Simple Putting Technique - Art of Simple Golf

Putting accounts for roughly 40% of your strokes. Great putting can save you several strokes per round. Art of Simple Golf simplifies putting with clear, easy-to-follow instruction.

Putting doesn't have to be complicated. The simpler you keep it, the better you'll putt.

You'll learn:

• The fundamentals of great putting
• Simple technique that works
• Practice drills
• Common mistakes

Let's simplify your putting.

Why Putting Matters

Putting accounts for roughly 40% of your strokes. Great putting:

• Saves strokes
• Builds confidence
• Lowers your scores
• Makes the game more enjoyable

Without good putting:

• You waste strokes
• You lose confidence
• Your scores suffer
• The game becomes frustrating

With good putting:

• You save strokes
• You gain confidence
• Your scores improve
• The game becomes enjoyable

Key Takeaways from Art of Simple Golf's Method

The fundamentals of great putting:

• Keep it simple - Don't overthink it
• Consistent setup - Same setup every time
• Smooth stroke - Not jerky or rushed
• Good tempo - Rhythm and timing
• Read the green - Understand the break

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Step 1: Set Up Consistently

What to do:

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart
2. Bend from your hips, not your waist
3. Let your arms hang naturally
4. Position the ball slightly forward of center
5. Your eyes should be over or slightly inside the ball

What it should feel like:

• You should feel balanced and comfortable
• Your arms should hang naturally
• You should feel ready to make a smooth stroke

What it should look like:

• You look balanced and athletic
• Your arms hang naturally
• Your eyes are over or slightly inside the ball

Step 2: Make a Smooth Stroke

What to do:

1. Keep your wrists quiet—no flipping or breaking
2. Use your shoulders to move the putter
3. Keep the putter low to the ground
4. Make a smooth, pendulum-like stroke
5. Accelerate through the ball

What it should feel like:

• You should feel your shoulders moving the putter
• Your wrists should stay quiet
• The stroke should feel smooth and rhythmic

What it should look like:

• Your putter moves in a smooth arc
• Your wrists stay quiet
• You accelerate through the ball

Step 3: Maintain Good Tempo

What to do:

1. Use a consistent tempo—not too fast, not too slow
2. Count "one-two" (back-through)
3. Keep the same tempo for all putts
4. Don't rush or decelerate

What it should feel like:

• You should feel a consistent rhythm
• The stroke should feel smooth and controlled
• You should feel confident and relaxed

What it should look like:

• Your stroke looks smooth and rhythmic
• You maintain consistent tempo
• You look confident and relaxed

Step 4: Read the Green

What to do:

1. Read the green from behind the ball
2. Look for slopes and breaks
3. Pick your line
4. Commit to your line
5. Trust your read

What it should feel like:

• You should feel confident in your read
• You should commit to your line
• You should trust your read

What it should look like:

• You read the green carefully
• You pick your line confidently
• You commit to your read

Drills to Practice This Technique

Drill 1: Setup Consistency Drill

Equipment: Putter, putting mat or green

How to do it:

1. Set up to a putt
2. Check your stance
3. Check your ball position
4. Check your eye position
5. Make your putt
6. Repeat with consistent setup

Reps: 20-30 putts

Success marker: Your setup is consistent every time. You feel balanced and ready.

Drill 2: Smooth Stroke Drill

Equipment: Putter, putting mat or green

How to do it:

1. Make slow, smooth strokes
2. Focus on keeping your wrists quiet
3. Use your shoulders to move the putter
4. Feel the smooth, pendulum-like motion
5. Gradually increase speed

Reps: 20-30 strokes

Success marker: Your stroke feels smooth and rhythmic. Your wrists stay quiet.

Drill 3: Tempo Drill

Equipment: Putter, putting mat or green

How to do it:

1. Count "one-two" as you stroke
2. "One" on the backstroke
3. "Two" through the ball
4. Keep the same tempo for all putts
5. Don't rush or decelerate

Reps: 20-30 putts

Success marker: Your tempo is consistent. You feel a good rhythm.

Common Mistakes When Putting

1. Overthinking - Keep it simple. Don't overthink it.

2. Inconsistent setup - Set up the same way every time. Consistency is key.

3. Breaking your wrists - Keep your wrists quiet. Use your shoulders.

4. Rushing - Take your time. Maintain good tempo.

5. Not reading the green - Read the green carefully. Pick your line and commit.

Troubleshooting:

• Missing short putts? Check your setup and tempo. Keep it simple.
• Missing long putts? Work on distance control. Practice your tempo.
• Inconsistent? Focus on setup consistency. Make it the same every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How important is putting?

Very important. Putting accounts for roughly 40% of your strokes. Great putting can save you several strokes per round.

Should I use my wrists when putting?

No. Keep your wrists quiet. Use your shoulders to move the putter.

How do I improve my distance control?

Practice your tempo. Use a consistent tempo for all putts. Practice on different distances.

How do I read greens better?

Read from behind the ball. Look for slopes and breaks. Pick your line and commit to it.

How often should I practice putting?

Regularly. Even 10-15 minutes a day can make a big difference. Focus on setup, stroke, and tempo.

Summary: Your Action Plan

Simple putting technique works:

The Key Elements:

• Consistent setup (same every time)
• Smooth stroke (quiet wrists, use shoulders)
• Good tempo (consistent rhythm)
• Read the green (pick your line and commit)
• Keep it simple (don't overthink it)

Your Practice Plan:

• Week 1: Focus on setup consistency. Use the setup drill.
• Week 2: Work on smooth stroke. Use the stroke drill.
• Week 3: Focus on tempo. Use the tempo drill.
• Week 4: Combine everything. Practice on the course.

Remember: Keep it simple. The simpler you keep it, the better you'll putt.

Great putting doesn't happen overnight. Practice regularly, and it will improve. You've got this.

Related Videos

Continue learning with these related golf instruction videos

SHORTS

bunker•intermediate

Bunker Play Tips - Performance Golf

Performance Golf

SHORTS

slice fixes•beginner

Quick Slice Fix - Alex Elliott

Alex Elliott

SHORTS

hook fixes•beginner

Quick Hook Fix - ClubFace UK

ClubFace UK