Hey there, fellow golfers! If you’ve ever stood over a long putt and felt a mix of hope and dread, you’re not alone. Lag putting—the art of getting the ball close to the hole—can be a game-changer for your scorecard. Today, we’re diving into some practical techniques to help you improve your distance control and make those tricky long putts a breeze.
Understanding Lag Putting
Lag putting is all about getting your ball close to the hole from a distance. The goal is not to sink the putt every time but to minimise the distance of your next putt. This can dramatically lower your scores and, more importantly, ease those nerves on the green.
1. Read the Green
Before you even line up your putt, take a moment to read the green. Look for any slopes, breaks, or contours that might influence the ball’s path. Walk behind the hole and take a glance from both the ball and hole perspectives. This little investment of time will make a big difference in your distance control.
2. Get the Right Pace
Pace is everything in lag putting. You want your putt to roll smoothly without overshooting the hole. A good rule of thumb is to think about the speed of the ball as it rolls. Aim for a speed that allows the ball to drop into the hole if it were to continue rolling straight. Practise this by hitting putts to a target about a foot past the hole. It helps you gauge the right speed!
3. Use Your Body
Proper body mechanics can significantly affect your putting. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and let your arms hang naturally. Your movement should come from your shoulders and not just your wrists. Practise a smooth, pendulum-like swing to improve your distance control. Imagine swinging a pendulum with your shoulders to maintain a consistent speed.
4. Visualise Your Shot
Before you putt, take a moment to visualise what’s about to happen. Picture your ball rolling towards the hole and settling nicely within a comfortable distance for your next putt. This can help you focus and set a clear intention. Visualisation is a powerful tool that many successful golfers use!
5. Choose the Right Ball Position
Ball position can influence your stroke and overall distance control. Typically, positioning the ball slightly forward in your stance can help create a smoother stroke. Experiment with this to see how it affects your distance. A little tweak can often yield big results!
6. Practise Makes Perfect
The best way to hone your lag putting is practice. Set aside some time during your next trip to the putting green to focus solely on long putts. Create a routine where you start with shorter putts and gradually increase the distance. Make it fun—challenge a friend or create a game!
7. Stay Relaxed
It’s natural to feel anxious over long putts, but staying relaxed is vital. Take a deep breath, and don’t rush. Remember, this is part of the game! Keeping a calm mindset will help your muscle memory work for you.
Summary
Mastering lag putting can truly enhance your golf game. By reading the green, understanding pace, using your body effectively, visualising your shot, adjusting ball position, practising diligently, and staying relaxed, you’ll gradually improve your distance control on the greens.
Next time you’re on the course, keep these tips in mind. With a bit of practice, you’ll not only nail those long putts but also lower your scores, leaving the competition in the dust. Happy putting, and enjoy your time on the green!
