How to Putt Better
The quickest way to putt better is to get your speed right first and your line second, using a simple, repeatable stroke. Most beginners lose more shots on the green than anywhere else, so small fixes here pay off fast.
You don't need a perfect technique. You need a setup you can repeat, a stroke that rocks rather than flicks, and a routine that stops you rushing.
Start with a steady setup
A good stroke comes from a good start position. Check these before every putt:
- Eyes over the ball: or just inside it. If your eyes are well outside the ball, it's easy to aim off line.
- Ball slightly forward: a little ahead of the middle of your stance, so you strike it on the slight upswing and it rolls smoothly.
- Feet about shoulder width: comfortable and balanced, weight spread evenly.
- Arms hanging: let them fall naturally from your shoulders. Tense, locked arms make a jerky stroke.
- Light grip pressure: hold the putter firmly enough to control it, but not so tight your forearms tense up.
Any standard grip works. Some players like the reverse overlap, some prefer cross-handed or a claw grip. Pick the one that keeps your wrists quiet.
Make a pendulum stroke
Think of your shoulders and arms as a pendulum, with the putter swinging from them.
- Rock your shoulders back and through. Your hands just go along for the ride.
- Keep your wrists still. Flicking the wrists is the biggest cause of putts that jump off line or come up short.
- Match the length: the follow-through should be about the same length as the backswing.
- Control distance with length, not force. A longer stroke for a longer putt, at the same smooth tempo.
- Stay still until the ball is gone. Looking up early pulls your shoulders round and the putter face with them.
Speed matters more than line
Here's the secret most good putters know: a putt with perfect speed and a slightly wrong line usually finishes close. A putt with the perfect line and poor speed does not.
Speed also changes how much a putt breaks. A firm putt breaks less, a slow one breaks more. So decide on your speed first, then pick the line that matches it. If you want to work on long putts in particular, see our lag putting tips.
Build a simple routine
A routine stops you rushing and helps under pressure. Keep it short:
- Look at the putt from behind the ball and decide on a line (our guide on how to read a green covers this).
- Make two practice strokes next to the ball while looking at the hole, feeling the length.
- Set the putter behind the ball, aim the face, then set your feet.
- One last look at the hole, then go. Don't stand over it for ages.
Common putting mistakes
| Mistake | What happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Decelerating | Putt comes up short or wobbles off line | Shorter backswing, positive follow-through |
| Wristy flick | Inconsistent distance | Rock the shoulders, quiet hands |
| Looking up early | Ball pulled or pushed | Listen for the ball dropping instead |
| Ignoring speed | Long second putts | Pick speed first, then line |
| Gripping too tight | Jerky, tense stroke | Lighter pressure, relaxed arms |
Practise little and often
Ten minutes on short putts a few times a week will do more than a long session once a month. Our putting drills at home need only a carpet, a putter and a few balls.
Try it in Mashy
Putting in Mashy is drag and release: pull back from the ball and let go. Like a real stroke, the length of the pull sets the speed, so it's a neat way to train your sense of distance. Turn on the green read overlay to see the slopes, and the view zooms in once you're inside 10 feet. The Mashy putting guide explains the controls in detail.
Frequently asked questions
Should I look at the hole or the ball when putting?
Most golfers look at the ball, or a spot just in front of it, during the stroke. Some players find that looking at the hole on short putts helps them stop steering the putter, so it can be worth trying in practice. Whichever you choose, keep your head still until the ball has gone.
How hard should I hit a putt?
Aim for a speed that would take the ball a little past the hole if it missed, rather than one that dies on the front edge. A ball that never reaches the hole has no chance of dropping. On fast downhill putts, aim to have the ball just reach the hole.
Is it better to leave the flagstick in when putting?
Since the 2019 rule changes, you are allowed to putt with the flagstick left in the hole without a penalty. Whether it helps is debated, so it mostly comes down to what you find easier to aim at. Agree with your playing partners before the putt so nobody is left waiting.
What is the best putting grip for beginners?
There's no single best grip. The reverse overlap is the most common, while cross-handed and claw grips help some players keep their wrists quiet. Try each one on a few short putts and keep the grip that gives you the smoothest, most consistent roll.
Can I practise putting in Mashy?
Yes. Mashy uses a drag-and-release putting stroke on sloping greens, and Practice mode lets you replay any hole of the selected course as often as you like. It won't replace a real putter, but it is a free way to sharpen your feel for speed and break.