As any seasoned golfer knows, putting is a crucial part of the game. However, not all putts are created equal. In particular, lag putting – that is, putting from a distance with the aim of getting the ball as close to the hole as possible without necessarily sinking it – is a skill that can be a game-changer for golfers at all levels.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why lag putting is essential for a solid golf game and provide some tips and drills for practicing this crucial skill.
What is lag putting, and how can golfers improve their skills?
Lag putting is a golf term used to describe long-distance putts that aim to get the ball as close to the hole as possible without necessarily sinking it. It’s a crucial skill for golfers looking to improve their game and can help reduce scores, reduce three-putts, and build confidence on longer putts.
So, what distance is a lag putt?
While there is no exact line or distance that defines a lag putt, it typically refers to putts from a distance greater than 30 feet. Golfers may also use different clubs, such as a hybrid or a long iron, to hit lag putts depending on the situation.
When it comes to leaving a putt short or long, many golfers debate which is better. However, in general, it’s better to leave a putt short than to hit it too far past the hole. This is because a shorter putt is easier to make, while a putt that goes too far past the hole can lead to a difficult comeback putt or even a three-putt.
The secret to lag putting lies in controlling the distance and speed of the putt. Golfers can practice lag putting by focusing on distance control, speed, visualization, and varying their putts to prepare for different situations.
But why is it called a lag putt?
The term “lag” comes from the idea of “lagging” the ball close to the hole without hitting it too far past or too short. It’s a strategic approach to putting that can lead to more successful shots.
To improve their lag putting skills, golfers can use various drills to practice strokes and techniques, such as practicing distance control, speed, and visual aids. They can also play practice games, such as the “3-putt drill,” to make their practice more engaging.
Overall, lag putting is a crucial skill for any golfer looking to improve their game. By mastering distance control, speed, and visualization, golfers can take their lag putting drills and performance to the next level and enjoy a more successful and enjoyable golf game.
Why is Lag Putting Important?
Improves scoring
By getting the ball closer to the hole on long putts, golfers can decrease the number of putts they take on each hole, ultimately leading to lower scores.
Reduces 3-putts
One of the biggest issues with long putts is the risk of a three-putt, where a golfer takes three strokes to get the ball in the hole. Lag putting helps to reduce this risk, as the golfer focuses on getting the ball close to the hole on the first putt, leaving an easier second putt.
Builds confidence
A strong lag putting game can help build confidence on the greens, making golfers more comfortable putting stroke, and relaxed when putting from a distance.
Makes approach shots easier
Good lag putting can help set up easier approach shots, as golfers are more likely to leave the ball in a favorable position on the green.
How to Practice Lag Putting
Now that we’ve explored why lag putting is so important, let’s take a look at some tips and drills for practicing this crucial skill on the practice green.
Practice distance control
The key to successful lag putting is controlling the distance of your putts. One drill for practicing this skill is to place a series of balls at increasing distances from the hole and try to putt each ball to within a specific distance of the hole. This can help you develop a feel for how hard to hit the ball for different distances.
Focus on speed
Another important aspect of lag putting is speed – that is, the pace at which the ball rolls. To practice this skill, try to putt a series of balls to a specific point on the green, focusing on achieving the same speed for each putt.
Use visual aids
To help you judge distance and speed, try using visual aids such as alignment sticks or markers on the green. These can help you develop a better sense of the slope and speed of the green, leading to more accurate putts.
Play practice games
To make your lag putting practice more fun and engaging, try playing practice games such as the “3-putt drill” on the practice green. In this game, you try to hit three putts from different distances and locations on the green, aiming to get each ball within a certain distance of the hole.
Vary your putts
To prepare for different types of lag putts you might encounter on the course, it’s important to vary your practice on the putting green. Try putting a few practice strokes from different distances, slopes, and angles to build up your skillset. Downhill putts are a good way to become a better lag putter by getting your golf balls as close as possible to the hole.
By incorporating these tips and drills into your practice routine, you can improve your lag putting game, get a better feeling to a near-optimal distance control and take your golf performance to the next level. Remember to focus on distance control, speed, and visualization, and most importantly, to have fun and get better golf scores!
FAQs
What distance is a lag putt?
There is no specific length or distance that defines a lag putt. However, it typically refers to putts from a distance greater than 30 feet. The goal of a lag putt is to get the ball as close to the hole as possible without necessarily sinking it.
Is it better to leave a putt short or long?
In general, it’s better to leave a putt short than to hit it too far past the hole. This is because a shorter putt is easier to make, while a putt that goes too far past the hole can lead to a difficult comeback putt or even a three-putt.
Of course, there may be some situations where it’s necessary to hit a longer putt, such as when there’s a significant slope on the green or when there’s a hazard behind the hole.
What is the secret to lag putts?
The secret to lag putting lies in controlling the distance and speed of the putt. Golfers can practice lag putting by focusing on distance control, speed, visualization, and varying their putts to prepare for different situations.
One key aspect of lag putting is to keep the putter head a steady and smooth tempo throughout the stroke. Golfers should avoid jerky or rushed movements that can affect the speed and distance of the putt.
What is a long putt in golf?
A long putt in golf typically refers to putts from a distance greater than 30 feet. Long putts require different techniques and strategies than shorter putts, such as focusing on distance control, speed, and visualization.
Can you use a putter to hit a golf ball in a bunker?
Yes, golfers can use a putter in a bunker, but it’s not recommended. Bunkers are designed to be hazards, and golfers should typically use a sand wedge or lob wedge to hit bunker shots. These clubs are designed to help the ball escape from the sand and provide the necessary loft and spin to stop the ball on the green.
What percentage of 10 foot putts do pros make?
The percentage of 10-foot putts that pros make varies depending on the player and the situation. However, on average, professional golfers make around 50-60% of their 10-foot putts.
What percentage of 7 foot putts do pros make?
Similarly, the percentage of 7-foot putts that pros make varies, but on average, they make around 70-80% of their 7-foot putts.
What is the average PGA putting stats?
According to the PGA Tour, the average number of putts per round for professional golfers is around 29-31, depending on the tournament and the course. The average number of putts per round is a key statistic used to measure a golfer’s putting performance and overall score.
Who invented lag putting?
It is not clear who specifically invented lag putting, as it is a technique that has been used by golfers for many years.
However, it is generally considered to be a key part of a well-rounded putting game and is often used by professional golfers as well as amateur players.
The origins of lag putting likely date back to the earliest days of golf, when players would have used similar techniques to get the ball close to the hole.
Over time, the importance of lag putting has become more widely recognized, and it is now considered an essential part of any golfer’s putting game.
Today, there are many different techniques and strategies that golfers use to improve their lag putting skills, including practicing distance and speed control, working on putting from different angles and slopes, and developing a better understanding of the contours of the green.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced golfer, incorporating lag putting into your practice routine can help you improve your putting game and enjoy greater success on the course.
Happy putting!
