Sometimes just getting it close is the right play
On speedy, sloping greens, like the ones we play on at several tour stops each season, you can end up hitting a lot of lag putts. You have no choice but to play defensively if you want to avoid three-putting or worse.
Generally, I like the ball to end up either hole-high or just beyond it, but I always look around the cup and determine where the best miss is. For example, if it’s a downhill putt, the best place to miss might be a little long. That way, I have an uphill putt coming back. If it’s an uphill putt, the best place is
not going to be long. I don’t want a tricky, slick downhill putt coming back. I don’t like leaving putts short, but when I’m lag putting, I’m making the best decision to set up a two-putt.
Lag putting is mainly about speed control. To practise it, hit long putts while looking at the hole. This will give you a visual connection to the length of the putt and improve your feel. Also, set up an alignment stick or a club as a barrier two feet behind the hole and hit putts that stop between the hole and the barrier. Think of it as leaving it in the safe zone.
When you get good at this drill, you’ll three-putt a lot less often.
Angel Yin, 26, from California, has two wins on the LPGA Tour including the Honda LPGA Thailand in February. Through early July, she ranked first on tour in the strokes gained/putting stat.
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