Golfers at every skill level know that putting can make or break a round. While mastering the full swing is vital, the real scoring opportunities often lie on the green. If you’ve been searching for ways to shave strokes off your game, improving your putting stroke is the key to unlocking your full potential. Here are five simple putting stroke tips that will help you sink more putts and, ultimately, attain the coveted two-putt or less on every green.

 

1. Focus on Proper Alignment

Alignment is one of the most critical elements in a successful putting stroke. Without proper alignment, even the most consistent stroke won't get the ball where it needs to go.

• How to improve putting stroke through alignment: Start by positioning your eyes directly over the ball. Use a putting line on your ball or flat putting aids to visualize the intended path. Ensure your shoulders, hips, and feet are parallel to your target line.
• Drill for improvement: Try the "Alignment Stick Drill." Place an alignment stick on the ground along your target line and practice putting the ball straight along the stick. This simple exercise reinforces proper alignment and builds muscle memory.

Good alignment minimizes the need to make adjustments during the stroke and leads to more consistent putts.

 

2. Create a Smooth, Pendulum-Like Stroke 

The signature of a great putter is a smooth, pendulum-like stroke. Most of the golfers struggle with jerky or saccadic motions that throw off their putts.

• Keystrokes: Keep your wrists locked, making sure that your shoulders power the stroke. The putter should swing naturally like a pendulum, balanced with an equivalent backstroke and follow-through. The simpler it is, the better.
• Drill for improvement: Practice the "Pendulum Drill." Hold your putter lightly with just two fingers on each hand. This grip forces you to use your shoulders rather than your wrists, encouraging a smooth, pendulum-like motion. Repeat until this stroke feels natural.

When you commit to a consistent, rhythmic stroke, your chances of two-putting improve significantly.

 

3. Nail Your Distance Control

Distance control is equally-if not more-important than alignment. Without proper distance, even the best aligned putts can miss their mark.

• How to achieve better distance control: Develop a feel for how hard to strike the ball based on the speed of the green and length to the hole. The shorter putts require only a light touch, whereas longer putts require a firm, yet controlled stroke.
• Improve by Drilling: Do the "Ladder Drill." Set markers (tees or coins) 5, 10, and 15 feet from the hole. Make three putts to each of the markers with the purpose of stopping as close as possible to the target. This drill develops the skill of judging how much stroke is required for a particular distance.

Mastery over distance control leads to reduced three-putts, with more opportunities to ultimately get those sweet two-putts.

 

4. Practice Putting Tips and Drills Regularly 

The best way to sharpen your putting is with consistent practice through the right drills. Put in dedicated time with targeted exercises that reinforce specific aspects of your stroke.

Some highly recommended putting drills for alignment and stroke:

• Gate Drill: Place two tees slightly wider than your putter head and practice stroking the ball cleanly through the gate. This drill improves your stroke's accuracy and square face at impact.
• Two-Putt Focus Drill: Select a mid-range putt, around 10-15 feet from the hole. Either make the putt or leave the ball within a 2-foot circle around the hole. This drill addresses both alignment and speed.

These drills combine technical and mental aspects of putting to help you in improving putting stroke mechanics and creating confidence on the green.

 

5. Build Mental Confidence on the Green

Confidence plays a huge role in executing success. Overthinking-or doubting-your abilities could derail even the best strokes.

• How to be mentally sharp: Every time you putt, visualize your ball rolling into the hole. Approach the shot by being positive, focusing on executing your routine rather than worrying about the outcome.
• Routine for consistency: Develop some kind of pre-putt routine that calms and focuses you. For instance:
• Look at the green and select a line.
• Envision the stroke and practice the motion.
• Give to the putt completely and block out all distractions.

This, you can stay confident and composed, even under pressure, when you follow your routine. With practice, this will start to make you confident with the real performance of making more consistent two-putts or fewer.

 

Why You Should Two-Putts 

Many amateur golfers aim for birdies or eagles on every hole, but seasoned players know the value of consistent two-putts. Two-putting keeps your score steady, minimizes blow-up holes, and builds confidence.

Using a flat putting ball in your practice sessions can make a huge difference. These training tools are designed to improve your alignment, stroke consistency, and distance control by providing immediate feedback. With regular practice, you’ll see noticeable improvements in your putting performance, paving the way for more two-putts or even single-putts.

 

Bringing It All Together 

To summarize, here are the five easy putting stroke tips to make more putts and master the green:

1. Focus on Proper Alignment – Perfect alignment every time.
2. Develop a Smooth, Pendulum-Like Stroke – Let the shoulders do the work.
3. Nail Your Distance Control – Use drills to hone your feel.
4. Practice Putting Tips and Drills – Consistency is key to improvement.
5. Build Mental Confidence on the Green – Trust your skills and stay composed.

Improving your putting stroke takes time, dedication, and the right approach. With these tips and drills, you’ll not only learn how to improve putting stroke mechanics but also gain the confidence needed to dominate the green.

 

Ready to Take Your Putting to the Next Level? 

Now that you’re armed with these putting stroke tips, it’s time to take action. Incorporate these strategies into your practice routine, and consider using specialized tools like putting balls or flat golf balls to accelerate your progress. With consistent effort, you’ll see results in no time, lowering your scores and enjoying the game more than ever.

Start today, and remember: every great putt begins with a solid stroke. By focusing on alignment, control, and confidence, you’ll be sinking more putts and achieving that elusive two-putt goal with ease.