Mastering Putting Practice: Lag Putting, Short Putts, and Effective Drills
Putting is the great equalizer in golf, and focused practice can transform your scores. Whether you’re working on 5-10 footers or mastering lag putts from 20-40 feet, the right routines and tools make all the difference. This guide covers actionable strategies, drills, and device recommendations to help you become a confident putter.
Why Putting Practice Matters
1. Most Strokes Are Lost on the Green
Improving your putting is the fastest way to lower scores.2. Lag Putting vs. Short Putts
- Lag putting (20-40ft) helps avoid three-putts and saves strokes.
- Short putts (inside 5ft) are crucial for converting opportunities.
Effective Putting Practice Routines
1. Lag Putting Drills (20-40ft)
- Use a putting mat or device to simulate longer putts.
- Place a circle or tee 3ft around the hole—goal is to get every putt inside the circle.
- Practice with random distances to build feel and green reading skills.
2. Short Putt Drills (Inside 5ft)
- Set up 4 balls around the hole at 3, 4, and 5 feet.
- Try to make all putts in a row—track your score and aim for improvement.
- Focus on setup, alignment, and a smooth stroke.
3. Impact Angle and Consistency
- Use devices like Exputt or WellPutt mats to measure impact angle and consistency.
- Practice keeping your putter face square at impact.
4. Mix Up Your Practice
- Alternate between lag putts and short putts in each session.
- Track your make percentage and proximity to the hole.
- Challenge yourself with games and competitions to stay engaged.
Recommended Devices and Tools
- Exputt: Simulates putts from various distances, tracks stats, and helps build consistency.
- WellPutt Mat: Marked distances for structured practice.
- Putting Circles/Tees: Simple tools for target practice.
LSI Keywords and Concepts
- Lag putting drills
- Short putt practice
- Putting stats golf
- Exputt device review
- WellPutt mat tips
- Make percentage putting
- Green reading skills
- Putting routine improvement
- Impact angle putting
- Three-putt avoidance
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I practice putting?
Daily practice, even for 15-20 minutes, yields significant improvement.Is it better to focus on lag putts or short putts?
Both are important, but lag putting helps avoid three-putts, while short putts convert scoring chances.What’s a good make percentage for amateurs?
Aim to make 50% of putts from 5-10 feet and get all lag putts within 3 feet of the hole.Can devices like Exputt improve my putting?
Yes, they provide feedback, track stats, and simulate real green conditions for effective practice.
Conclusion
Mastering putting requires a blend of lag putting, short putt drills, and stat tracking. Use effective routines, challenge yourself, and leverage devices for feedback. For more expert drills and tips, visit this comprehensive guide.