Master Lag Putting: Essential Drills & Tips

As a golf instructor specializing in putting improvement, I’ve seen how mastering lag putts can dramatically lower scores. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you develop confident distance control on long putts through proven drills and techniques.

Understanding Lag Putting

Lag putting refers to long-distance putts where the primary goal is getting the ball close to the hole, typically within 3 feet, to avoid three-putting. Success in lag putting comes from:

• Consistent tempo
• Proper distance control
• Reading greens accurately
• Managing speed and break
• Confident stroke mechanics

Essential Lag Putting Drills

1. The Clock Drill

Purpose: Develop distance control from various lengths

Setup:

1. Place 12 balls around the hole at different distances (10-30 feet)
2. Position them like numbers on a clock face
3. Start with the closest putt and work your way around

Execution:

• Try to get each putt within 3 feet of the hole
• Keep track of successful lag putts
• Practice both uphill and downhill putts
• Vary distances as you improve

2. The Gate Drill

Purpose: Perfect your putting path and face control

Setup:

1. Create a gate using two tees or alignment rods
2. Place them slightly wider than your putter head
3. Position the gate 6 inches in front of your ball
4. Choose a long putt (30+ feet)

Execution:

• Focus on rolling the ball through the gate
• Maintain a smooth, pendulum motion
• Practice with different distances
• Gradually narrow the gate as you improve

3. The Ladder Drill

Purpose: Improve distance control incrementally

Setup:

1. Place alignment rods or clubs 3 feet apart
2. Create a ladder from 20 to 40 feet
3. Start with five balls at each distance

Execution:

• Putt each ball, trying to stop it between the clubs
• Score points for successful putts
• Progress to longer distances
• Challenge yourself with different breaks

Advanced Distance Control Techniques

1. Feel-Based Practice

• Make practice strokes while looking at the hole
• Develop natural feel for distance
• Use visualization techniques
• Trust your instincts

2. Rhythm Development

• Use a metronome for consistent tempo
• Practice with eyes closed
• Focus on smooth acceleration
• Maintain constant rhythm regardless of distance

Common Mistakes and Solutions

Mistake 1: Decelerating Through Impact

Solution:

• Practice longer backswing, shorter follow-through
• Focus on smooth acceleration
• Use the “dead hands” technique
• Maintain constant rhythm

Mistake 2: Poor Speed Recognition

Solution:

• Walk the putt to feel slope
• Look from multiple angles
• Practice uphill vs. downhill
• Learn to read grain effectively

Mistake 3: Inconsistent Strike

Solution:

• Check setup position
• Maintain steady head position
• Use alignment aids
• Practice with impact tape

Building an Effective Practice Routine

15-Minute Practice Session

1. 5 minutes – Basic distance control
2. 5 minutes – Breaking putts
3. 5 minutes – Competitive games

Focus Areas by Skill Level

Beginners:

• Basic distance control
• Straight putts
• Consistent contact

Intermediate:

• Breaking putts
• Various distances
• Green reading

Advanced:

• Multiple breaks
• Extreme slopes
• Pressure situations

Green Reading for Lag Putts

Key Factors to Consider

1. Overall slope
2. Grain direction
3. Multiple breaks
4. Speed changes
5. Transition points

Reading Process

1. Look from behind the ball
2. Check from behind the hole
3. Walk around the putt
4. Feel the slope with your feet
5. Determine high and low points

Mental Game Approach

Pre-Putt Routine

1. Read the green thoroughly
2. Pick specific target
3. Make practice strokes
4. Commit to the line and speed
5. Execute with confidence

Visualization Techniques

• See the entire ball path
• Imagine perfect speed
• Picture successful outcome
• Use mental rehearsal

Equipment Considerations

Putter Selection

• Length appropriate for height
• Weight suitable for stroke
• Face balanced vs. toe hang
• Proper loft and lie

Ball Choice

• Consider cover hardness
• Match ball to stroke speed
• Consistent ball type
• Premium vs. value options

Course Management Tips

1. Always lag uphill when possible
2. Leave ball below the hole
3. Account for grain influence
4. Consider break points
5. Factor in green speed

Training Aids and Tools

Recommended Equipment

1. Putting mirror
2. Alignment rods
3. Putting arc
4. Impact tape
5. Putting gate

Implementation

• Start with basic aids
• Add complexity gradually
• Use for feedback
• Combine multiple tools

Final Thoughts

Mastering lag putting takes time and dedicated practice. Focus on:

• Developing consistent speed control
• Reading greens effectively
• Maintaining proper technique
• Building confidence through practice
• Using feedback from results

Track your progress by monitoring:

• Three-putt frequency
• Average proximity to hole
• Success rate from different distances
• Make percentage inside 3 feet

Remember that great lag putting comes from:

• Regular practice
• Patient development
• Confidence building
• Course management
• Mental preparation