7 Common Putting Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Fix Them)

Putting can make or break your golf score – it accounts for 40-50% of your total strokes. Beginners often struggle with alignment, grip pressure, green reading, and handling short putts under pressure. Fixing these mistakes can save up to 5 strokes per round. Here’s a quick overview of the most common errors and how to correct them:

Misalignment: Use tools like alignment sticks to improve aim.
Wrong Grip Pressure: Keep a light grip for better distance control.
Ignoring Green Reading: Study slopes and breaks from multiple angles.
Inconsistent Stroke Tempo: Use a metronome to develop a steady rhythm.
Fear of Short Putts: Practice drills like the Circle Drill to build confidence.
No Pre-Putt Routine: Create a simple routine to stay focused.
Overthinking: Trust your line and commit to the stroke.

Focus on one area at a time during practice and use tools like alignment aids or drills to build consistency. With purposeful practice, you’ll see improvements in both confidence and performance on the green.

7 Common Putting Mistakes and How to Fix Them

7 Common Putting Mistakes and Their Fixes

Here’s a breakdown of the putting mistakes beginners often make and how to correct them.

Mistake 1: Misalignment

Poor alignment can send your putts off course. To fix this, use tools like putting sticks or markers during practice. These help you align your body and putter face with the target line. Even with good alignment, factors like grip can still throw things off.

Mistake 2: Wrong Grip Pressure

"Too often amateurs strangle the club, especially when they think they have to hit the putt harder for the ball to reach the hole. The problem is, the tighter your grip, the worse your chances of having any feel for distance." ^[1]

Keep your grip light but secure – imagine holding a tube of toothpaste without squeezing it.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Green Reading

Understanding the green’s contours is key to accurate putting. Look at the slopes and breaks from multiple angles. Pay attention to subtle details – most greens tend to break toward water features or lower areas.

Mistake 4: Inconsistent Stroke Tempo

A smooth rhythm is critical. Use a metronome set to 60–70 beats per minute to time your backstroke and forward stroke. This helps create a steady, repeatable tempo.

Mistake 5: Fear of Missing Short Putts

Short putts can be nerve-wracking, but confidence comes with practice. Try the ‘Circle Drill’: place six balls in a three-foot circle around the hole. Make all six putts in a row, and if you miss one, start over. This builds consistency under pressure.

Mistake 6: No Pre-Putt Routine

A simple routine can help you focus. Consider these steps:

Read the green from behind the ball.
Take one practice stroke.
Align yourself properly.
Make a confident stroke.

Keep this routine short – under 20 seconds.

Mistake 7: Overthinking the Putt

Once you’ve read the green and chosen your line, stick to it. Second-guessing or changing your stroke mid-process can lead to mistakes. Trust your decision and commit fully to the shot.

According to PGA Tour stats, fixing these common mistakes can save beginners up to 5 strokes per round ^[1]. Focus on improving one area at a time during practice, and you’ll build a solid foundation for consistent, confident putting.

Tips for Improving Your Putting

Drills to Build Consistency

Improving your putting starts with focused and consistent practice. One effective exercise is the gate drill, where you practice putting through a 4-inch gap made by two golf balls. Start at 3 feet and gradually increase the distance as your accuracy improves.

For better control over distance, try the ladder drill. Place markers at 10, 20, and 30 feet, and aim to stop the ball within 2 feet of each marker. This helps refine your touch and feel for putts of varying lengths.

"Focusing on the process rather than the outcome can help reduce anxiety. Regular practice under simulated pressure situations builds resilience and confidence when facing real putting challenges." ^[2]

Once you’re comfortable with these drills, adding alignment tools to your routine can help fine-tune your technique.

Tools to Improve Alignment

Alignment aids are a simple way to enhance your putting. Spend 10-20 minutes using tools like alignment sticks, mirrors, or chalk lines. A putting mirror, in particular, is useful for checking eye position and face alignment – key fundamentals that many beginners tend to overlook.

Mental Strategies for Better Focus

Your mental approach is just as important as physical practice. Before each putt, visualize the ball rolling along your chosen line. Combine this with two deep breaths to stay calm and focused under pressure. Keep track of your make percentage from various distances to pinpoint areas for improvement while also boosting your confidence through measurable progress.

Conclusion: Gaining Confidence in Putting

Key Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Improving your putting starts with addressing the most common errors. These include misalignment, gripping the club too tightly, poor green reading, inconsistent tempo, fear of short putts, skipping a pre-putt routine, and overthinking. The good news? Each of these can be corrected with focused practice and the right techniques.

"Putting needs to be a natural, reactive movement, not a proactive, technical one." ^[3]

The key is to work on one area at a time. For example, use alignment tools to fine-tune your aim or establish a consistent pre-putt routine to stay steady under pressure. Remember, success in putting is more about smooth, controlled movements than trying to force the ball into the hole.

Building Confidence Through Practice

Confidence comes from consistent, purposeful practice. Spend 15-20 minutes per session working on specific skills like distance control or alignment. Use techniques like visualization and deep breathing to stay calm and focused during practice. Over time, these habits will translate to better performance on the green.

Keep a simple putting journal to track your progress. Record your success rates from different distances and celebrate even small improvements. This not only keeps you motivated but also gives you clear evidence of your growth as a golfer. Every session brings you closer to mastering your putting game.

Additional Resources for Golf Improvement

To improve your putting game, combining regular practice with the right tools and materials can make a big difference.

Jack Moorehouse offers helpful options like the Precision Putting Video Course, which focuses on improving consistency and accuracy, and the Essential Golf Improvement eBook Bundle, packed with practical drills you can use right away. These materials aim to strengthen your skills while steering clear of common beginner pitfalls.

Free resources are also worth exploring. Rick Shiels‘ video tutorials are great for addressing issues like misalignment or uneven tempo, providing clear visual examples. Books such as Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect by Dr. Bob Rotella tackle the mental side of the game, offering strategies to handle overthinking and the fear of short putts. Tools for alignment can also help fine-tune your setup and stroke for better results.