Lag putting is a crucial skill in golf that is often overlooked but can significantly improve your game by reducing three-putts and overall stress on the greens. The key to successful lag putting is having great speed control. While line is important, your dispersion from left to right will always be tighter than your dispersion from front to back. Therefore, it is essential to dial in your speed to become a proficient lag putter.
When doubts arise about your speed on the greens, it can lead to inconsistent putts from distance and more frequent three-putts. In these moments, it is important to trust your instincts and rely on your feel rather than overanalyzing the situation. Taking a page from soccer players’ playbooks, you can implement their reactive approach to improve your lag putting skills.
Utilizing techniques from other sports can help you become a more instinctual putter on the green. Just as soccer players do not spend time overthinking their free kicks, you can adopt a similar mindset when approaching lag putts. By standing behind the ball, choosing your aim, and executing the putt without overanalyzing, you can rely on your instincts and athleticism to guide your putting stroke.
Instructor Kelan McDonagh suggests aligning your instincts and being more reactive in relation to the ball and the target when putting. By getting your read on the putt, standing behind the ball while looking at the hole, and keeping your eyes locked on the target as you address the ball, you can improve your lag putting performance. This approach allows you to trust your feel and focus on executing the putt rather than getting caught up in overthinking the process.
By incorporating a soccer strategy into your lag putting routine, you can become more instinctual and reactive on the greens. This can lead to more consistent speed control and improved distance control, ultimately reducing your three-putt frequency and improving your overall putting performance. By taking a more reactive approach to lag putting and trusting your instincts, you can take stress off your game and become a better putter overall. Next time you find yourself doubting your speed on the greens, remember to rely on your feel and allow your instincts to guide your putting stroke.
