If you want to win matches and post lower league scores, you must eliminate three-putts. In competitive formats like match play or league scoring, a three-putt is not just a lost stroke. It is a free gift to your opponent. While many golfers obsess over making long putts, better players focus on something far more reliable: distance control. Your primary objective on long putts is not to hole the ball but to leave the second putt inside a comfortable three-foot range.
Lag putting, particularly from 30 to 50 feet, separates disciplined competitors from inconsistent scorers. By prioritizing speed over line, you dramatically reduce the likelihood of costly three-putts and protect your score under pressure.
Three-putts typically occur because of poor speed control, not bad reads. On long putts, a small error in pace can result in the ball finishing six or more feet past the hole, turning a simple two-putt into a stressful comeback putt. When pressure increases, those short putts become far less automatic.
At longer distances, the margin for error on the read is large, but the margin for error on speed is small. You can misread a 40-foot putt by several inches and still finish close if your speed is correct. However, even a perfect read becomes meaningless if the ball is struck too firmly or too softly.
The golden rule of lag putting is simple. Focus on speed first, line second. Your goal is to roll the ball with a pace that allows it to finish within three feet of the hole. This creates a tap-in second putt that removes stress and preserves momentum.
When putting from 30 to 50 feet, do not attempt to make the putt. Trying to hole long putts often leads to excessive aggression, which increases the risk of running the ball well past the cup. Instead, visualize a stopping zone around the hole and commit to rolling the ball into that area.
Your setup plays a significant role in controlling distance. Start by slightly widening your stance compared to a short putt. This adds stability and promotes a smoother stroke. Position the ball just forward of center and keep your eyes directly over or slightly inside the target line.
Grip pressure should remain light and consistent. Tension in your hands and forearms restricts feel, making it harder to judge speed. Keep your wrists quiet and allow the putter to swing using your shoulders, not your hands.
Distance on long putts comes from stroke length, not increased force. The tempo of your putting stroke should remain consistent regardless of putt length. To hit the ball farther, lengthen your backswing and follow-through proportionally while maintaining the same rhythm.
A longer, smoother stroke produces more predictable roll than a short, jabby motion. This is especially important on slower greens, where golfers often attempt to “hit” the ball instead of allowing the putter to swing freely.
While speed is your priority, you still need a functional read. For long putts, focus on identifying the general slope rather than fine details. Look for the dominant break and choose a start line that allows the ball to die toward the hole.
Avoid overanalyzing grain, minor imperfections, or subtle breaks. Your objective is proximity, not perfection. Accept that long putts rarely go in and shift your mindset toward leaving the ball close.
Effective lag putting practice should mirror on-course conditions. Spend more time hitting putts from 30 to 50 feet rather than repeatedly practicing short putts. Use drills that reinforce distance control, such as placing a tee or towel three feet beyond the hole and focusing on stopping the ball short of it.
Another effective drill is to putt to the fringe from various distances. The fringe provides immediate feedback and forces you to control speed without relying on a hole as a target.
In match play and league formats, consistency beats brilliance. Opponents make mistakes under pressure, and your job is to avoid giving strokes back. By eliminating three-putts, you apply constant pressure without taking unnecessary risks.
When you consistently leave your second putt inside three feet, you maintain momentum, protect your confidence, and keep your opponent on the defensive. Lag putting is not glamorous, but it is one of the most reliable ways to improve your competitive performance.
Master speed control, commit to smart targets, and treat long putts as opportunities to secure easy two-putts. When you do, three-putts disappear, and your scores reflect it.
