There are so many putting tips out there that focus on reading greens or developing the perfect swing arc, but what about the mental part — which can be a huge difference between making more pars and less bogeys (or worse!).
You've probably noticed how the best putters in the world always seem calm standing over their ball, while most of us weekend warriors shake like we've had eight cups of coffee when we're putting for triple-bogey.
So why is that?
The difference isn't talent or even practice hours, it's having a bulletproof putting routine that works under pressure.
The Best Putting Tips Aren't Always Technical
After coaching thousands of amateur golfers over my career, I've found that most players completely fall apart on the greens. It's not because they can't read putts or control distance, but because they abandon their routine when the pressure is at its highest.
Similar to your pre-shot routine in the full swing, your putting routine isn't just some meaningless ritual. Instead, it's the mental framework that allows your body to execute what you've practiced.
Way too often, amateur golfers just walk up to their ball, take a half-hearted look at the hole, and then immediately hit a putt that they regret. No visualization. No commitment. Just hope and pray.
If you actually want to improve your putting results, that poor routine needs to stop!
Why Most Putting Routines Fail Under Pressure
Here's the uncomfortable truth: Most golfers have putting routines that actually hurt their performance rather than help it — especially when the pressure mounts.
I see players who rush through meaningless motions because they once watched Scottie Scheffler do something similar. I see others who stand over the ball for so long that the group behind them could order lunch, eat it, and pay the bill. Neither approach works when your hands start trembling or your mind is racing.
A pressure-proof putting routine prepares your mind and body for the task at hand — and then gets out of the way. That's it!
When I work with my students, I often ask them what they're thinking about during their putting routine. The answers range from "don't leave it short" to "don't 3-putt again" to "my friends are watching and I've got performance anxiety."
Notice a pattern? These thoughts are all fear-based, negative, and focus on what might go wrong. This mental approach is like trying to drive a car while staring at the ditch instead of the road.
3 Putting Tips to Master a Pressure-Proof Routine
A powerful putting routine isn't complicated, but it must be consistent and purposeful. So what putting tips should you use to dial in the perfect routine? Here's what works best for some of my most successful students.
First, make your read from behind the ball. Look at the putt from the low side to the high side, visualize the ball rolling along your chosen line, and commit to your read before you ever step to the ball. I call this the "decision phase," and it's the only time technical thoughts are allowed.
Second, take one practice stroke that feels like the stroke you're about to make — not three, not five — just one very purposeful rehearsal that matches your visualization of pace and line. Feel that exact tempo and length of stroke that will send the ball the correct distance.
As you step into your stance, transition to what I call your "performance trigger," which is a simple physical action that tells your brain it's time to stop thinking and start doing. This might be a subtle forward press, a deep breath, or even a tap of the finger on the putter grip.
Finally, look at the hole one last time, bring your eyes back to the ball, and execute without delay. The longer you stand over the ball, the more doubt creeps in.
Commit to Your Putting Routine on Every Putt
The thing about a dedicated putting routine is this: When the pressure mounts and you've got some golf anxiety, it gives you something to fall back on. In essence, the putting routine becomes your safe harbor in a nasty storm (otherwise known as swing thoughts).
Here's a good putting tip to try during your next practice session: Simply commit to your routine for every single putt — yes, even the tap-ins. Don't worry about whether the ball goes in or not, just focus on nailing the process.
What you'll likely discover is that your mind stays calmer, your confidence builds, and those yippy strokes that often ruin your scorecard become less frequent.
The greatest putters in the world aren't just technically superior, they're mentally disciplined. They trust their routines so deeply that when pressure mounts, the routine shields them from doubt and fear.
So utilize this simple putting tip to shield yourself from bad thoughts or negative feelings. Your stroke will improve, your scores will improve, and you'll be confident anytime you've got a putter in your hands.
PGA of America Golf Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. Check out his weekly Monday column on RG.org, sign up for his golf newsletter, and visit OneMoreRollGolf.com to learn more about him and his work.
