and grain, and developing a consistent putting stroke.

2. Should I change my grip for lag putting?

No, you don’t need to change your grip for lag putting. Stick with your preferred grip that gives you control and comfort over the putter.

3. What are some tips for judging distance on long putts?

When judging distance on long putts, use landmarks or visual cues to estimate the length of your putt, practice different lengths of backswing to get a feel for various distances, and pay attention to how much energy is required to roll the ball smoothly towards the hole.

4. How important is practicing lag putting in improving overall golf performance?

Practicing lag putting is crucial in improving overall golf performance as it helps you avoid three-putting or leaving long second putts. It can save strokes and enhance confidence on the greens.