Stop Pushing Putts: Your Go-To Guide for Better Golf

Hey fellow golfers! If you’ve ever lined up for a six-footer only to watch it veer right and roll past the hole, trust me, you’re not alone. After over 20 years of coaching, I’ve seen it happen countless times. A player sets up perfectly, reads the line like a pro, and then—bam!—the ball doesn’t even flirt with the cup.

Frustrating, right? You might stand there wondering, “What the heck went wrong? I had that line down!” And then, it happens again—another missed putt that could have been an easy par. This pattern is so common I can spot it from across the practice green. The sad part? Most golfers truly believe they’re reading their putts correctly.

So, what is the deal here? Why do so many talented golfers push their putts? Spoiler alert: It’s usually not what you think. Spoiler alert number two: it’s not your alignment that’s the issue.

Your Alignment Isn’t the Problem—Trust Me!

Let’s kick off with a common misconception: alignment sticks and drawing lines on your ball are not the magic fix for your pushed putts. No matter how perfectly I set you up for success, if your clubface is open at impact, your ball is heading to the right. Simple as that.

The main culprit here is often your ball position. I’d wager that about 80% of golfers who struggle with pushed putts have their ball placed too far back in their stance. When you strike it too late, the putter face doesn’t have the chance to square up properly—leading to that open-face scenario and, you guessed it, a pushed putt.

Then there’s the head movement. I see it all the time: a golfer glances at the hole before they’ve even made contact. Listen, that small head turn can ruin everything. Your putter needs to feel free to release without your head already chasing after the ball.

Three Instant Fixes to Amp Up Your Putting Game

Alright, let’s dive into some immediate changes we can make that will start turning those missed putts into glorious sinkers:

Fix #1: Move That Ball Forward

Stop playing the guessing game with your ball position. Here’s an easy fix: set up to a straight putt and plant tees at each shoulder. Your ball should sit right between those markers or just slightly forward. It sounds simple, but I use this drill with every student who struggles with pushed putts, and the transformation is remarkable—often within minutes!

Fix #2: Keep Your Head Still—No Really!

This one’s a bit tricky but super crucial. Make a pact with yourself: your head stays completely still until the ball has left the clubface. That means no peeking! To help train this habit, practice making short putts with your eyes closed. Can you make 10 consecutive three-footers without peeking? Most golfers struggle with this because of ingrained habits. Nail this, and you’ll be on your way to eliminating those pesky pushed putts.

Fix #3: Slow Down That Backstroke

Rushing your putting stroke is like asking for disaster—especially on those crucial birdie attempts. When the backstroke is rushed, everything else tends to speed up, resulting in an open clubface. A cool rhythm trick is to deliberately make your backstroke noticeably longer than your follow-through. Try the “5-to-10 drill”: position one tee five inches behind and another ten inches in front of the ball. This will help regulate your tempo and maintain face control.

The Drill That Fixes Everything

Now, if you really want to groove your putting stroke path, I’ve got a killer drill for you. Place a ball just inside your putter’s toe and another just outside the heel at address. When you make your stroke, aim to keep the putter fitting neatly between those two balls at impact. If you touch either ball, guess what? Your stroke path is off. This drill is a game-changer and will help you improve your putting no matter your skill level.

Why Do These Changes Work?

Let’s get down to why the above fixes are so effective. Many amateurs turn the act of putting into an elaborate full-body circus—shoulders twisting, hips swaying, head moving all over. No wonder their putts end up all over the place! Good putting is about cultivating a stable base so your arms can swing freely with the putter.

When you adjust your ball position, lock your head in place, and control your tempo, you’re eliminating the common mechanical issues that lead to pushed putts. This creates a firm triangle with your shoulders and arms that helps you maintain consistent face control.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it. With just a few adjustments, you can take your putting game from “what the heck just happened” to sinking putts like a seasoned pro. When you set your ball forward, keep your head still, and smooth out your tempo, you’ll be on the way to seeing more putts finding the bottom of the cup instead of rolling past it.

Take these tips to heart and get ready to watch your scores drop. Whether you’re practicing on the green or heading out for a round, remember to keep focusing on those fundamentals. Happy putting!