How to Putt for Beginners- The New Golfer Starter Series Lesson #5

Putting is one of the simplest parts of golf to start learning.  For regular golfers, you can you putt up to 30 to 40 times in a round of golf so it's worth learning a repeatable preparation and action. 

You don't need a big swing and you don't need to hit the ball a long way.

The basic goal is simply:

Start the ball in the right direction and roll it the right distance.

In this lesson, we'll show you a simple putting setup and stroke that you can use the first time you step onto a putting green.

 

1. Start With a Comfortable Putting Grip

You don't need to worry about complicated putting grips when you're starting.

Hold the putter comfortably with both hands. Keep it more in the palm of your hands than your fingers, the opposite of how you should hold other golf clubs. 

Your hands should feel connected and your grip pressure should be light enough that your arms and shoulders can move freely. 

Remember:

  • COMFORTABLE HANDS
  • LIGHT GRIP
  • BOTH HANDS WORKING TOGETHER
Beginner golf putting grip showing how to hold a putter

2. Stand Comfortably Over the Ball

Your putting stance doesn't need to be complicated either.

Stand with your feet roughly shoulder-width apart or slightly narrower.

Bend forward gently so your arms can hang comfortably underneath your shoulders.

Position the ball around the middle of your stance. Head Still and Eyes on the ball. 

You should feel balanced and relaxed.

Step 2. Beginner golfer demonstrating a simple putting setup

3. Point the Putter at Your Target

Before making the stroke, decide where you want the ball to start.

The front of your putter should be aimed toward that starting point.

For very short, straight putts, that might simply be the middle of the hole.

Beginner Tip

Don't worry about reading complicated slopes yet.

Start by practising relatively straight putts.

Step 3. Golf putter aimed along the target line toward the hole

4. Make a Small Back-and-Through Stroke

Putting is not a miniature golf swing.

There is very little body movement.

Allow your shoulders and arms to move the putter gently backwards and then forwards through the ball.

Think:

BACK → THROUGH

Try to keep the movement smooth rather than hitting suddenly at the ball.

step 4. Beginner putting stroke showing start, backswing and follow-through
Beginner putting stroke showing start, backswing and follow-through

5. Let the Putter Roll the Ball

You don't need to scoop the ball into the air.

The putter is designed to start the ball rolling along the green.

Make your stroke and allow the putter to continue slightly toward your target after contact.

Let the putt roll on the ground and not jump

6. Distance Is More Important Than Perfect Direction

One of the most useful things a beginner can learn is how far the ball rolls with different-sized strokes.

If you are 10 metres from the hole, you probably aren't expecting every putt to go in.

Your first goal should be getting the ball reasonably close.

A putt that finishes near the hole makes your next putt much easier.

Remember:

DISTANCE FIRST

Putting distance control for beginner golfers

Your First Putting Practice

You can get putting practice in many ways

  • at some golf driving ranges that have golf practice greens too.
  • you can practice at home with a golf putting mat.
  • you can practice at the golf course on practice putting greens prior to playing or even after a round

One of the easiest ways to practice is to start close to the hole.

Place a ball about one meter away and try to roll it into the hole.

Once you become comfortable, move farther away.

Try:

1 METRE

→

2 METRES

→

5 METRES

Then practise longer putts where the goal is simply to finish close to the hole.

Beginner putting practice from one, two and five metres

Don't Worry About Reading Greens Yet

As you play more golf, you'll learn that putts can curve because of the slope of the green.

Golfers call this break.

For now, you only need to understand one simple idea:

A ball will tend to roll toward the lower side of the green.  

For uphill putts there is usually minimal slope movement. 

You don't need to become an expert at reading greens before playing golf.

Experience will teach you far more than trying to memories complicated putting rules.

golf putting green

Three Common Beginner Putting Mistakes

1. Trying to hit the ball

Think about making a smooth stroke instead.

2. Looking up too quickly

Make the stroke first. Then watch where the ball goes.

3. Trying too hard to make every putt

Especially from longer distances, concentrate on getting the ball close.

3 common beginner putting mistakes

Beginner Putting Checklist

Before you putt, remember these five things:

  • Hold the putter comfortably

  • Stand balanced over the ball with your head still

  • Aim toward your starting point and keep your eye on the ball

  • Make a smooth back-and-through stroke

  • Concentrate on distance

Beginner golf putting checklist

What's Next? Let's get ready to play your first round