Putt in Golf: Meaning, Technique, and How to Improve Your Putting

TL;DR

A putt is a short, controlled stroke played on the green with a putter, rolling the ball into the hole to finish a hole.

Key Takeaways

• A putt in golf is a short roll shot on the green, made with a putter.
• Main goal: get the ball in the hole with as few strokes as possible.
• Key factors: alignment, pace, stroke control, and green reading.
• Types of putts: tap-in, lag, uphill, downhill, and breaking putts.
• Improvement tips: regular practice drills and better green-reading skills build consistency.

What Is a Putt in Golf?

A putt in golf is a short, low-speed stroke made with a putter to roll the ball into the hole.

It’s most often played on the putting green, though golfers sometimes putt from the fringe or closely mown areas off the green.

Unlike full swings, a putt keeps the ball on the ground, relying on precise aim, controlled pace, and green-reading skills to guide it toward the cup.

When and Where to Use a Putt

A putt is used when you’re near the hole and have a clear, smooth path to roll the ball. Golfers most often choose a putt in these situations:

• On the putting green: the primary and most reliable surface for putting.
• From the fringe: when grass is short and there’s no rough or hazard to carry.
• On tightly mown fairway: for very short shots with no obstacles.
• When avoiding risk: safer than a chip if speed and distance are easier to control.

Types of Putts

The main types of putts in golf are tap-in, lag, breaking, straight, uphill, and downhill putts.

• Tap-in putt: extremely short, usually only a few inches from the hole.
• Lag putt: long putt aimed to stop close to the hole, not necessarily holed.
• Breaking putt: curves due to the slope of the green.
• Straight putt: rolls directly toward the hole without curving.
• Uphill putt: requires more speed to climb the slope.
• Downhill putt: needs gentle pace to avoid rolling too far.

How to Putt: Step-by-Step

To putt in golf, follow these key steps: read the green, aim, set up, grip, stroke, and follow through:

1. Read the green: check slope, grain, and speed to predict ball movement.
2. Pick your target line: account for break and desired pace.
3. Set up your stance: feet shoulder-width apart, eyes over the ball.
4. Grip the putter: hold it comfortably and securely for stability.
5. Make a smooth stroke: use a pendulum motion with even tempo.
6. Follow through: keep the putter moving toward your target after contact.

Common Putting Mistakes

Common putting mistakes in golf include poor green reading, misalignment, inconsistent pace, deceleration, excessive wrist use, and ignoring distance control.

• Poor green reading: Misjudging slope or speed. Avoid it by walking around the hole and viewing from multiple angles.
• Misalignment: Putter face aimed left or right of target. Avoid it by using an alignment aid or a spot on your target line.
• Inconsistent pace: Striking too hard or too soft. Avoid it by practicing distance drills like the ladder drill.
• Deceleration: Slowing the stroke before impact. Avoid it by keeping a smooth, consistent tempo through the ball.
• Excessive wrist use: Breaking the pendulum motion. Avoid it by rocking shoulders instead of flipping wrists.
• Ignoring distance control: Focusing only on aim, neglecting speed. Avoid it by matching stroke length to putt distance.

Mastering your putting takes practice, but every small improvement on the green can shave strokes off your score and boost your confidence.

Putting Tips & Drills

The best putting tips and drills include the gate drill, distance ladder, clock drill, and one-handed putting, and mastering these through regular practice will sharpen your accuracy, improve pace control, and build lasting confidence on the greens.

Gate drill: Place two tees just wider than your putter head and stroke through without hitting them. Improves face control and accuracy.

Distance ladder: Putt balls to stop at progressively longer distances. Builds pace control and feel.

Clock drill: Set balls in a circle around the hole at 3–6 feet. Boosts short-putt confidence from all angles.

One-handed putting: Putt using only your lead hand. Trains stroke stability and prevents wrist breakdown.

Putting is a critical part of the short game and often determines whether you save par or drop a stroke.

Why Putting Matters

Putting matters because it can save strokes, relieve pressure, win matches, boost scoring consistency, and account for over 40% of total strokes.

• Stroke saver: Turns bogeys into pars and pars into birdies.
• Pressure reliever: Confidence on the green eases stress on tee and approach shots.
• Match winner: Clutch putts can secure holes and shift momentum.
• Consistency booster: Keeps scores steady even when ball-striking is off.
• High stroke share: Often makes up more than 40% of a golfer’s total strokes.

Master your putting, and you’ll lower scores faster than with any other part of your game.

FAQs About Putting in Golf

1. What is the difference between a putt and a chip in golf?

A putt is rolled along the ground with a putter, usually on the green. A chip is a short shot that spends some time in the air before rolling.

2. Can you legally putt from off the green in golf?

Yes. Golfers often putt from the fringe or closely mown fairway when there are no major obstacles.

3. What is a lag putt?

A lag putt is a long putt aimed to finish close to the hole rather than be holed. It focuses on distance control.

4. How do I improve my putting accuracy?

Practice drills like the gate drill and clock drill, and work on alignment, pace, and green reading.

5. Why do pros make so many short putts?

They have consistent setups, repeatable strokes, and years of practice under pressure.

6. How important is putting to my overall score?

Very important, putting can account for over 40% of total strokes in a round.