CONCEPT · SHORT GAME BEGINNER FOCUS
A repeatable putting stroke combines pendulum motion with precise face control for consistent distance and direction.
Skill split
01 · Overview
~2 min read
The putting stroke represents golf's most nuanced motion—a deceptively simple pendulum that separates good rounds from great ones. While every golfer can make the occasional lucky putt, developing a repeatable stroke that consistently finds the bottom of the cup requires understanding both mechanics and feel.
Scratch Golf Academy teaches that longer putts demand subtle adjustments to your setup, including standing slightly taller and softening the wrists to better feel the putter's natural weight. This insight challenges the rigid, robotic approach many golfers adopt, instead embracing the putter's momentum to create smooth tempo. Meanwhile, Paige Spiranac offers a fascinating visualization: feeling like you're striking the inside of the golf ball to prevent the dreaded over-the-top motion that plagues full swings and putts alike.
The beauty of putting instruction lies in its transferability—whether you're a weekend warrior struggling with three-putts or a scratch player fine-tuning lag distance control, the fundamentals remain constant. The gate drill can help groove a consistent stroke path, while understanding your natural grip pressure creates the foundation for everything else. Master these elements, and you'll discover that putting becomes less about hoping the ball goes in and more about trusting a stroke you can repeat under pressure.
4 components that build the move
01 · SHOULDER PENDULUM
The putting stroke originates from shoulder movement, creating a natural pendulum arc. Hands and wrists remain quiet throughout the motion.
02 · PUTTER PATH
The putter travels slightly inside on the backswing, returns square at impact, then continues inside on follow-through. This natural arc prevents steering the ball.
03 · TEMPO CONTROL
Backswing and follow-through maintain equal timing regardless of putt length. Distance comes from stroke length, not acceleration changes.
04 · IMPACT POSITION
At impact, hands lead the putter head slightly with the shaft vertical or leaning forward. The putter strikes the ball on a shallow upward angle.
02 · The Reference
2 of 158 · hand-selected
Editor's Pick · #1 · 3:48
Demonstrates the feel-based approach to lag putting that translates directly to shorter putts and overall stroke mechanics.
Scratch Golf Academy · beginner
Editor's Pick · 4:13
Breaks down the often-misunderstood role of wrist action in the putting stroke with clear visual demonstrations.
Swing Build Golf 2018 By David Blair · beginner
04 · The Experts
3 perspectives · same drill
! Not advocating being wristy with the stroke - no active wrist movement
Swing Build Golf 2018 By David Blair
! Don't roll your wrists back and forward - no rotary movement
04 · Practice it
2 drills
Drill
Practice protocol with timestamped demonstrations across 4 videos.
Drill
Practice protocol with timestamped demonstrations across 2 videos.
05 · FAQ
Answered from the library
According to Adam Basiljette from Scratch Golf Academy, there are three key tips for better lag putting distance control. Focus on developing a consistent stroke tempo and follow his specific techniques to avoid leaving putts short or running them well past the hole.
Paige Spiranac shares that PGA Tour pro Colt Knost identified a common flaw where golfers come over the ball during their stroke, causing putts to slice. This happens when players get their hands too high at address and then compensate during the stroke.
According to Tropicana Entertainment's golf tips, many golfers make the mistake of pulling out a 60 or 52 degree wedge and taking a big swing when they miss greens. This approach often leads to inconsistent results and poor distance control around the greens.
Paige Spiranac emphasizes the importance of tracking your handicap consistently, noting she kept one through junior golf and college before taking a break for years. Maintaining a handicap helps identify weaknesses in your game, including putting performance.
Jim Venetos from the Golf Academy discusses how changes in swing mechanics and speed can impact overall scoring. While his focus is on full swing changes, the principles of consistency and tempo apply equally to putting strokes for maintaining reliable performance.
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06 · The Library
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MONTE’S GOLF - Since 1954
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Fore Play Golf
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Todd Graves
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Cordie Walker GolfWell
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The Logical Golfer
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Luke Hanlon Golf
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Warren Bennett Golf Academy
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Performance Golf
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Golf With Anna
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Random Golf Club
Practice stroke mechanics with targeted drills that groove the shoulder pendulum and consistent tempo.
Practice Drills