MY GOLF BLUEPRINT

Putting stroke: return the face, control the pace

A blade putter lined up behind a golf ball on a putting green. — Photo: Peter Jacob Drew / Pexels

A repeatable putting stroke delivers the face and speed needed for your read. A perfectly straight-looking path is not required for every player.

Work through it

Start with a short, nearly straight putt.
Aim the face before moving the putter.
Let the stroke length suit the distance.
Check center contact and initial roll before changing technique.

A practical example

If start lines are consistent but long putts stop at widely different distances, prioritize pace practice rather than rebuilding the whole stroke.

Practice task

Roll ten putts through a gate, then ten to a distance line without a hole. Keep separate scores for direction and speed.

Common mistakes

Do not add a jab at the ball to rescue a short backswing. Avoid trying to lock every joint rigidly.

Choose a comfortable movement and change one variable at a time. Stop if a movement causes pain; a qualified coach can adapt the task to your mobility and experience.

Sources and further reading

PGA of America: testing putting grips

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