Distance control is one of those skills in golf that can really make or break your round, especially when it comes to putting. If we want to stop three-putting and actually lower our scores, we’ve got to figure out how to judge speed and distance with some accuracy.
A lot of us lose strokes on the green—usually not because our aim is off, but because we leave putts way too short or blow them past the hole.
With a handful of solid techniques and a few simple drills, we can start rolling our first putt closer to the hole. Getting distance control dialed in builds confidence and saves strokes, and honestly, it just makes the game more fun.
Key Takeaways
- Learning distance control is key to stopping three-putts.
- Using effective drills and routines improves putting performance.
- Adopting strategies from experienced golfers leads to better results.
Fundamentals of Distance Control on the Greens
Distance control is the main skill that helps us avoid three-putts and keep scores in check. To master it, we need to be precise with aim, alignment, tempo, acceleration, and hitting the sweet spot.
Understanding Distance Control
Distance control in putting is really about knowing how hard to hit the ball so it ends up close to the hole—or drops in. We use our eyes and feel to read the length of the putt, and we’ve got to factor in the slope and speed of the green.
Consistent practice builds up our sense of distance. A simple way is to pick targets at different lengths and putt to each one, focusing only on stopping the ball at the right spot.
By mixing in both short and long putts, we get a better sense for how much power to use. Noticing green speeds—especially on unfamiliar courses—matters for our feel, too.
The Role of Alignment and Aim
Good alignment and aim make distance control a whole lot easier. If we’re lined up wrong, even a perfect stroke can send the ball off course.
We should try to square our feet, hips, and shoulders to the target line. Pointing the putter face where we want the ball to start helps a ton.
A simple routine can help:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Read the line | Stand behind the ball to see the path. |
| 2. Set putter | Aim the putter face at the target. |
| 3. Align body | Square body parallel to the target line. |
Checking aim every time boosts accuracy and keeps the setup consistent.
Importance of Tempo and Acceleration
Tempo is the rhythm of our stroke. If we rush or drag, our distance suffers.
We want smooth, steady acceleration through the ball—not slowing down at impact. Most good putters keep the same tempo for short and long putts, only changing the length of the stroke.
A simple counting method, like “one” for the backswing and “two” for the forward stroke, can help us find that steady rhythm.
Sweet Spot and Contact Point Consistency
Hitting the sweet spot gives us the best control. Miss it, even a little, and the ball loses energy or drifts off line.
We should set up so the ball sits right in the middle of the putter face. Practicing with two tees just wider than the putter head helps us find that spot and avoid mishits.
When we hit the same spot every time, our putts get more predictable. That’s how we build confidence on the green.
Techniques and Drills to Eliminate Three-Putts
To stop three-putting, we’ve got to work on distance control, accuracy, and keeping our stroke consistent. Key drills, using the practice green wisely, and building good habits all play a role.
Effective Putting Drills
Practicing with a purpose really pays off. One drill that helps is the Clock Drill. Place balls in a circle around the hole—like at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock—about three feet away.
Putt each ball, one after another, aiming to make every one in a row. This drill teaches us to handle pressure and focus on short putts.
The Lag Putting Drill is another good one. Roll long putts, from 20 to 40 feet, and try to stop them inside a three-foot circle around the hole. It’s great for controlling speed and avoiding those tricky second putts.
A Gate Drill uses two tees as a narrow “gate,” just wider than the putter. Roll the ball through the gate. Move it closer to the hole as you get better, which helps with rolling putts on your intended line.
Utilizing the Practice Green
The practice green is where these drills come to life. Use it to practice all kinds of putts: short, medium, and long.
Mixing up putt distances (instead of repeating from the same spot) helps us learn to judge speed on any surface. Challenge yourself to make a certain number of two-putts in a row from tough spots, or play little games to avoid three-putts.
Using the whole green gets us used to different slopes and breaks. Working from various angles teaches us to adjust speed for uphill, downhill, or sidehill putts.
Creating a Repeatable Putting Stroke
A simple, repeatable stroke gives us the best shot at avoiding misses. Focus on a consistent takeaway and follow-through, and keep those wrists steady.
It helps to use the same routine every time. Maybe take a practice stroke, look at the target, then step up and putt. Consistency breeds confidence.
Alignment aids, like a chalk line or putting mirror, can help keep our eyes and shoulders square. Practicing with these tools makes our stroke more reliable.
By sticking to good habits and paying attention to small details, we develop smoother strokes that hold up under pressure.
Mental Strategies and Routines for Better Performance
Staying focused and calm on the greens is huge for distance control. Following a routine, managing nerves, and trusting our ability all help us handle tough situations.
Developing a Consistent Pre-Putt Routine
A pre-putt routine sets us up the same way every time. It cuts down on mistakes and gives our mind something to latch onto.
Start by reading the green, pick a target, and decide on speed. Line up, take a few practice strokes to feel the distance, then settle in and check your aim.
Here’s a checklist:
- Read the green and choose a line
- Visualize the ball’s path
- Take 1-2 practice strokes for distance
- Set feet and club to target
- Focus, then take the putt
Practicing this routine helps block out distractions and makes every putt count.
Managing Grip Pressure and Nerves
Too much tension in our hands or body can mess up a good stroke. Light, even grip pressure is key.
Hold the putter so it feels secure but not squeezed. Relax your shoulders and wrists. Breathing deeply before putting also helps calm nerves.
If you catch your hands shaking or your heart pounding, pause and reset your grip. The goal is to keep movements steady, even when the pressure’s on.
Building Confidence for Clutch Putts
Confidence grows from practice and the right mindset. On pressure putts, believing we can make them matters.
Practicing short putts, especially inside three feet, helps us trust our stroke. Positive self-talk—reminding ourselves of past makes—can give us a boost.
On tough putts, take a deep breath, remember your routine, and trust your training. Over time, these habits help us attack every putt with more trust.
Advanced Tips and Insights from Professionals
Pros rely on detailed routines and proven strategies to handle distance control. Focusing on green reading, practicing the short game, and learning from established resources can move the needle for us, too.
Green Reading Techniques from the PGA Tour
Reading greens well starts with checking out the entire surface from different angles. PGA Tour players often walk around the green, looking at slopes from both behind the ball and the hole.
They’ll check the grass grain and color differences, since those affect speed. Playing early, you might notice more dew, which slows things down. Feeling the green with your feet can help spot subtle slopes.
Try picturing the whole path of the ball. Some pros use their putter shaft or a line on the ball to confirm the starting direction. Practicing these habits helps us make better reads.
Short Game Skills and Chipping
Our chipping affects putting distance more than we might think. Good chipping leaves us with easier putts, not long, stressful first putts.
Pros spend extra time getting chipping distances and landing spots dialed in. Using different clubs for various lies—wedge, 8-iron, whatever fits—is a common tactic.
Solid chipping means steady shoulders and a smooth tempo. Keep your head still and watch the club’s path. Improving these basics sets up easier putts.
Learning from Putting Books and Golf Professionals
There’s a lot to learn from good putting books and working with pros. Books like “Putting Out of Your Mind” by Dr. Bob Rotella break down the mental side and offer drills for distance control.
Working with a teaching pro gives us feedback on setup, grip, and stroke. They can video our motion and spot things we’d miss. Instructors like Dave Stockton and Stan Utley are known for clear, detailed advice.
Young golfers benefit from this stuff too. Learning good putting habits early makes a real difference. Regular lessons with a qualified instructor help us build routines and handle fast or sloped greens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Distance control in putting comes down to practice, course conditions, and technique. We can avoid three-putts by training well, reading greens, and keeping a steady routine.
What drills can I practice to enhance my putting distance control?
Try the ladder drill—place balls at different distances from the hole, and putt from each spot. It helps you learn stroke length and speed. The tee gate drill is also good for accuracy while you practice distance.
How does one consistently achieve the ideal putt speed for different green conditions?
Spend time on the practice green before each round to get a feel for speed. Take a few practice strokes, focusing on distance, and adjust your backswing length to match the green’s pace.
What are the key factors affecting distance control in putting?
Green speed, slope, grain direction, and putter contact all matter. Grip pressure, tempo, and stroke length play a part too. Staying calm and focused helps us repeat the same stroke each time.
Can you explain the importance of a pre-putt routine in reducing three-putt scenarios?
A solid pre-putt routine helps us set up the same way every time. It gets us focused on speed and direction, which is half the battle.
This kind of routine settles the nerves a bit. When we’re less anxious, we tend to judge distance better.
Over time, this consistency means more two-putts. Fewer mistakes sneak in when we trust our process.
What techniques are useful for evaluating green slopes and their impact on putt distance?
We should walk around our putt’s line and check the slope from a few different angles. Sometimes, just crouching down or squinting at the grass can reveal a lot.
Look for shine or dark patches—these can tell us if we’re going uphill or downhill. It’s not always obvious until you really look for it.
Feeling the ground with your feet helps too. Sometimes, there’s a sneaky break that only your shoes can sense.
How often should golfers practice their distance control to see improvement in their putting game?
Distance control drills really ought to be a staple in every putting session. If you’re not mixing them in, you’re missing out.
Practicing two or three times a week is a good target. That’s usually enough to notice some real progress, even if you’re busy.
Regular practice also makes it less jarring to adjust to new greens. Every course feels a bit different, right?