What Is Lag Putting?
Lag putting is the art of getting your ball as close to the hole as possible on longer putts, ensuring an easy tap-in for your second putt. It’s not about sinking a 30- or 40-foot putt, but about leaving the ball within a comfortable range, usually inside three feet, to avoid the dreaded three-putt.
Why Three-Putting Is a Score Killer
Three-putting adds unnecessary strokes to your score. Think about it: you’ve done all the hard work by reaching the green, only to waste two or three strokes on putting. This not only affects your score but can also mess with your confidence for the rest of the round.
The Benefits of Mastering the Lag Putt
- Fewer Strokes on the Green: The primary benefit of lag putting is, of course, avoiding three-putts. By honing your ability to control distance, you’ll shave strokes off your score on every green.
- Improved Course Management: Understanding how to approach longer putts helps with your overall course strategy. Instead of going for risky, high-pressure putts, you’ll learn to set yourself up for consistent, low-stress tap-ins.
- Boosted Confidence: Knowing you can comfortably lag putt and avoid three-putting helps build confidence. When you’re confident, you make better decisions and play more relaxed golf.
- Lower Scores: The ultimate goal of golf is to lower your score. Mastering lag putting means fewer strokes, and that means lower scores every round.
How Virtual Golf Can Help You Master Lag Putting
At Golf Biz Canada, we offer a state-of-the-art virtual golf experience that’s perfect for honing your putting skills. Our virtual greens simulate real-world conditions, allowing you to practice lag putting on courses like Glen Abbey and Firestone Country Club. You can practice those long, challenging putts without leaving the comfort of our facility.
Pro Tips for Effective Lag Putting
- Focus on Speed Control: The key to a good lag putt is speed. Practice getting a feel for how hard to hit the ball for different distances. The goal is to leave it within a few feet of the hole.
- Read the Green Properly: Even on long putts, reading the break is essential. Pay attention to slopes, grain direction, and any undulations to give your putt the best chance of getting close.
- Take Your Time: Rushing through long putts often leads to misjudging speed and distance. Take a moment to visualize the putt, align properly, and commit to the stroke.
- Practice with Purpose: Spend time specifically practicing lag putts in various conditions—uphill, downhill, and with varying breaks. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at leaving yourself with easy second putts.
Learning how to lag putt is a game-changer that can save you from the frustration of three-putting and drastically lower your scores. With Golf Biz Canada’s virtual golf setup, you can practice your lag putting in a controlled environment, allowing you to master this essential skill and take it to the course.
Ready to bring your scores down?
Visit us at Golf Biz Canada and start perfecting your lag putt today!