Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get the hype it deserves—but honestly? It should. I’m talking about lag putting. Yep, the art of not trying to sink every putt from 30 feet out but getting it close enough that you can tap in the next one like it’s no big deal.

Now, if you’re a golfer chasing better scores, especially trying to break 100, 90, or even 80—then mastering lag putting is one of the smartest ways to shave strokes without changing your full swing. Seriously. It’s one of those underrated skills that separates casual players from consistent scorers.

So if you’re tired of 3-putting every green or watching a great approach shot turn into a frustrating double bogey, then yeah—we’re gonna fix that today.

Let’s get into it. No fancy jargon. No over-complication. Just real talk on how to become a lag putting machine.

What is Lag Putting (And Why Should You Care)?

Okay, so let’s paint the picture. You just landed your approach shot on the green—but it’s nowhere near the hole. We’re talking 30, maybe even 50 feet away. You step up to your ball and realize this isn’t a birdie attempt. Heck, par might even be a stretch if you’re not careful.

This, my friend, is where lag putting enters the scene.

Lag putting isn’t about trying to sink a miracle bomb from the other side of the green. It’s not a highlight reel shot. Instead, it’s about getting the ball close enough to the hole on your first putt so your second putt is a total stress-free tap-in. Think: within 2 feet. If you can do that consistently, you’re practically printing lower scores.

Now here’s the thing—lag putting doesn’t get the love it deserves. It’s not flashy. It won’t get you high-fives from your buddies. But if you’re looking for a skill that can immediately slash strokes from your game without changing your swing, this is it.

Think about it:

• That approach shot from 140 yards? Might hit the green one out of five times.
• That 10-foot putt for birdie? Realistically, you’re making it maybe 20% of the time.
• But that 40-footer that rolls up to within inches? You just saved par—or at worst, bogey—and avoided a dreaded 3-putt.

Lag putting is where smart golfers make their money (or at least protect their sanity).

Why it matters:

• Fewer 3-putts
• More stress-free holes
• Lower scores without riskier plays

Imagine standing on the green and knowing you’re walking away with a two-putt, not hoping for a miracle or dreading a knee-knocker comeback putt. That’s the confidence lag putting gives you.

Why Most Golfers Struggle With Lag Putting

It’s not because you’re bad. Really. Most golfers struggle with lag putting for the simple reason that it’s an under-taught, under-practiced, and totally underappreciated part of the game. You see all these shiny swing tips online, flashy driver reviews, and “how to stop slicing” videos—but where’s the love for putting from 40 feet?

Lag putting doesn’t make highlight reels. It doesn’t go viral. But it’s the quiet hero of your short game. And yet, here’s why so many players still struggle with it:

1. We Don’t Practice It

Let’s be honest—how often do you actually practice putting from 30, 40, or 50 feet? Most golfers drop a few balls at 5 or 10 feet, knock ’em toward the hole, and call it a day. But that doesn’t help you develop feel, touch, or distance control.

2. We Focus Too Much on Line

When you’re 40 feet out, obsessing over the exact break of the green can mess with your head. Sure, line matters, but speed is everything. You can miss the line by a foot and still lag it to 2 inches. Miss the speed? Welcome to a 5-footer coming back.

3. We Get Mentally Tight

There’s something about a long putt that triggers anxiety. Maybe it’s the fear of a 3-putt. Maybe it’s wanting to impress your playing partners. Whatever it is, the body tightens, the stroke gets jabby, and suddenly we’re leaving it 12 feet short or blowing it 8 feet past.

4. We Try to Be Too Perfect

Golfers often think long putts need to be dialed in to the inch. But lag putting isn’t about perfection. It’s about proximity. You’re not trying to sink it—you’re trying to get close enough that you can basically walk up and clean up the second putt without breaking a sweat.

5. We Don’t Trust Our Feel

Many amateurs don’t give themselves permission to use feel. We get so wrapped up in technique that we forget putting—especially lag putting—is an art. Trusting your instincts takes practice, sure, but it starts with allowing yourself to lean into feel, not just mechanics.

Sound familiar?

The Key Elements of Great Lag Putting

Alright, let’s build a reliable lag putting routine that works. Here’s what you’ll need to dial in:

1. Speed > Line

Say it with me: Speed is king. You can miss your line by an inch and still be inside tap-in range. But if you miss the speed? Say hello to a 6-footer coming back.

How to practice speed:

• Focus on how hard the ball needs to travel, not just where it needs to go.
• Use a towel or coin as a landing zone target 1-2 feet short of the hole.
• Visualize the ball dying near the cup, not racing past it.

2. Feel the Distance—Don’t Think It

Long putts aren’t math problems. They’re rhythm problems. Stop thinking, start feeling.

• Take long practice swings looking at the hole.
• Let your eyes and brain sync up.
• Feel the tempo, the swing length, and how much effort it’ll take to get there.

3. Use Your Eyes Like a Basketball Player

Ever seen someone shoot a free throw staring at their shoes? Nope. Same idea here.

• Look at the target during your practice strokes.
• Soak in the distance.
• Trust your instincts.

4. Tempo and Rhythm Matter

No jerky, stabby putting strokes, please. A long smooth motion is key.

• Keep your lower body quiet.
• Let the shoulders rock.
• Find a metronome rhythm that works for you (some players count 1-2, back-forward).

Lag Putting Drills You’ll Actually Want to Do

Time to stop guessing and start practicing. These drills will transform your distance control.

The Ladder Drill

• Set up tees or coins at 10, 20, 30, 40 feet.
• Try to roll balls to each without going past.
• Great for tuning feel and building confidence.

Fringe-to-Fringe Drill

• Putt from one edge of the green to the other.
• No hole involved—just distance control.
• Helps you calibrate your tempo.

Leapfrog Drill

• Hit the first putt a moderate distance.
• Try to hit the next putt just past the last one.
• Teaches precision and feedback through feel.

Mental Game of Lag Putting

This part’s huge and often overlooked. Long putts can feel intimidating, but your goal isn’t to sink it—it’s to cozy it up close.

Shift your mindset:

• You’re not “trying to make it”—you’re “trying to lag it close.”
• No pressure, just pace and touch.
• Every long putt is a setup for an easy two-putt—not a make-or-break moment.

Learn to accept good misses:

• A 3-foot leave is a win.
• A 5-footer is acceptable.
• Anything within a putter’s length? You’re doing great.

Pro Secrets (Stolen From the Tour)

Even if you’re not playing for prize money, you can still steal some tips from the pros:

• They rarely aim for the cup on putts over 30 feet. They aim for the right zone.
• They read the green mostly for speed on long putts, not for perfect breaks.
• They practice distance control way more than amateurs.

If it’s good enough for them, it’s definitely good enough for us.

Equipment Tweaks for Better Lag Putting

Not saying you need to buy a new putter—but a few tweaks can help:

• Use a putter with good feedback. Milled faces often give more feel than insert models.
• Check your grip pressure. Lighter grip = better feel.
• Consider a heavier putter head if you struggle to reach the hole.

These aren’t magic wands, but they can enhance your touch and confidence.

Final Thoughts: Lag It to Win It

Look, we all love that satisfying clink of a drained 40-footer—but let’s be honest. That’s not the real game-changer. The true magic happens when you start lagging those long putts to kick-in range consistently.

Mastering lag distance putting won’t just lower your scores. It’ll lower your heart rate, boost your confidence, and make you look like you actually know what you’re doing—even when the putt doesn’t drop.

So go ahead. Practice your pace. Embrace the two-putt. And start thinking of lag putting not as an afterthought—but as your secret weapon.

Now grab your putter and go roll some beauties. Your scorecard will thank you.

Bonus Challenge: Next time you hit the practice green, set up 10 balls from 30-60 feet. Your goal? No 3-putts. If you can do that, you’re already way ahead of the game.

Want to take it a step further? Try this variation:

• Start with 10 balls spaced out at different distances (randomize it—32 feet, 44 feet, 57 feet, etc.).
• Putt each ball once and mark where it finishes.
• Measure how many balls end up within 3 feet of the hole.

Your mission? Get at least 7 out of 10 within that golden circle. If you can do that consistently, you’re in elite amateur territory.

Bonus bonus: Track your results over a week. Do this drill every day for five days. Watch how your feel improves and how much easier long putts get on the course.

Oh—and don’t forget to finish every session with a few short tap-ins. That’s the real reward.