Lag putting in golf is a critical part of the game, especially on longer putts, to help you save shots and make the game feel a little easier.
So what actually is lag putting and how can we improve our ability to lag putt?
In this article, we'll look at the concept of lag putting, offering insights and strategies to help golfers of all levels improve their putting performance on the greens.
Understanding Lag Putting
Lag putting refers to the technique used on long putts, where the primary goal isn't necessarily to hole the putt but to get the ball close enough to the hole to ensure an easy second putt.
It's basically about lagging the ball up close enough that the next putt is easy and without too much stress.
The essence of lag putting is distance control, minimising the risk of ending up with a challenging second putt, which could lead to unnecessary additional strokes.
Why Lag Putting is Essential
Developing a good lag putting technique is crucial for several reasons:
Eliminate Three-Putts
By improving your lag putting, you significantly decrease the chances of three-putting, one of the most common score inflators in golf.
By getting the first putt close up to the hole, you're less likely to miss the follow-up putt and avoid the dreaded three-putt.
Builds Confidence
Successfully getting the ball close to the hole from a long distance can boost your confidence, positively affecting other aspects of your game.
If you're constantly rolling the ball up close with your putt, you'll be feeling much better about your whole game.
Reduces Stress
Golf is a really fun but frustrating game. Anytime that you can limit the amount of frustration it causes is a huge positive.
I'd much prefer to leave myself a 2-footer up the hill rather than a 4-footer down the hill because nothing gives me more anxiety than a downhill left-to-right slider for par.
How To Improve Your Lag Putting?
Lag putting is important for better golf, so how do you go about improving your lag putting?
Focus on Distance Over Direction
While aiming is important, the priority should be on controlling the distance.
Getting the pace right is more than half the battle won, as no matter how bad your line is, if your pace is good, it'll leave you with a good chance at holing the next one.
Develop a Consistent Stroke
Consistency in your putting stroke ensures that you can reliably judge distances.
Practice maintaining a smooth, pendulum-like motion with your shoulders, minimising any wrist action.
A smooth stroke takes time to develop and can be assisted with a good putter setup and the right putter grip.
Practice with Purpose
Spend time on the practice green working specifically on long putts.
Use putting drills designed to improve your feel for distance, such as the ladder drill, focusing on getting the ball to stop within a manageable distance from the hole.
Like any part of your game, you have to practice lag putting to see improvements in performance.
Visualise the Putt
Before taking your stance, visualise the path of the ball to the hole, considering the speed and slope of the green.
This mental imagery is always useful and can help in executing the putt as envisioned.
Adjust Your Grip Pressure
Lighten your grip pressure to improve your feel and touch on a long putt.
A softer grip can lead to a smoother stroke and better distance control.
Learn from Each Putt
Whether practising or playing, take a moment after each lag putt to reflect on the outcome.
Understanding what worked well and what didn't is key to continuous improvement in putting.
Walk out Putts
Developing feel for putting takes time, but a good way to build that feel is by walking out the putt before you hit it.
This helps you understand the distance of the putt and lets you build some feel for how hard to hit the putt.
Lag Putting Drills
The Ladder Drill
Choose a flat section on the putting green and mark distances at 10-foot intervals, up to 50 feet.
Start by putting from the closest mark, aiming to stop the ball right at the next mark without going beyond it.
Continue this pattern, moving back to each successive distance. If you overshoot any distance, start over from the beginning.
The goal is to develop a precise feel for how much force is needed for hitting lag putts of different lengths.
The 30-60-90 Drill
Place three markers on the green at 30, 60, and 90 feet from the hole.
Start by putting from the 30-foot marker, aiming to get the ball as close to the hole as possible without sinking it.
Repeat this until you consistently leave the ball within a 3-foot radius of the hole.
Move back to the 60-foot marker and repeat the process, followed by the 90-foot marker.
This drill teaches you to adjust your stroke length and power for different distances, improving your feel and control.
Final Thoughts
Lag putting is an art that requires practice, patience, and a strategic approach.
By focusing on distance control, maintaining a consistent stroke, and employing effective practice drills, you can become a good lag putter and significantly make golf easier.
Remember, the goal of lag putting is not always to make the putt but to ensure that your next putt is a simple one.
