Three-putts are one of the fastest ways to add strokes to your scorecard, and poor lag putting is usually the reason. Great putters don’t try to make every long putt. They focus on distance control and leaving the ball close enough for an easy second putt.
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Lag putting is about controlling speed, not perfection.
The most common mistake golfers make on long putts is focusing too much on the hole. When all your attention is on making the putt, distance control often suffers. Instead, the goal of a lag putt is to roll the ball into a safe zone around the hole, typically within three feet.
Proper setup plays a big role in consistent lag putting. Start with a comfortable stance and light grip pressure. Tension in the hands kills feel, especially on longer putts. Your eyes should be positioned over the ball or slightly inside the target line to help with both alignment and distance control.
One of the most important principles of lag putting is that distance is controlled by stroke length, not speed. Your tempo should remain the same on every putt. Only the length of the stroke changes. Shorter strokes roll the ball a shorter distance, while longer strokes create more roll.
Speed always matters more than line on lag putts. A putt with perfect line but poor speed rarely finishes close. Focus on matching your speed to the slope of the green rather than trying to read every small break.
Choosing a target also helps simplify lag putting. Instead of aiming at the hole, pick a spot that matches your intended speed. This could be slightly short of the hole or just past it, depending on whether the putt is uphill or downhill.
A simple practice drill to improve lag putting is to place balls at different long distances on the practice green and roll each one toward the same hole. The goal is not to make the putts, but to finish them all inside a small circle around the hole. This drill builds feel and confidence quickly.
When lag putting becomes predictable, three-putts disappear. By focusing on speed, maintaining consistent tempo, and accepting that long putts are meant to be safe, not perfect, your scores will improve immediately.
Kevin Collier is an avid golfer and contributing author at AIGolfTips.com, where he shares his passion for the game through expert tips, techniques, and gear reviews. With years of experience on the course, Kevin offers valuable insights for golfers of all skill levels, helping them improve their game and maximize their potential. Whether discussing swing mechanics or the latest in golf technology, Kevin's engaging approach aims to inspire and educate fellow golf enthusiasts to elevate their performance and enjoy every moment on the green.
