Control Your Speed on the Greens

Clay Ballard from Top Speed Golf explains why speed is the most critical factor when navigating breaking putts. He demonstrates how multiple lines can work for the same putt, provided the golfer matches their chosen line with the corresponding speed.

• Speed dictates the line; there is no single 'correct' line for a breaking putt without a defined speed.
• A firmer putt requires a straighter line, while a dying putt requires playing more break.
• Always visualize the speed of the putt before committing to the starting line.
• Developing a 'speed-first' mentality helps reduce three-putts by improving distance control.

Go deeper

• Off the rails — Causes, drills and coaches for this miss
• Speed control — The lesson, across every coach
• Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard — Every video, sorted by what it teaches