Part – Golf Master

What is Lag Putting? +Tips to Improve This Part of Your Game

admin — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 18:12:50 +0000

In a recent post, I provided lag putting drills to undertake on the practice green.

However, this article takes a step back to better understand what lag putting is and how you can better execute them on the golf course. In addition, I will explain why lag putting is an effective technique to combat the dreaded 3-putt.

Following these steps will enable you, as an amateur, to confidently navigate the putting green and reduce your overall golf scores. Furthermore, I will teach you how to read grass grains and use them to your advantage in lag putts.

What is Lag Putting?

Lag putting is the art of getting the ball close to the cup on long putts. Your intention is not to sink the first putt but rather rest it within a couple of feet of the cup. This puts you in a prime position to drain the second putt. If you hit a green in regulation, that would see you card a par.

You typically pick to lag your putt when you are more than 20 feet from the hole. The majority of golfers, especially beginners, will not sink this putt. Therefore, you should set yourself up for a short putt on your next shot.

Tips on How to Hit Better Lag Putts

Soft Grip

Lighter grips are best suited for lag putts which rely on feel and judgment more than anything else. A looser grip gives you a superior putting feel for two reasons. Firstly, it allows you to feel when the putter head is veering off-path, giving you a chance to pause and correct the issue.

Secondly, a golfer who employs lighter grips for longer putts can better feel the top of the backstroke for optimal distance control. A firm grip reduces feedback, limiting your ability to judge power and putter head path.

Golf Pro Rory Hie suggests not controlling the pendulum motion. Instead, allow your grip to provide the feel of the putter’s weight in your hands. In addition, a lighter grip helps you better judge the speed of the putt to prevent you from over-hitting your putts:

Start Small

The 15, 20, 40, and 50-footer drill is one you should consistently apply in your practice sessions. Lay down five balls at each interval and start from the closest mark.

Putt all 5 balls, and do not progress to the following distance until all balls are within 3 feet of the hole. Keep going until you achieve a 100% success rate from the furthest mark. This helps you achieve a superior feel for the ideal putter length on the backstroke for each distance.

When you get onto the course, you will not fear 60-footers, as your muscle memory will take over and boost your long putting game.

Look at The Cup During Practice Strokes

Coaches often grill into high handicapper golfers, the idea of looking over the ball at address. While this is correct at setup, I discourage it during your practice stroke.

This is problematic on a lag putt where you need to judge the distance to the cup and break of the green. You cannot analyze the layout correctly if you are not focused on what lies ahead. Zero in on the hole during your pre-shot routine and take a few practice strokes to judge the required strength.

Do this as often as you need until your putting stroke replicates the shot you are about to hit. Remember your training from the Start Small drill and employ that feel for proper distance control.

Read The Green

Learning to read greens takes practice, but the faster you learn the ropes, the easier a long putt becomes. Occasionally, you may have a 50-foot downhill putt that breaks left to right. Instead of employing the same length backstroke as I would on a flat surface, I reduce my power.

In addition, I use the break of the green to take my ball towards the vicinity of the cup. Amateurs struggle with this element of the green, as the undulation is confusing and startles the average golfer.

Rickie Fowler explains that he reads the green as soon as he walks up to it. This gives him an understanding of which direction it is sloping and the level of undulation:

Once he has marked his ball, he approaches the hole from the other side to envision how the ball will travel down to the cup. Then he reads the green from behind his ball and correlates the two findings.

Once he feels the line of the putt, he can now turn his attention to the weight of his stroke. This helps him optimize his speed control for better lag putter results.

Read The Grain

Another significant factor to consider is the grass grain and the direction of its growth. Golf instructor Stefany King shows a simple trick to reading the growth direction of the grass. This helps you identify the speed of your putt and the path of your ball roll:

She suggests inspecting the cup and identifying the area that is browned out around the edge. This is the side where the grass is growing with the green. That means if you putt from that side, it will be a slower putt and a straighter line.

Conversely, if you putt from the opposite side, the ball will roll faster and gravitate to the brown side of the cup. This is a good start for beginners willing to go the extra mile for a good lag putt. Over time you will learn about the impact of Bermuda, poa, and bentgrass. But for now, this is an ideal introductory lesson.

3-Foot Radius

The key to your first long-range putt is to get it into a zone of 3-feet around the cup. Work on getting the ball past the cup, especially on downhill putts. You cannot overhit the ball, as it may roll off the green.

However, if you leave your first putt short, you will face a tricky downhill second putt, which you want to avoid as much as possible.

My advice is to position an alignment stick 3-feet behind the cup to encourage you not to pass this point on your first putt. You can follow the same procedure as the start small drill, where you hit 5 putts from different distances.

Top pick

SKLZ Golf Alignment Sticks Training Aid with 3 Sticks

Three durable, 48-inch fiberglass rods for developing consistent alignment and proper swing mechanics. Creates a consistent alignment routine during pre-swing setup. Each rod features 9 rings for precise setup, ball alignment and ball- striking. Versatile training tool – use for full swing, short game, putting and set-up. Rubber safety cap on one end; pointed on the other end to easily stick into the ground

Check Price on Amazon

In addition, there is the option to add scores into the equation to make your practice time more exciting. If you sink your first putt, you put yourself down for a birdie. However, a ball that passes the cup but remains within 3 feet equals a par.

Anything beyond the alignment stick or short of the hole is a bogey. After your 5 practice putts from each distance, tally up your score before moving to the following interval.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years. Current Handicap: 8

Source link

Galvin Green reveals bold and technical 2026 Part One collection

admin — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:42:59 +0000

Galvin Green has unveiled its 2026 Part One collection, introducing a striking new look built around bold lined designs and the most advanced performance apparel in the brand’s history.

The responsibly sourced range showcases an expanded DRYVR rainwear line up, cutting edge fabrics and the lightest windbreaker the Swedish brand has ever produced.

Driven by the new Read the Line design theme, the collection blends modern aesthetics with elite level functionality, reinforcing Galvin Green’s reputation as a leader in high performance golf clothing.

Advanced DRYVR rainwear sets new performance standard

The centrepiece of the new collection is Galvin Green’s most comprehensive DRYVR rainwear offering to date. Designed to deliver complete protection in all conditions, the range combines technical innovation with standout visual appeal.

Headlining the men’s line up is the new ARLO full zip jacket, constructed from Pertex Shield Stretch technology.

The three layer fabric is fully waterproof, highly breathable and offers exceptional stretch to support unrestricted movement through the swing.

Built using PFAS free materials, the jacket reflects Galvin Green’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Design features include a slide and glide interior to reduce friction with layers underneath, shaped sleeves for improved mobility and repositioned seams for enhanced comfort.

The jacket is available in eye catching colour combinations including Crystal Blue with Navy and White with Red, alongside classic Black with Royal Blue and Navy with White options.

The Arlo full zip jacket

Lightest ever windbreaker delivers second skin feel

Another major innovation is the launch of the LUIS short sleeve INTERFACE 1 jacket. Weighing just 94 grams, it becomes the lightest windproof garment Galvin Green has ever produced.

The bluesign approved fabric offers full wind protection with water resistance and stretches effortlessly during the swing.

Designed to pack down into a compact size, the LUIS is ideal for golfers seeking versatile performance in changing conditions.

Head of Product Sofia Ask Klason explained that the garment delivers a true second skin sensation, ensuring serious golfers remain comfortable without distraction.

The LUIS is available in Royal Blue, Black and Navy with a contrasting zipper.

The 2026 Part One collection has a striking new look

Premium layering and summer performance pieces

The INSULA mid layer range is strengthened with the introduction of the DON half zip and DARRYL crew neck sweaters.

Crafted from a new responsibly sourced fabric, both garments offer an exceptionally soft feel with breathable warmth for cooler days. Colour options include Royal Blue, Black and Navy, with White available in the DARRYL.

For warm weather play, the VENTIL8 PLUS collection introduces the MORLEY shirt featuring a contemporary straight line design and superior moisture wicking performance.

It is joined by the modern MANSFIELD shirt with an all over micro logo print and ribbed collar.

The new NICK pant and PEDRO short provide lightweight comfort with excellent breathability and mechanical stretch, available in Navy, Black and Sand.

The Women’s collection is expected to be a big success in 2026

Expanded women’s range blends style and protection

The women’s collection features four waterproof jackets in the DRYVR range, including the new ABBY jacket made from Pertex Shield Stretch fabric.

Available in Crystal Blue with White, Fuchsia with White and Navy with White, the jacket combines high performance protection with a fresh modern look.

The INSULA line is led by the DARLA full zip sweater, featuring an embossed pattern and soft stretchy comfort, while warm weather outfits are highlighted by the sleeveless MIA shirt paired with the MARIELLE skort in coordinated colourways.

Additional lightweight VENTIL8 PLUS pieces include the NEA pant, NOVA short and NINA skort, all designed to deliver maximum breathability and flexibility during summer rounds.

The Galvin Green 2026 Part One collection is available now. For more information, visit galvingreen.com

Source link

The key to better ball striking? Fix this part of your swing

admin — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:04:19 +0000

Many golfers struggle with slices, blocks and inconsistent contact without realizing that the real issue is often the clubface, not the swing path.

When the clubface is in a poor position during the downswing, golfers are forced to make last-second compensations to square it before impact. Sometimes those compensations work, but they can also lead to inconsistency and poor ball striking.

One interesting observation from studying elite players is how quickly many of them begin closing the clubface during transition. In fact, some of the best players in the world make this move within the first few inches of the downswing. The challenge is that doing so requires tremendous skill, awareness and timing.

For most recreational golfers, I prefer a simpler approach, which you can watch in the video below.

How to fix your clubface

One of my favorite drills uses a short club, such as a wedge. Grip the club normally with your lead hand, then place your trail thumb on the toe of the clubhead. As you make slow-motion practice swings, feel your lead hand twisting the grip while your trail thumb provides light resistance.

The goal isn’t to aggressively roll the clubface closed. Instead, the drill helps create awareness of how the clubface is moving throughout the downswing.

As golfers develop this skill, they begin to understand that clubface control is largely a timing equation. For a right-handed golfer, if the face closes too early, the ball tends to start left. If it closes too late, the face remains open and the ball starts right.

By improving awareness and learning to square the face earlier, golfers often find they can rotate more freely, strike the ball more solidly and eliminate many of the compensations that lead to inconsistent shots.

Sometimes better golf starts with a better understanding of what the clubface is doing rather than making wholesale swing changes. So if you’re struggling with your ball striking, check what your clubface is doing during the downswing. If you fix it, you will start making better contact in a hurry.

Source link

As Megha Ganne starts pro journey, she’s already got hard part down

admin — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:03:05 +0000

A couple of months ago, Megha Ganne, the 2025 U.S. Women’s Amateur champion and a decorated collegiate player, surprisingly missed the cut at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. And how did she take it?

She called it cool.

Let her explain.

“ANWA was cool for me because I have not played that poorly in a big event in a long time, so I guess there has always been a little pocket of my head where it’s like, What happens when you don’t play well at a really big tournament?” she said Monday at the U.S. Women’s Open, her first start as a professional.

She seems to already think and talk like a pro.

“Maybe not fear is the right word, but just curiosity of what that would look like and how that would affect me,” she continued, answering the question about how she stays confident when things don’t go her way. “At ANWA I learned the answer, and the answer is absolutely nothing. Life goes on. Then you wake up the next day and go practice. So I think just knowing there is so many opportunities, so many opportunities to prove yourself is the main thing I learned.”

That next opportunity is this week, at the 81st U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera in Pacific Palisades, Calif., and Ganne enters with some momentum. Last week, she helped her Stanford women’s golf team win the NCAA Championship, its third win in the last five years. Ganne finished second in stroke play and then went undefeated in match play, even clinching the title-winning point in the final against USC.

That put a bow on her senior year at Stanford, where over the last few years she continued to morph into one of the best amateur golfers in the country.

Now, as a professional — she finished atop the LPGA’s LCAP Ranking, meaning she has full Epson Tour status — she has new goals, like “just being comfortable being uncomfortable,” as she gets used to life on tour.

This will be Ganne’s fourth major start — and third U.S. Women’s Open — and she’s five years removed from her first, where for most of the week she was the talk of the tournament. As a 17-year-old, she held a share of the first-round lead, was tied for 3rd after 54 holes and ultimately finished 14th at the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open at The Olympic Club.

She’s played in pro events since then, but for amateurs playing up with professionals, the whole thing can feel so novel, she said. Now it’s a job.

“When you go on Tour just with an exemption or just once, you spend so much time getting accustomed to the stuff that feels a little bit different, you don’t feel like you can maybe delve into your routines as much,” she said. “So I’m excited to build those new routines and see what they look like.”

Source link