what is a putt in golf

July 20, 2023 Clems Chieve

Putting is one of the most crucial skills in golf, yet it is often overlooked or neglected by many golfers. Putting can make or break your score, as it accounts for about 40% of your strokes in a typical round.

Putting is also a very personal and feel-based skill that requires constant practice and attention. Some fundamentals of putting are having a perfect grip, aiming the club face at the target, and soling the putter head behind the ball.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about putting in golf, from the basics to the advanced techniques. You will discover how to master the grip, posture, and stroke for optimal putting performance.

You will also learn how to read the green, judge distance and speed, and handle different types of putts. You will find out how to select the right putter for your game, and how to practice your putting effectively. You will also explore the mental aspect of putting, and how to deal with nerves and pressure.

Finally, you will get inspired by studying the famous putting styles of golf legends, and how to leverage science and technology to improve your putting game. Its absolutely a complete package.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced golfer, this article will help you unravel the mysteries of putting in golf, and take your game to the next level. Read on and get ready to sink more putts than ever before!

Table of Contents

what is a putt in golf – Introduction to Putting

Putting is the act of hitting a golf ball with a club called a putter on the green, which is the smooth and grassy area surrounding the hole. The goal of putting is to roll the ball into the hole in as few strokes as possible.

Putting requires precision, accuracy, and finesse, as well as a good understanding of the green surface and its characteristics. Putting is often considered the most difficult part of golf, as it involves many variables and factors that can affect the outcome of your putt. Some of these factors include:

The distance and direction of your putt
The speed and slope of the green
The grain and moisture of the grass
The wind and weather conditions
The type and condition of your putter
Your grip, posture, and stroke mechanics
Your mental state and confidence level

To become a better putter, you need to master all these aspects of putting and practice them regularly. Putting is not only a physical skill, but also a mental one.

You need to have a clear vision of your putt, trust your instincts, and execute your stroke with confidence and consistency.

The Basics of a Putt

Before we dive into the details of putting, let’s first define what a putt is and when to use it. A putt is a type of golf shot that is used on the green, or sometimes on the fringe or apron of the green, which are the areas of shorter grass that border the green. A putt is different from other golf shots in that it does not involve lifting the ball off the ground, but rather rolling it along the surface.

The club used for putting is called a putter, which has a flat face and a low loft angle. The loft angle is the degree at which the club face is tilted back from vertical. A typical putter has a loft angle of about 4 degrees, which is enough to lift the ball slightly off the ground and start it rolling. Other clubs have higher loft angles, which are designed to launch the ball into the air.

The ball used for putting is usually the same as the one used for other shots, but some golfers prefer to use a different ball for putting, depending on their personal preference and feel. The ball should be clean and free of dirt or debris that could affect its roll.

The green is the area where putting takes place. It is usually covered with short and smooth grass that is cut regularly to maintain a consistent surface. The green has a hole that is 4.25 inches in diameter and at least 4 inches deep.

The hole is marked by a flagstick that has a flag attached to it. The flagstick can be removed or left in place when putting, depending on the rules and etiquette of the game.

Understanding Green Surfaces

One of the most important factors that influences your putting performance is the green surface. The green surface can vary widely depending on the type of grass, the soil condition, the maintenance level, and the weather. Different green surfaces can affect how fast or slow your ball rolls, how much it curves or breaks, and how much it bounces or skids.

There are many types of grass that are used for golf greens, such as bentgrass, bermudagrass, poa annua, fescue, bluegrass, and ryegrass. Each type of grass has its own characteristics and advantages. For example, bentgrass is known for its smoothness and consistency, while bermudagrass is more resilient and tolerant to heat and drought.

The soil condition also affects the green surface, as it determines how firm or soft it is. A firm green will make your ball roll faster and farther, while a soft green will make your ball roll slower and shorter. A firm green will also make your ball bounce more, while a soft green will make your ball skid more.

The maintenance level of the green also plays a role in its quality and speed. A well-maintained green will be cut regularly to keep it short and even, watered properly to keep it moist but not soggy, rolled or brushed to smooth out any bumps or imperfections, aerated or spiked to improve drainage and air circulation, fertilized or treated to prevent diseases or pests, and top-dressed or sanded to fill in any holes or divots.

The weather also affects the green surface, as it can change its temperature, moisture, and wind conditions. A hot or dry weather will make the green faster and firmer, while a cold or wet weather will make the green slower and softer.

A windy weather will also make your ball more susceptible to being blown off course.

The speed of the green is measured by a device called a stimpmeter, which is a metal ramp that releases a ball at a fixed angle and measures how far it rolls on the green. The higher the stimpmeter reading, the faster the green.

A typical stimpmeter reading for an average green is about 9 feet, while a stimpmeter reading for a professional tournament green can be as high as 13 feet or more.

The Mechanics of a Perfect Putt

Now that we have covered the basics of a putt, let’s move on to the mechanics of how to execute a perfect putt. There are three main components of a perfect putt: grip, posture, and stroke.

Grip

The grip is how you hold your putter in your hands. There are many variations of grips that golfers use, such as the reverse overlap, the cross-handed, the claw, the pencil, and the arm-lock. Each grip has its own advantages and disadvantages, and there is no one right or wrong grip for everyone.

The best grip for you is the one that feels comfortable and natural, and that allows you to control your putter with ease and confidence.

The general principles of a good grip are:

Hold your putter lightly but firmly, without squeezing or tensing your hands or arms.
Align your hands so that they are parallel to each other and to the target line, which is the imaginary line that connects your ball and the hole.
Position your hands so that they are slightly ahead of the ball, creating a slight forward press that helps you start your stroke smoothly.
Place your thumbs on top of the grip, pointing down the shaft of the putter.
Keep your wrists firm and stable throughout your stroke, without hinging or breaking.

Posture

The posture is how you stand and align your body in relation to the ball and the hole. A good posture will help you balance your weight, align your eyes, and swing your putter freely and consistently.

The general principles of a good posture are:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, parallel to the target line.
Bend slightly from your hips, keeping your back straight and your head up.
Let your arms hang naturally from your shoulders, forming a triangle with your chest and your putter.
Position the ball slightly forward of center in your stance, under your left eye if you are right-handed or under your right eye if you are left-handed.
Align your eyes directly over the ball or slightly inside it, so that you can see the target line clearly.
Relax your muscles and breathe deeply before starting your stroke.

Stroke

The stroke is how you move your putter back and forth to hit the ball. A good stroke will help you strike the ball solidly, roll it smoothly, and control its speed and direction.

The general principles of a good stroke are:

Swing your putter with a pendulum-like motion, using your shoulders as the pivot point and keeping your hands, wrists, arms, and head still.
Move your putter back and through with equal length and tempo, without accelerating or decelerating abruptly.
Keep your putter face square to the target line at all times, without opening or closing it during your stroke.
Hit the ball slightly on the upswing, creating a slight topspin that helps it roll faster and straighter.
Follow through with your putter along the target line, without lifting or twisting it.

Reading the Green

Reading the green is the process of analyzing the green surface and its characteristics, such as the slope, the break, the speed, and the grain, and using this information to determine the best line and speed for your putt. Reading the green is both an art and a science, as it requires intuition, experience, and logic.

Reading the green is one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of putting, as it can make a huge difference in your putting performance. A good green reader can save strokes by making more putts or leaving them closer to the hole, while a poor green reader can waste strokes by missing putts or leaving them too far or too short.

The general steps of reading the green are:

Walk around the green and look at it from different angles and distances, paying attention to the overall shape, contour, and elevation of the green.
Identify the high and low points of the green, as well as any ridges, mounds, or depressions that could affect your putt.
Determine the direction and degree of slope of the green, using your eyes, feet, or a level device such as a bubble level or a digital level.
Estimate how much your ball will curve or break due to the slope of the green, using your eyes, hands, or a plumb-bob device such as a string or a putter shaft.
Assess how fast or slow your ball will roll on the green, taking into account the type and condition of the grass, the soil and weather conditions, and your own stroke speed and power.
Choose the best line for your putt, which is the imaginary path that you want your ball to follow from your ball to the hole. The best line may not be a straight line, but rather a curved line that accounts for the break of your putt.
Choose the best speed for your putt, which is how hard or soft you want to hit your ball. The best speed may not be the fastest or slowest speed, but rather a speed that matches your line and gives your ball the best chance of going in or staying close to the hole.
Visualize your putt in your mind, imagining how your ball will roll along your chosen line and speed. Use positive affirmations and mental imagery to boost your confidence and focus.
Execute your putt with confidence and consistency, following your grip, posture, and stroke mechanics. Trust your read and don’t second-guess yourself.

Selecting the Right Putter

Selecting the right putter is another important factor that can influence your putting performance. The right putter for you is the one that suits your personal preference and style, as well as your physical characteristics and abilities.

There are many types and designs of putters available in the market today, each with its own features and benefits. Some of the main types of putters are:

Blade Putters

Blade putters are putters that have a narrow and flat head that resembles a blade. Blade putters are usually lighter and more compact than other types of putters. They are also more traditional and classic in appearance.

Blade putters are suitable for golfers who prefer a simple and minimalist design, who have a smooth and consistent stroke, who like to feel more feedback from their putts, and who play on faster greens.

Mallet Putters

Mallet putters are putters that have a large and rounded head that resembles a mallet. Mallet putters are usually heavier and more stable than other types of putters. They are also more modern and innovative in appearance.

Mallet putters are suitable for golfers who prefer a more complex and sophisticated design, who have a less steady or erratic stroke, who like to see more alignment aids on their putts, and who play on slower greens.

Finding the Perfect Putter Length and Weight

Apart from the type and design of your putter head, you also need to consider the length and weight of your putter shaft. The length and weight of your putter shaft can affect how you balance your weight, align your eyes, swing your putter, strike your ball, roll it smoothly.

The ideal length of your putter shaft depends on your height, arm length, posture preference. A general rule of thumb is that you should be able to stand comfortably with your eyes over or slightly inside the ball when holding your putter. A typical length for most golfers is between 33 to 35 inches.

The ideal weight of your putter shaft depends on your stroke tempo preference. A general rule of thumb is that you should be able to swing your putter with a smooth and even tempo without feeling too heavy or too light. A typical weight for most golfers is between 300 to 350 grams.

You can experiment with different lengths and weights of putter shafts until you find one that feels comfortable and natural for you. You can also adjust or customize your putter shaft by adding or removing weight, changing the grip, or altering the lie angle.

Practicing Your Putting

Practicing your putting is the best way to improve your putting skills and performance. Putting practice can help you develop your muscle memory, refine your technique, enhance your feel, and boost your confidence.

Putting practice can be done on a practice green, a putting mat, or even on your carpet at home. You can practice your putting by yourself or with a partner or a coach. You can practice your putting for as long or as short as you want, depending on your time and goals.

There are many drills and exercises that you can do to practice your putting, such as:

Effective Drills to Improve Your Putting Skills

The Clock Drill: This drill helps you improve your accuracy and consistency on short putts. To do this drill, you need 12 balls and a hole. Place the balls around the hole at a distance of 3 feet, forming a circle like a clock. Start from any ball and try to make all 12 putts in a row. If you miss any putt, start over from the beginning. Repeat this drill until you can make all 12 putts consistently.

The Ladder Drill: This drill helps you improve your distance control and speed on long putts. To do this drill, you need 5 balls and a hole. Place the balls at different distances from the hole, such as 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 feet. Start from the closest ball and try to putt each ball as close to the hole as possible.

The goal is to have no more than one club length between each ball and the hole. Repeat this drill until you can achieve this goal consistently.

The Gate Drill: This drill helps you improve your alignment and stroke path on any putt. To do this drill, you need 2 tees and a ball. Place the tees on the ground about 2 inches apart and slightly wider than your putter head.

Place the ball in front of the tees and align it with your target. Try to putt the ball through the tees without hitting them. The goal is to keep your putter face square and your stroke straight. Repeat this drill until you can do this consistently.

Creating a Putting Practice Routine for Consistency

A putting practice routine is a set of steps that you follow before and during each putt to help you prepare and execute it effectively. A putting practice routine can help you improve your consistency, focus, and confidence on the green.

A putting practice routine can vary from golfer to golfer, depending on their personal preference and style. However, a general framework of a good putting practice routine is:

Stand behind the ball and read the green, using your eyes, feet, hands, or level device to determine the slope, break, speed, and grain of the green.
Choose your line and speed for your putt, using your eyes, hands, or plumb-bob device to visualize the path of your ball from your ball to the hole.
Walk up to the ball and align your putter face with your chosen line, using any alignment aids on your putter or ball to help you.
Take your grip and posture for your putt, making sure that they are comfortable and natural for you.
Take one or two practice strokes beside the ball, feeling the tempo and length of your stroke that matches your chosen speed.
Move up to the ball and place your putter behind it, making sure that it is still aligned with your chosen line.
Look at the hole once or twice to confirm your line and speed.
Look back at the ball and focus on making a smooth and solid contact with it.
Make your stroke with confidence and consistency, following through along your chosen line.
Watch the ball roll towards the hole and react accordingly.

Mastering Short Putts

Short putts are putts that are within 3 feet of the hole. Short putts are often considered easy putts, but they can also be very nerve-wracking and stressful for many golfers. Short putts can make or break your scorecard, as they can save you strokes or cost you strokes.

Mastering short putts requires both technical skill and mental strength. You need to have a solid technique that allows you to make consistent contact with the ball and roll it into the hole. You also need to have a strong mindset that allows you to overcome any fear or doubt that may arise when facing a short putt.

Some of the techniques for conquering those crucial short putts are listed in the next section.

Techniques for Conquering Those Crucial Short Putts

Use a firm grip pressure that prevents any unwanted movement in your hands or wrists during your stroke.
Use a short backswing and follow-through that minimizes any margin of error in your stroke path or face angle.
Use a slight forward press that helps you start your stroke smoothly and hit the ball slightly on the upswing.
Use a positive and aggressive attitude that helps you commit to your putt and hit it with confidence and authority.
Use a routine that helps you relax and focus on your putt, without overthinking or hesitating.

Some of the psychology of nailing short putts under pressure are:

The Psychology of Nailing Short Putts Under Pressure

Breathe deeply and calmly before and during your putt, to lower your heart rate and calm your nerves.
Visualize yourself making the putt, using positive affirmations and mental imagery to boost your confidence and expectation.
Trust your read and your stroke, without second-guessing yourself or changing your mind at the last moment.
Accept the outcome, without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Learn from your mistakes and move on to the next putt.

Conquering Long Putts

Long putts are putts that are beyond 20 feet from the hole. Long putts are often considered difficult putts, as they require more skill and judgment to execute. Long putts can also be very rewarding and satisfying for many golfers, as they can save you strokes or even give you birdies or eagles.

Conquering long putts requires both technical skill and mental strength. You need to have a solid technique that allows you to strike the ball solidly, roll it smoothly, and control its speed and direction. You also need to have a strong mindset that allows you to overcome any fear or doubt that may arise when facing a long putt.

Some of the strategies for judging distance on long putts are:

Strategies for Judging Distance on Long Putts

Use your eyes and feet to gauge the distance of your putt, by looking at the hole and walking around the green.
Use your hands and arms to feel the distance of your putt, by swinging your putter back and forth beside the ball.
Use your experience and intuition to estimate the distance of your putt, by recalling similar putts that you have made or missed before.
Use a reference point or a target zone to aim for, such as a spot on the green or a circle around the hole, that is slightly shorter or longer than your actual putt.

Some of the tips to increase your success rate on long putts are:

Tips to Increase Your Success Rate on Long Putts

Use a smooth and consistent tempo that matches your chosen speed, without accelerating or decelerating abruptly.
Use a slight topspin that helps your ball roll faster and straighter, by hitting it slightly on the upswing.
Use a high follow-through that helps your ball roll farther and smoother, by extending your arms and putter along the target line.
Use a positive and realistic attitude that helps you commit to your putt and hit it with confidence and optimism. Don’t expect to make every long putt, but aim to get it close enough for an easy tap-in.

Handling Uphill and Downhill Putts

Uphill and downhill putts are putts that are on a slope that goes up or down from your ball to the hole. Uphill and downhill putts are often tricky and challenging, as they require more adjustment and calculation to execute. Uphill and downhill putts can also be very frustrating or exhilarating for many golfers, as they can cause you to miss or make unexpected putts.

Handling uphill and downhill putts requires both technical skill and mental strength. You need to have a solid technique that allows you to strike the ball solidly, roll it smoothly, and control its speed and direction. You also need to have a strong mindset that allows you to overcome any fear or doubt that may arise when facing an uphill or downhill putt.

Some of the adjustments for uphill putts are:

Adjusting Your Approach for Uphill Putts

Use a longer backswing and follow-through that helps you hit the ball harder and roll it farther, as uphill putts tend to be slower than flat or downhill putts.
Use a higher line that helps you account for the break of your putt, as uphill putts tend to break more than flat or downhill putts.
Use a firmer grip pressure that helps you maintain control of your putter and prevent any unwanted movement in your hands or wrists during your stroke.
Use a confident and aggressive attitude that helps you commit to your putt and hit it with authority and conviction.

Some of the techniques to tackle tricky downhill putts are:

Techniques to Tackle Tricky Downhill Putts

Use a shorter backswing and follow-through that helps you hit the ball softer and roll it shorter, as downhill putts tend to be faster than flat
Use a lower line that helps you account for the break of your putt, as downhill putts tend to break less than flat or uphill putts.
Use a lighter grip pressure that helps you relax your hands and wrists and feel the weight of your putter during your stroke.
Use a cautious and conservative attitude that helps you avoid hitting your putt too hard or too far. Aim to leave your ball close to the hole, rather than trying to make it.

Navigating Different Green Conditions

Different green conditions are the variations in the type, quality, and speed of the green surface that you encounter on different golf courses or even on different holes on the same course. Different green conditions can affect how your ball rolls, curves, bounces, or skids on the green, and how you need to adjust your putting technique and strategy accordingly.

Different green conditions can be caused by many factors, such as the type and condition of the grass, the soil and weather conditions, the maintenance level of the green, and the design and layout of the green.

Some of the common types of different green conditions are:

Putting on Wet Greens

Wet greens are greens that are moist or damp due to rain, dew, irrigation, or humidity. Wet greens tend to be slower and softer than dry greens, as the water creates more friction and resistance for your ball. Wet greens also tend to have less break and grain than dry greens, as the water reduces the effect of the slope and the direction of the grass.

To putt well on wet greens, you need to:

Use a longer and firmer stroke that helps you hit the ball harder and roll it farther, as wet greens require more power and speed to overcome the water.
Use a higher line that helps you account for the reduced break and grain of your putt, as wet greens tend to be straighter and truer than dry greens.
Use a clean and dry ball that helps you avoid any dirt or debris that could affect your roll, as wet greens tend to be more dirty and muddy than dry greens.
Use a towel or a glove to wipe your putter face and your hands before each putt, to prevent any water or moisture from affecting your contact or grip.

Conquering Fast and Firm Greens

Fast and firm greens are greens that are dry and hard due to heat, drought, wind, or compaction. Fast and firm greens tend to be faster and firmer than slow and soft greens, as the lack of water creates less friction and resistance for your ball. Fast and firm greens also tend to have more break and grain than slow and soft greens, as the lack of water enhances the effect of the slope and the direction of the grass.

To putt well on fast and firm greens, you need to:

Use a shorter and softer stroke that helps you hit the ball softer and roll it shorter, as fast and firm greens require less power
Use a lower line that helps you account for the increased break and grain of your putt, as fast and firm greens tend to be more curved and influenced than slow and soft greens.
Use a smooth and consistent tempo that helps you control your speed and direction, as fast and firm greens require more precision and accuracy.
Use a practice stroke or two to gauge the speed of the green before each putt, as fast and firm greens can vary widely in speed depending on the hole location and the time of day.

Overcoming Breaking Putts

Breaking putts are putts that are on a slope that causes your ball to curve or bend from your initial line to the hole. Breaking putts are one of the most common and challenging types of putts, as they require more skill and judgment to execute. Breaking putts can also be very rewarding and satisfying for many golfers, as they can make you feel like a master of the game.

Overcoming breaking putts requires both technical skill and mental strength. You need to have a solid technique that allows you to strike the ball solidly, roll it smoothly, and control its speed and direction. You also need to have a strong mindset that allows you to overcome any fear or doubt that may arise when facing a breaking putt.

Some of the steps for reading and executing breaking putts with precision are:

Reading and Executing Breaking Putts with Precision

Stand behind the ball and read the green, using your eyes, feet, hands, or level device to determine the slope, break, speed, and grain of the green.
Choose your line and speed for your putt, using your eyes, hands, or plumb-bob device to visualize the path of your ball from your ball to the hole. The best line may not be a straight line, but rather a curved line that accounts for the break of your putt.
Walk up to the ball and align your putter face with your chosen line, using any alignment aids on your putter or ball to help you.
Take your grip and posture for your putt, making sure that they are comfortable and natural for you.
Take one or two practice strokes beside the ball, feeling the tempo and length of your stroke that matches your chosen speed.
Move up to the ball and place your putter behind it, making sure that it is still aligned with your chosen line.
Look at the hole once or twice to confirm your line and speed.
Look back at the ball and focus on making a smooth and solid contact with it.
Make your stroke with confidence and consistency, following through along your chosen line.
Watch the ball roll towards the hole and react accordingly.

Some of the factors influencing the line and speed of your putt are:

Factors Influencing the Line and Speed of Your Putt

The direction and degree of slope of the green, which determines how much your ball will curve or break due to gravity.
The type and condition of the grass, which determines how fast or slow your ball will roll on the green.
The wind and weather conditions, which can affect how your ball behaves in the air or on the ground.
The type and condition of your ball, which can affect how your ball reacts to the impact and the green surface.
Your grip, posture, and stroke mechanics, which can affect how you control your putter and your ball.
Your mental state and confidence level, which can affect how you perceive and execute your putt.

Understanding Grain and Its Impact

Grain is the direction in which the grass blades grow or lean on the green. Grain can affect how your ball rolls, curves, bounces, or skids on the green, and how you need to adjust your putting technique and strategy accordingly.

Grain can be caused by many factors, such as the type and condition of the grass, the soil and weather conditions, the maintenance level of the green, and the design and layout of the green.

Some of the common types of grain are:

What Every Golfer Should Know About Grain

Downhill grain: This is when the grass blades grow or lean downhill, away from your ball. Downhill grain tends to make your ball roll faster and farther, as it reduces the friction and resistance for your ball. Downhill grain also tends to make your ball break less, as it reduces the effect of the slope.

Uphill grain: This is when the grass blades grow or lean uphill, towards your ball. Uphill grain tends to make your ball roll slower and shorter, as it increases the friction and resistance for your ball. Uphill grain also tends to make your ball break more, as it enhances the effect of the slope.

Cross-grain: This is when the grass blades grow or lean sideways, across your ball. Cross grain tends to make your ball curve or bend sideways, as it pushes or pulls your ball off course. Cross grain also tends to make your ball bounce or skid more, as it creates more unevenness and irregularity on the green surface.

To putt well on different grain conditions, you need to:

Adapting Your Putting for Different Grain Conditions

Use your eyes and feet to gauge the direction and strength of the grain, by looking at the color and texture of the grass and feeling its resistance or smoothness under your feet.
Use your hands and arms to feel the effect of the grain on your stroke, by swinging your putter back and forth over the grass.
Use your experience and intuition to estimate the impact of the grain on your putt, by recalling similar putts that you have made or missed before.
Use a reference point or a target zone to aim for, such as a spot on the green or a circle around the hole, that is slightly higher or lower than your actual putt depending on the grain direction.
Use a longer or shorter stroke that helps you hit the ball harder or softer depending on the grain strength, as different grain conditions require different power and speed to overcome the grain.
Use a higher or lower line that helps you account for the curve or bend of your putt depending on the grain direction, as different grain conditions require different lines to match the grain.

The Mental Aspect of Putting

Putting is not only a physical skill, but also a mental one. The mental aspect of putting refers to the psychological and emotional factors that influence your putting performance, such as your confidence, focus, attitude, and resilience.

The mental aspect of putting is often overlooked or neglected by many golfers, but it is equally important and essential as the technical aspect of putting. The mental aspect of putting can make or break your scorecard, as it can affect how you perceive and execute your putts.

Mastering the mental aspect of putting requires both practice and discipline. You need to practice your mental skills regularly, just like you practice your physical skills. You also need to discipline your mind to stay positive, calm, and focused on the green.

Some of the techniques for building confidence and focus on the green are:

Building Confidence and Focus on the Green

Use positive self-talk and affirmations that help you boost your confidence and expectation, such as “I can make this putt”, “I have practiced this putt before”, or “I trust my read and my stroke”.
Use mental imagery and visualization that help you enhance your focus and concentration, such as imagining yourself making the putt, seeing the ball roll along your chosen line and speed, or feeling the satisfaction of hearing the ball drop into the hole.
Use a routine that helps you relax and prepare for each putt, such as taking a deep breath, wiping your putter face, taking a practice stroke, or saying a cue word.
Use a trigger that helps you start your stroke smoothly and confidently, such as looking at the hole, nodding your head, or saying “go”.
Use a mantra that helps you stay calm and positive after each putt, whether you make it or miss it, such as “good try”, “next one”, or “well done”.

Some of the techniques for dealing with putting nerves and pressure are:

Dealing with Putting Nerves and Pressure

Recognize and accept your nerves and pressure as normal and natural reactions that show that you care about your performance and outcome.
Reframe and embrace your nerves and pressure as positive and helpful signals that enhance your alertness and readiness for your putt.
Redirect and channel your nerves and pressure into productive and constructive actions that improve your performance and outcome, such as focusing on your process, sticking to your routine, or enjoying the challenge.

Advanced Putting Techniques

Advanced putting techniques are the techniques that go beyond the basics and fundamentals of putting, and that can help you take your putting game to the next level. Advanced putting techniques are not necessarily difficult or complicated, but they require more skill and practice to master.

Advanced putting techniques can help you improve your putting performance and consistency, as well as your enjoyment and satisfaction on the green. Advanced putting techniques can also help you overcome some of the most challenging and tricky situations that you may encounter on the green, such as long distance putts, undulating putts, or multiple break putts.

Some of the advanced putting techniques are:

The Art of Lag Putting

Lag putting is the technique of hitting a long distance putt that is not intended to go into the hole, but rather to get as close to the hole as possible for an easy tap-in. Lag putting is a useful and effective technique that can help you save strokes and avoid three-putts or worse.

Lag putting requires both skill and judgment, as you need to strike the ball solidly, roll it smoothly, and control its speed and direction. You also need to have a good feel for the green surface and its characteristics, such as the slope, break, speed, and grain.

To master the art of lag putting, you need to:

Use your eyes and feet to gauge the distance of your putt, by looking at the hole and walking around the green.
Use your hands and arms to feel the distance of your putt, by swinging your putter back and forth beside the ball.
Use your experience and intuition to estimate the distance of your putt, by recalling similar putts that you have made or missed before.
Use a reference point or a target zone to aim for, such as a spot on the green or a circle around the hole, that is slightly shorter or longer than your actual putt depending on the slope and break.
Use a smooth and consistent tempo that matches your chosen speed, without accelerating or decelerating abruptly.
Use a slight topspin that helps your ball roll faster and straighter, by hitting it slightly on the upswing.
Use a high follow-through that helps your ball roll farther and smoother, by extending your arms and putter along the target line.
Use a positive and realistic attitude that helps you commit to your putt and hit it with confidence and optimism. Don’t expect to make every lag putt, but aim to get it close enough for an easy tap-in.

Mastering Putts with Undulation and Multiple Breaks

Putts with undulation and multiple breaks are putts that are on a slope that has more than one direction or angle, causing your ball to curve or bend more than once from your initial line to the hole.

Putts with undulation and multiple breaks are one of the most difficult and challenging types of putts, as they require more skill and judgment to execute. Putts with undulation and multiple breaks can also be very rewarding and satisfying for many golfers, as they can make you feel like a wizard of the game.

Mastering putts with undulation and multiple breaks requires both skill and judgment, as you need to strike the ball solidly, roll it smoothly, and control its speed and direction. You also need to have a good understanding of the green surface and its characteristics, such as the slope, break, speed, and grain.

To master putts with undulation and multiple breaks, you need to:

Stand behind the ball and read the green, using your eyes, feet, hands, or level device to determine the slope, break, speed, and grain of the green.
Identify the high and low points of the green, as well as any ridges, mounds, or depressions that could affect your putt.
Divide your putt into segments or sections, each with its own direction and degree of slope and break.
Choose your line and speed for your putt, using your eyes, hands, or plumb-bob device to visualize the path of your ball from your ball to the hole. The best line may not be a straight line, but rather a curved line that accounts for the multiple breaks of your putt.
Walk up to the ball and align your putter face with your chosen line, using any alignment aids on your putter or ball to help you.
Take your grip and posture for your putt, making sure that they are comfortable and natural for you.
Take one or two practice strokes beside the ball, feeling the tempo and length of your stroke that matches your chosen speed.
Move up to the ball and place your putter behind it, making sure that it is still aligned with your chosen line.
Look at the hole once or twice to confirm your line and speed.
Look back at the ball and focus on making a smooth and solid contact with it.
Make your stroke with confidence and consistency, following through along your chosen line.
Watch the ball roll towards the hole and react accordingly.

The Role of Green Reading Aids

Green reading aids are the tools or devices that can help you read the green and determine the slope, break, speed, and grain of the green. Green reading aids can be useful and effective, as they can provide you with more information and accuracy than your eyes, feet, or hands alone. Green reading aids can also be controversial and debatable, as they can be seen as unfair or unethical by some golfers or authorities.

Green reading aids can be divided into two categories: external and internal. External green reading aids are the tools or devices that are outside of your body, such as a level device, a plumb-bob device, a green book, or a digital app. Internal green reading aids are the tools or devices that are inside of your body, such as your eyes, feet, hands, or brain.

Some of the pros and cons of green-reading aids are:

Analyzing the Pros and Cons of Green Reading Aids

Pros: Green reading aids can help you improve your green reading skills and performance, as they can provide you with more information and accuracy than your eyes, feet, or hands alone. Green reading aids can also help you save time and energy on the green, as they can reduce the need for walking around or guessing the slope or break of the green.
Cons: Green reading aids can also hinder your green reading skills and performance, as they can make you rely too much on them and lose your feel and intuition for the green. Green reading aids can also cause you to lose focus and confidence on the green, as they can confuse or distract you from your own read or stroke. Green reading aids can also be banned or restricted by some golf rules or authorities, as they can be seen as unfair or unethical by some golfers or officials.

To use green reading aids effectively and appropriately, you need to:

Enhancing Your Putting Skills with Technology

Use green reading aids as a supplement, not a substitute, for your own eyes, feet, hands, or brain. Use them to confirm or refine your own read, not to replace it.
Use green reading aids sparingly and selectively, not excessively or indiscriminately. Use them only when you need them, not when you don’t.
Use green reading aids wisely and discreetly, not foolishly or openly. Use them only when they are allowed and accepted, not when they are banned or frowned upon.

Famous Putting Styles of Golf Legends

Putting styles are the personal and unique ways that golfers grip, posture, and stroke their putts. Putting styles can vary widely from golfer to golfer, depending on their preference, personality, and ability. Putting styles can also be influenced by the type and design of their putter, the condition and speed of the green, and the situation and pressure of the game.

Putting styles are often a matter of trial and error, as golfers experiment with different grips, postures, and strokes until they find one that works best for them. Putting styles are also a matter of taste and style, as golfers choose a grip, posture, or stroke that suits their aesthetic and flair.

Some of the famous putting styles of golf legends are:

Studying Iconic Putting Styles from Legendary Golfers

Ben Crenshaw: Ben Crenshaw is widely regarded as one of the greatest putters of all time, as he won two Masters titles and 19 PGA Tour titles with his smooth and silky putting stroke.

Crenshaw used a traditional blade putter with a reverse overlap grip, a relaxed posture, and a pendulum-like stroke that was driven by his shoulders and arms. Crenshaw had a great feel and touch for the green, as well as a keen eye for reading the break and speed of his putts.

Jack Nicklaus: Jack Nicklaus is widely regarded as the greatest golfer of all time, as he won 18 major titles and 73 PGA Tour titles with his powerful and precise golf game.

Nicklaus used a unique mallet putter with a cross-handed grip, a crouched posture, and a pop-like stroke that was driven by his wrists and hands. Nicklaus had a great confidence and focus on the green, as well as a strong mental game that helped him handle pressure putts.

Tiger Woods: Tiger Woods is widely regarded as one of the most dominant and influential golfers of all time, as he won 15 major titles and 82 PGA Tour titles with his dynamic and versatile golf game.

Woods used a modern blade putter with a reverse overlap grip, a balanced posture, and a smooth stroke that was driven by his shoulders and arms. Woods had a great consistency and accuracy on the green, as well as a fierce competitive spirit that helped him make clutch putts.

Jordan Spieth: Jordan Spieth is widely regarded as one of the best young golfers of his generation, as he won three major titles and 12 PGA Tour titles with his solid and steady golf game.

Spieth used a futuristic mallet putter with a claw grip, an upright posture, and a rhythmic stroke that was driven by his shoulders and arms. Spieth had a great speed and distance control on the green, as well as a calm and composed demeanor that helped him cope with adversity.

Adopting Elements from Masters of the Game

You can learn from and emulate the famous putting styles of golf legends, as they can provide you with inspiration and guidance for your own putting game. You can study their grips, postures, strokes, and mentalities, and try to incorporate some of their elements into your own putting style.
You can also experiment with and create your own putting style, as you may find a grip, posture, or stroke that works better for you than the ones used by the golf legends. You can test different types and designs of putters, grips, postures, and strokes, and find one that feels comfortable and natural for you.
You can also adapt and adjust your putting style, as you may need to change your grip, posture, or stroke depending on the type and condition of the green, the situation and pressure of the game, or your own preference and mood. You can be flexible and versatile with your putting style, and find one that suits your needs and goals.

The Science of Putting

Putting is not only an art, but also a science. The science of putting refers to the physical and mathematical principles that govern and explain how your ball behaves on the green, such as the physics and biomechanics of putting. The science of putting can help you understand and improve your putting performance, as it can provide you with more knowledge and logic than your eyes, feet, or hands alone.

The science of putting is often complex and technical, but it can also be simplified and practical. The science of putting can be applied and used by any golfer, regardless of their skill level or experience. The science of putting can also be fun and fascinating, as it can reveal some of the secrets and mysteries of the game.

Some of the topics and concepts of the science of putting are:

Physics and Biomechanics: Understanding the Science Behind Putting

Force and motion: Force is the push or pull that causes an object to move or change its motion. Motion is the change in position or direction of an object over time. Force and motion are related by Newton’s laws of motion, which state that: 1) an object at rest or in uniform motion will remain so unless acted upon by a net force; 2) the net force acting on an object is equal to its mass times its acceleration; and 3) for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

In putting, you apply a force to your putter, which transfers to your ball, which causes it to move or change its motion on the green.

Energy and work: Energy is the capacity or ability to do work. Work is the transfer of energy from one object to another by applying a force over a distance. Energy and work are related by the law of conservation of energy, which states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but only transformed from one form to another.

In putting, you have potential energy stored in your body and your putter, which is converted into kinetic energy when you swing your putter, which is transferred to your ball when you hit it, which is transformed into various forms of energy as your ball rolls on the green, such as gravitational potential energy, rotational kinetic energy, translational kinetic energy, frictional heat energy, and sound energy.

Torque and angular momentum: Torque is the rotational force that causes an object to rotate or change its angular motion. Angular momentum is the quantity of rotation or angular motion of an object.

Torque and angular momentum are related by the law of conservation of angular momentum, which states that the angular momentum of a system remains constant unless acted upon by an external torque. In putting, you apply a torque to your putter, which transfers to your ball, which causes it to rotate or change its angular motion on the green.

Lift is the upward force that acts on an object that is moving through a fluid, such as air or water. Spin and lift are related by the Magnus effect, which states that a spinning object moving through a fluid experiences a sideways force that is perpendicular to both its axis of rotation and its direction of motion.

In putting, you impart a spin to your ball, which affects its lift and drag in the air, as well as its roll and bounce on the green.

Friction and roll: Friction is the force that opposes the motion of an object that is in contact with another object or surface. Roll is the motion of an object that rotates around its own axis while moving along a surface. Friction and roll are related by the coefficient of rolling friction, which is a measure of how much friction there is between an object and the surface it rolls on.

In putting, you encounter friction between your putter and your ball, your ball and the air, and your ball and the green, which affects how your ball rolls on the green.

Leveraging Science to Improve Your Putting Game

You can use the science of putting to improve your putting game, as it can provide you with more information and accuracy than your eyes, feet, or hands alone. You can use the science of putting to analyze and optimize your grip, posture, stroke, contact, speed, and direction, as well as to understand and adjust for the effects of the green surface and its characteristics on your ball.
You can also experiment with and test the science of putting, as you may find some scientific principles or concepts that work better for you than others. You can try different types and designs of putters, balls, grips, postures, strokes, contacts, speeds, and directions, and see how they affect your ball’s behavior on the green.
You can also have fun and learn from the science of putting, as it can reveal some of the secrets and mysteries of the game. You can explore and discover some of the interesting and surprising phenomena and patterns that occur on the green, such as the stimp effect, the break illusion, or the yips.

Conclusion.

Putting is one of the most important skills in golf, yet it is often overlooked or neglected by many golfers. Putting can make or break your scorecard, as it accounts for about 40% of your strokes on average. In this article, we have explored the fundamentals of putting, from the basics of a putt to the advanced techniques and strategies that can help you master this crucial skill.

Some of the key takeaways from this article are:

Putting is the act of hitting a golf ball with a club called a putter on the green, which is the smooth and grassy area surrounding the hole. The goal of putting is to roll

The goal of putting is to roll the ball into the hole, or as close to it as possible, using the least number of strokes.

Putting requires both technical skill and mental strength, as you need to strike the ball solidly, roll it smoothly, and control its speed and direction, as well as overcome any fear or doubt that may arise on the green.

Putting involves three main components: grip, posture, and stroke. Grip is how you hold your putter in your hands. Posture is how you stand and align your body in relation to the ball and the hole. Stroke is how you move your putter back and forth to hit the ball.

Putting also involves reading the green, which is the process of analyzing the green surface and its characteristics, such as the slope, break, speed, and grain, and using this information to determine the best line and speed for your putt.

Putting can be influenced by many factors, such as the type and condition of your putter, ball, and green, the wind and weather conditions, and your own grip, posture, stroke, and mentality.

Putting can be improved by practicing regularly, using different drills and exercises that can help you develop your muscle memory, refine your technique, enhance your feel, and boost your confidence.

Putting can also be improved by learning from and emulating the famous putting styles of golf legends, such as Ben Crenshaw, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, or Jordan Spieth, or by experimenting with and creating your own putting style that suits your preference and personality.

Putting can also be improved by understanding and applying the science of putting, which are the physical and mathematical principles that govern and explain how your ball behaves on the green, such as the physics and biomechanics of putting.