Putting is often the deciding factor between a good round and a great
one. Many golfers can reach the green without much trouble, but that’s
where the real challenge begins. If you feel like your putting just
isn’t working, don’t worry – every golfer experiences this at some
point. Let’s look at a few practical steps to help you improve.
1. Check Your Setup and Alignment
Most putting problems start before you even make the stroke.
Make sure your
eyes are directly over the ball or just inside the putting line.
Your shoulders, hips, and feet should be parallel to your target line.
Check that your putter face is aimed precisely at the target – even a small misalignment can cause a miss.
2. Simplify Your Stroke
When it comes to putting, less is often more.
Focus on a short, smooth motion without excess hand or wrist action. Ideally, the movement should come from the shoulders – like a pendulum.
If you notice your hands speeding up toward the ball, work on maintaining a consistent tempo – the same length back and through.
3. Pay Attention to Speed
Most missed putts are not caused by poor aim, but by the wrong speed.
Training aids like a
putting mat or visual targets on the green can help you develop better distance control.
The goal isn’t just to hole every putt but to leave the ball close enough for an easy tap-in if you miss.
4. Learn to Read the Green
Every green is different. Learn to observe:
The direction of water drainage (it usually shows the slope),
The grain of the grass, which affects speed,
And the distance to the hole in relation to any elevation changes.
Look at your putt from multiple angles – the slope can look completely different from the other side.
5. Practice With Purpose
Instead of mindlessly hitting putts, try structured drills:
Circle Drill – Place five balls around the hole and try to make them all.
Ladder Drill – Putt from increasing distances (1 m, 2 m, 3 m…) to work on distance control.
One-Handed Putting – Great for improving feel and hand stability.
6. Consider Changing Your Putter or Grip
Sometimes the issue isn’t your technique but your equipment.
If the ball doesn’t seem to roll straight, try a different style of putter (mallet or blade) or experiment with a new grip (reverse overlap, claw, or left-hand low).
Even a small adjustment can make a big difference in consistency and confidence.
7. Stay Calm and Patient
Putting is as much a mental challenge as a technical one.
If you lose confidence, even short putts can become difficult.
Take a deep breath, trust your routine, and remember – even the best players in the world miss sometimes.
Conclusion
When your putting isn’t working, it’s not the end of the world. It simply means it’s time to get back to basics – simplify your stroke, train your tempo, and rebuild your confidence.
With regular practice and the right mindset, your putting can become one of the strongest parts of your game.
