Quick Putting Tips to Shave Strokes Off Your Game Instantly

Sometimes golf can feel overwhelming and time-consuming. If you know your putting needs work but don’t have the patience for multi-week clinics or chapter books on green reading, we’ve got you covered. These quick tips can help you start shaving strokes off your game today, no extra gear, subscriptions, or swing overhauls needed. Here are some quick tips to make you a better putter. 

1. Try Putting While Looking at the Hole

It might sound odd, but practicing while looking at the hole instead of the ball can help improve feel and distance control. 

This trick forces your brain to focus on the target rather than your stroke mechanics. You may not use it on every putt during a round (although some do), but it’s a powerful drill to reset your feel during practice sessions and prepare you for a round. 

2. Use Tees to Dial in Your Distance Control

If you constantly leave putts short or blast them past the hole, try this on the practice green. Set up a line of tees at different distances (10, 20, 30 feet) on the practice green. Then pay attention to how far back you take the putter for each stroke to get your ball to these tees. 

Repeating the same stroke length for a given distance will train your body to associate backswing length with putt distance. It becomes like a personal putting ruler when you are out on the course. 

3. Walk in an Oval Around the Ball and Hole

Before you putt, walk a semi-circle from behind the ball, around the side, and behind the hole. 

This oval-shaped routine gives your brain a 3D sense of distance and slope. 

Many players only squat behind the ball to read the line, but adding this walk gives you a much better sense of speed, especially on unfamiliar greens.

4. Keep Your Head Down Until the Putter Passes Your Lead Foot

While the “keep your head down” advice is not necessarily the best, when it comes to putting it into practice, it can be helpful. 

One of the most common mistakes in putting is lifting your head early to watch the ball roll. Try this simple rule: don’t move your head until the putter has passed your front foot. 

This ensures your body stays still through impact and helps you strike the ball cleanly and on-line more often.

5. Turn Your Toes In Slightly to Lock Your Lower Body

Arnold Palmer used to do this, and it worked well for him! Turn both toes slightly inward when you set up to a putt. 

It helps lock your lower body and prevents unwanted sway or movement. Putting is about consistency and precision, and keeping your lower body quiet is a simple way to eliminate variables in your stroke.

6. Experiment With Different Putting Grips

No rule says you must stick to a traditional grip. Whether it’s cross-handed, claw, saw, or something unorthodox that just feels right, don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes, all it takes is a different hand position to make your stroke more natural and repeatable.

7. Don’t Forget to Regrip Your Putter

The putter grip is one of the most overlooked pieces of gear in a golfer’s bag. If your grip is slick, worn down, or just doesn’t feel right, it’s time for a change. A fresh grip that suits your hands can help you feel more connected and consistent, especially on pressure putts.

Many players are opting for larger grips to decrease hand and wrist movement. 

Final Thoughts

Keep it simple on the putting greens and your game will benefit from it. Use any tools you can to become a more consistent and methodical putter and see how many strokes it can save you.