If there’s one area where golfers of every skill level can save strokes immediately, it’s on the putting green. While many players spend countless hours trying to read the perfect line, the truth is that distance control is often far more important than direction. Think about it. A putt that finishes two feet past the hole still gives you an excellent chance to make the next one. A putt that comes up six feet short never had a chance.
Why Distance Control Matters
Three-putts happen because golfers leave themselves difficult second putts. Learning to control speed means your misses become much easier to clean up. Professional golfers don’t make every long putt—they simply leave themselves short, manageable second putts.
A Simple Practice Drill
Before your next round, place three golf balls about 25 feet from a hole. Your goal isn’t to make the putts. Instead, try to finish each ball within a three-foot circle around the cup. Repeat from different distances around the practice green. This teaches your brain to focus on speed instead of simply trying to make every putt.
During Your Round
On long putts, shift your mindset. Instead of thinking, “I have to make this,” think, “I’m going to leave myself an easy tap-in.” You’ll find that when you focus on speed, you’ll often make more putts anyway.
The Jonathan’s Landing Pro Tip
The scorecard doesn’t care how many putts almost went in—it only counts how many strokes you take. Master your speed, eliminate three-putts, and watch your scores begin to fall.
Ready to put your skills to the test? Book your next round at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Course and see how much a great putting day can improve your score.
