Top 7 Tips for Lag Putting on Fast Greens

Lag putting on fast greens can be challenging, but mastering it can save you strokes and boost your confidence. The key is controlling your speed and positioning the ball close enough for an easy tap-in. Here’s a quick breakdown of the top tips:

Control Your Speed: Focus on speed over line. Practice drills to match your stroke length to green speed.
Adjust Your Setup: Use a light grip, stabilize your wrists, and tweak ball position for downhill putts.
Shorten Your Backstroke: Reduce power by shortening the backstroke, but maintain a smooth follow-through.
Read the Green Carefully: Analyze slopes, breaks, and grain direction from multiple angles.
Match Stroke Length to Distance: Use drills like the Ladder Drill to fine-tune your distance control.
Keep Wrists Stable and Tempo Smooth: Let your shoulders guide the stroke for consistency.
Practice in Different Conditions: Simulate various green speeds and practice drills like the Circle Drill or Par 16 Game.

HOW TO PUTT ON FAST GREENS

What Makes Greens Fast

The speed of a golf green is measured using a tool called the Stimpmeter, which is widely used across the United States. This device gauges green speed by rolling a ball from a fixed height and measuring the distance it travels. On recreational courses, greens usually measure between 8 and 10 feet, while tournament greens often exceed 11 feet. At prestigious events like the Masters, speeds can reach an impressive 13–14 feet. These numbers give a clear picture of what defines a "fast" green.

Several factors influence green speed, with grass type and mowing height being two of the most significant. Bentgrass greens, for example, tend to be faster than Bermuda grass, especially in cooler conditions. Similarly, the height at which greens are mowed plays a big role – greens cut to 1/8 inch will roll much faster than those maintained at 3/16 inch.

Environmental conditions also affect how greens play. Weather can have a noticeable impact: morning dew and cooler temperatures slow green speeds by 1–2 feet, while warmer afternoon conditions can make greens faster. Wind adds another layer of complexity, as it can either speed up or slow down the ball depending on its direction.

Maintenance practices are perhaps the most controllable factor in determining green speed. For instance, rolling the greens creates a smoother surface, making them faster. On the other hand, topdressing with sand can temporarily slow them down until the sand settles. Even watering schedules come into play – greens watered the night before will start slower in the morning but speed up as they dry throughout the day.

Playing on fast greens presents a unique challenge, especially when it comes to speed control. The same putting stroke that works on slower greens might send the ball 6–8 feet past the hole on a faster surface, requiring much more precision.

Another factor to consider is grain direction, which becomes more noticeable on faster greens. Putting with the grain will make the ball roll faster, while putting against it will slow it down. These subtle variations within the same green make distance control even more critical for players aiming to master fast greens.

1. Control Your Speed First

When you’re dealing with fast greens, controlling your speed is far more important than obsessing over the perfect line. Why? Because even if your line is slightly off, a putt with the right speed will still end up close to the hole. On the flip side, poor speed control can turn even a well-aimed putt into a disaster – either racing past the hole or stopping embarrassingly short.

Before you hit the course, spend some time practicing on a flat green. Pace out a 10-foot distance and work on matching your backstroke length to consistently hit that mark. This simple drill gives you a solid feel for the green speed that day.

Keep your tempo steady by aiming for a 2:1 ratio – your follow-through should be twice as fast as your backstroke. This rhythm helps you control your distance more reliably. Warm up with short putts (1–2 feet) and gradually work your way up to longer ones, like 20-foot lag putts. Don’t forget to practice on sloped areas too, so you can get a sense of how the breaks will affect your speed.

A couple of small equipment tweaks can also help. Choking up on your grip by 1–2 inches reduces power, giving you more control. For those tricky downhill putts, try positioning the ball about ½ inch back in your stance to engage the putter’s toe for a softer touch.

Finally, focus on maintaining a smooth, consistent follow-through. Avoid decelerating at impact – it’s a common mistake that can throw off your distance. With regular practice, you’ll develop better lag putting skills and feel more confident handling fast greens. Once you’ve nailed your speed control, you can move on to fine-tuning your setup for even better results.

2. Adjust Your Setup for Fast Greens

Getting your setup just right can make a big difference when putting on fast greens. A few simple tweaks to your grip and ball position can help you control speed and improve your lag putting.

Start with your grip pressure. A light grip is key on fast greens – it helps you avoid tension that can lead to inconsistent putts. By keeping your grip light, you reduce the power transferred through the putter shaft, which helps with distance control.

Next, focus on wrist stability. Keeping your wrists steady throughout the stroke is crucial for consistent distance. Any unnecessary wrist movement can throw off your putt. A quick way to test this is by placing a coin between your lead wrist and a chopstick held in place. If the coin falls during your stroke, your wrists are moving too much, and you may need to work on stabilizing them.

For downhill putts, try moving the ball slightly back in your stance – about 0.5 inches. This adjustment helps you strike the ball on the toe side of the putter’s sweet spot, which naturally reduces ball speed and power.

3. Shorten Your Backstroke, Keep the Follow-Through

When you’re putting on fast greens, your usual stroke might actually work against you. A shorter backstroke helps you control the energy transfer, giving you better precision. This tweak ties in perfectly with earlier adjustments for managing speed and setup on fast greens.

"On fast greens, your biggest enemy isn’t the slope or the break – it’s your own instinct to hit the ball. Fast surfaces amplify every movement so that a normal putting stroke suddenly becomes a rocket launcher." – Brendon Elliott, PGA of America Golf Professional

Fast greens completely change how your putting stroke plays out. What might feel like a soft tap on regular greens can send the ball much farther than expected on faster surfaces. The key is to shorten your backswing to reduce power while keeping your follow-through smooth and consistent. This combination ensures controlled, steady acceleration.

One common mistake golfers make is shortening their follow-through while keeping a long backstroke. This leads to a jerky, decelerating stroke – something that’s hard to control on slick greens. Instead, the trick is to shorten your backstroke but maintain your usual follow-through.

"Instead, shorten your backstroke and maintain your normal follow-through length. A shortened backstroke with smooth acceleration delivers precise control." – Brendon Elliott, PGA of America Golf Professional

To lock in this technique, try a simple drill: practice reducing your backswing while focusing on smooth acceleration through the ball and keeping your natural follow-through. On fast greens, even the smallest putter movement can send the ball a surprising distance, so this kind of control makes all the difference.

4. Read the Green Carefully

Once you’ve got your speed control down, the next step is learning how to read the green effectively. This skill becomes even more critical on fast greens, where subtle slopes that might go unnoticed on slower surfaces suddenly come into play. A thorough green read early on can make all the difference when it comes to lag putting.

Start your green reading process from about 20 yards away. As you approach, take in the bigger picture – look for hills, ridges, valleys, or nearby water features that could influence the slope and break of your putt. This broader view will help you understand the overall terrain before zooming in on the specifics of your shot.

Brendon Elliott, a PGA of America Golf Professional, offers this advice: “To truly understand how your putt will break, you need to examine it from multiple perspectives. Walk around to the low side of the hole and look back toward your ball. Check out the area directly around the cup where your ball will be rolling its slowest”.

Don’t just rely on your eyes – your feet can be just as valuable. As you walk the green, pay attention to what you feel underfoot. Are you moving uphill, downhill, or sideways? This tactile feedback can either confirm or challenge what your eyes are telling you.

For longer lag putts, take your time and assess the break from several angles. For shorter putts, you might only need a quick check, but be sure not to rush those crucial strokes.

To keep up with the pace of play, develop an efficient routine. Start by reading the green from behind your ball as you approach, then move to the low side of the cup for a reverse angle, and finish by returning to your ball for a final confirmation before you putt.

Having a consistent routine – like walking around the cup and taking a few practice strokes – can help you capture all the important details, even under pressure.

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5. Match Stroke Length to Distance

Getting your stroke length right is crucial for managing speed on fast greens. Longer strokes naturally produce more distance, but on fast greens, even shorter strokes can send the ball farther than you’d expect.

Spend time practicing at your local course to understand how your stroke length affects distance. The more comfortable you are with your stroke, the easier it becomes to adjust when you encounter greens with varying speeds. Before starting a round on an unfamiliar course, take 5 to 10 minutes to practice drills that help you adapt to the green speed. This small effort can shave several strokes off your game. These drills fine-tune your sense of distance, making adjustments on fast greens second nature.

Drill 1: The Ladder Drill – Build Distance Control

Find a flat area on the green and line up four balls in a straight row. Keep a light grip for a smooth, controlled stroke. Begin with a short stroke for the first ball, then gradually lengthen your backswing and follow-through for each subsequent ball while maintaining a steady tempo. Using a rhythm, like saying "tick-tock" or counting "1-2", can help you keep your timing consistent. Instead of focusing on where the ball ends up, concentrate on the feel of your stroke.

The Speed Drill for Stroke Length Calibration

For a broader challenge, try the Speed Drill. Place six tees in a straight line, spaced 10 feet apart, covering a total of 50 feet. Start with five golf balls at one end. Putt to each tee, following your full putting routine for every shot. For putts between 10 and 30 feet, aim to stop the ball 12–18 inches past the target. For longer putts (40–50 feet), try to stop it within 24 inches of the target. Spend 20–30 minutes on this drill, then switch ends and repeat. This back-and-forth practice exposes you to different slopes and breaks, helping you adjust your stroke for uphill, downhill, and curving putts. Once you’re comfortable hitting putts in order from shortest to longest, mix them up to challenge yourself further. The goal is to develop an instinctive feel for the stroke length needed for any distance, an essential skill for lag putting on fast greens.

6. Keep Wrists Stable and Tempo Smooth

For consistent putting control, keep your wrists steady and let your shoulders take charge, moving the putter like a pendulum. This shoulder-driven motion naturally creates a smooth arc, guiding both the direction and speed of your putt. It’s especially helpful for gauging distance on long lag putts, like a tricky 40-footer.

Tempo plays a huge role, particularly on fast greens. Abrupt changes in acceleration can throw off your ball’s roll, sending it too far. A steady rhythm is key – whether you’re lining up a short putt or a long lag putt. On fast greens, avoid slowing down your stroke too much. Instead, focus on maintaining consistent acceleration through the ball for better control.

Here’s a quick drill to stabilize your wrists: grip your putter as you normally would, but press your hands against your chest, extending the putter straight out. Practice turning your shoulders while keeping your wrists locked. This helps you feel the natural pendulum motion driven by your shoulders.

7. Practice in Different Conditions

To sharpen your lag putting skills, it’s essential to train under various conditions. Fast greens can feel unpredictable, influenced by factors like moisture, temperature, and grass type. By practicing in these changing scenarios, you’ll develop the flexibility needed to handle real-game challenges.

Start with the Circle Drill: place tees in a 3-foot radius around the hole and aim to stop each ball within this circle. This drill hones your distance control and helps you stay composed under pressure.

Next, revisit the Ladder Drill, gradually increasing the distance of each putt. This exercise helps fine-tune your ability to adjust speed as distances change.

For even more precision, try the Fringe Drill. Putt from the center of the green and aim to stop your ball just at the fringe. This drill is excellent for improving your ability to gauge exact distances.

Work on controlled aggression by using an alignment stick. Place it 2 feet behind the hole and practice putting past the hole without touching the stick. This encourages assertive strokes while maintaining control, ensuring your putts consistently reach the cup.

The Two-Ball Spot Drill is another great way to build consistency. Putt your first ball to a specific spot on the green, then aim to stop the second ball right next to it. Practice this from various distances and slopes to refine your touch. For added difficulty, introduce an alignment stick to simulate the pressure of on-course conditions.

Simulate real-round tension with the Par 16 Game. Set up nine different putting scenarios, ranging from 5 feet to over 20 feet, and challenge yourself to complete them in 16 putts or fewer. This game recreates the pressure of real competition and helps you stay focused.

Finally, mix up your practice times. Greens tend to play slower in the morning due to moisture and faster in the afternoon as they dry out. Familiarizing yourself with these natural variations will better prepare you for the unexpected during your rounds.

Helpful Resources for Putting Improvement

If you’re serious about improving your putting game, pairing practice with expert instruction can make a world of difference – especially when tackling the challenge of lag putting on fast greens. How To Break 80 offers a range of resources designed to sharpen your skills, focusing on essential techniques like speed control and green reading.

One standout resource is the Precision Putting Video Course, led by Bobby Eldridge. This course dives deep into the fundamentals, covering everything from grip and stance to alignment, stroke mechanics, speed management, and green reading. It even introduces the "Lag-to-Make It Trick", a method that helps you aim for the hole while ensuring an easy tap-in for your next stroke. Plus, it breaks down how to read greens like a seasoned pro, highlighting three common mistakes that could be costing you 3–5 strokes per round.

What makes this course even more practical is its flexibility. You can practice indoors using tools like The Mirror Drill or head to the course with pre-round confidence thanks to drills like the Money Putt Drill. Other structured exercises, such as the Ready, Aim, Fire! Drill and the 3-Steps to a Better, More Consistent Putting Stroke, offer focused strategies to refine your technique.

Right now, the Precision Putting Video Course is available for $49.00, a significant drop from its original price of $199.00.

Beyond the video course, How To Break 80 also provides a wealth of other materials, including eBooks, free guides, and blog articles. These resources are packed with actionable tips to help you lower your scores and master fast greens. Dive into these tools to keep building your confidence and skill set on the green.

Conclusion

Using these techniques can make a real difference in your lag putting on fast greens, helping you avoid costly errors.

The strategies shared here work as a cohesive approach. By fine-tuning your stroke – keeping your backstroke shorter, ensuring a smooth follow-through, and maintaining a light grip – you’ll better manage putter head sensitivity and adapt to green speeds.

Spend time practicing in different conditions to sharpen these skills, building the confidence and control needed for steady, precise putts on fast greens. With consistent effort and focus, you can master lag putting and ultimately lower your score.

FAQs

How can I practice lag putting for fast greens without access to a course with fast greens?

If you want to practice for fast greens at home, a high-quality putting mat that replicates quick green speeds is a great starting point. You could also use a yardstick to fine-tune your distance control. Drills like the Ladder Drill or 1-2-3 Drill are excellent for sharpening your speed control and green-reading abilities. If you have a backyard putting green, these exercises can be especially effective. These techniques allow you to prepare for fast greens without needing access to a course with similar conditions.

How should I adjust my putting technique for fast greens?

On fast greens, mastering speed control and reading the break becomes even more crucial. Because the ball travels farther with less effort, it’s important to use a lighter touch and make a softer, more delicate stroke. Keep your grip pressure relaxed to promote a smooth and steady motion. Also, account for more break, as the ball will curve more on quicker surfaces.

These small tweaks can help you avoid overshooting the hole and improve your lag putting, giving you better precision and consistency when tackling tricky greens.

How do wind and temperature affect putting on fast greens?

Wind and temperature significantly influence putting, particularly on fast greens. Wind can dry out the surface, leaving greens firmer and quicker, which changes how the ball rolls and demands precise control over speed. Strong gusts add another layer of difficulty by disrupting the ball’s path, making its movement less predictable.

Temperature matters too. Warmer weather tends to firm up the grass, speeding up greens, while cooler conditions slow them down. These shifts require golfers to fine-tune their touch and carefully analyze the greens to stay accurate and consistent.