On the Green — Lag Putting

On long putts, distance control matters far more than line. Your goal isn't to make it — it's to leave yourself a tap-in. Three-putts come from poor speed, not poor aim.

Long lag putt across a wide green toward a distant flag — Lag putting on a long putt: distance control matters far more than line. Aim to leave the ball inside a 3-foot circle for an easy tap-in — don't try to make it.

Step by step

Read the putt from behind the ball: look for the overall slope and which way water would drain.
Set up with your eyes over the ball and your feet about shoulder-width apart.
Use a pendulum stroke driven by your shoulders, keeping your wrists quiet.
Match the length of your backstroke and follow-through to control speed, and focus on rolling the ball into an imaginary 3-foot circle around the hole.

Check yourself

Your stroke is shoulder-driven, smooth, and the same tempo back and through.
Your head and lower body stay still through the stroke.
You think 'speed first, line second' on anything outside 10 feet.

Common mistakes

Using a wristy stroke that makes distance unpredictable.
Obsessing over the line and ignoring pace on long putts.
Peeking up early to watch the ball instead of staying still through impact.

Go deeper: Lag Putt (Long Putt Distance Control) form

A beginner refresher only — not professional instruction. See a PGA pro for swing changes.