Score More Birdies: 7 Must-Know Golf Putting Tips for Amateurs
You know the pressure if you've ever stood over a putt with your palms sweaty and your heart pounding. It's that one shot that can make or break your round. Putting is where the magic—and the heartbreak—often happens. And here's a wild stat: putting accounts for nearly 40% of strokes in a typical round of golf. That's right—almost half of your score is how well you perform on the green.
Whether you're just getting into the game or grinding to lower your handicap, fine-tuning your putting can deliver faster results than upgrading your driver. At ScoreThat.com, we're here to help you sink more putts and slash strokes off your card. In this guide, we break down seven proven golf putting tips—perfect for beginners and amateur players alike. Expect real advice tested by fellow golfers and insights pulled from feedback from all over the world to help focus on improving your scores.
Ready to roll it like a pro? Let's get into it.
Why Putting Is the Fastest Way to Lower Your Score
Before we tee off into the tips, let's talk about why putting deserves your attention.
According to PGA Tour ShotLink data, the average amateur takes about 36 putts per round. That's a ton of strokes—and a massive opportunity to improve. You don't need a big swing or an expensive club to be a great putter. What you need is a solid routine, smart reads, and a little confidence.
Dial in your putting, and suddenly, you're not just saving pars—you're setting up birdies.
1. Read Greens Like a Detective
Reading greens isn't just about looking at the line—it's about understanding the terrain. Many beginners rush this step, but the difference between a two-putt and a three-putt often comes down to how well you read the surface.
Here's how to do it right:
Survey from Behind the Ball: Stand back and assess the slope, contours, and overall layout. If you can, walk around the putt.
Check the Grain: If the grass looks shiny, you're putting with the grain (faster). If it's dull, you're going against it (slower).
Feel with Your Feet: Walk along your putting line and feel any slope changes. Pros use this subtle technique all the time.
Trust Your Gut: Once you commit to a read, don't second-guess. Tentative putts rarely find the cup.
Why this works: One Amazon reviewer of a home putting aid said that green-reading practice cut their three-putts in half. Just imagine how many strokes you could save by mastering this one skill.
2. Set Up with a Stance You Can Repeat
Your stance is your putting foundation. If it's wobbly or inconsistent, your results will be too.
Here's a checklist for a solid setup:
Feet Shoulder-Width Apart: This gives you balance without restricting your motion.
Ball Position Just Forward of Center: Ideally, under your lead eye—this promotes a smooth roll.
Bend from the Hips, Not the Back: Keeps your eyes directly over the ball and helps with alignment.
Light Grip Pressure: Think "soft hands." Tension is the enemy of feel.
Why this works: Practicing your stance builds muscle memory. One golfer on Reddit said that narrowing their stance made them feel "anchored," which helped them strike the ball more cleanly.
3. Choose a Putter That Fits You
Picking a putter isn't just about brand or style—it's about matching the tool to your natural stroke. And the right one can do wonders for your confidence.
Here's what to look for:
Blade vs. Mallet: Blades (like the Odyssey White Hot) suit arcing strokes. Mallets (like the TaylorMade Spider) are better for straight strokes and offer more forgiveness.
Proper Length: A poorly fitted putter can affect your posture. Most amateurs do best with a 34–35" putter but try before you buy.
Weight & Feel: Heavier heads help on slower greens; lighter ones suit faster greens. Find what feels best in your hands.
Try Before You Buy: Visit a local golf shop and test a few models. Feel matters a lot.
Why this works: A Golf Digest reader said, "When my putter felt like an extension of my arms, everything changed."
4. Master Speed with Proven Drills
You could pick the perfect line, but without the right speed, you're either short or long—and still not in the hole.
Try these three drills to dial in your distance control:
Ladder Drill: Place tees at 3, 6, 9, and 12 feet. Try to stop your putt just past each tee, one by one.
Two-Putt Challenge: Try to two-putt from 20, 30, and 40 feet, aiming to leave your first within a 3-foot circle.
Eyes-Closed Putt: Close your eyes during practice to develop feelings. It forces you to rely on touch instead of sight.
Why this works: Amazon reviewers consistently say these drills boosted their feel and reduced three-putts. One even called the ladder drill a "game-changer" for long-range control.
5. Strengthen Your Mental Game
Even if your technique is flawless, nerves can wreck your stroke. Putting under pressure is all about keeping your mind calm and focused.
Try these techniques:
Visualize Success: Picture the ball rolling along your line and dropping in.
Deep Breaths: Calm your heart rate with one or two slow breaths before your stroke.
Stick to the Process: Focus on your pre-shot routine instead of the outcome.
Accept the Misses: Even pros only make 50% of 8-footers. Don't beat yourself up.
Why this works: Golfers who train their minds stay composed in tense moments. One Reddit user credited this mindset shift with helping them win a club match after years of "choking" on short putts.
6. Use Tools That Make Practice Fun (and Productive)
You don’t need a putting green in your backyard. A few affordable tools can make home practice highly effective.
Our top picks:
Putting Mats: Try the Perfect Practice Mat for realistic surfaces and helpful alignment lines.
PuttOut Pressure Trainer: Delivers instant feedback and makes practice addictive.
Putting Mirrors: Check your eye and shoulder alignment instantly.
Indoor Cups: Keep one at your desk or living room for quick, casual practice.
Why this works: Building confidence starts with repetition. One Amazon reviewer said daily mat practice shaved four putts off their average score.
7. Create a Reliable Pre-Putt Routine
A solid pre-putt routine calms the nerves and keeps your mechanics steady—especially when the pressure's on.
Build a routine like this:
Read the Green: Do this first—don't wait until you're standing over the ball.
Take Practice Swings: Focus on stroke feel and rhythm.
Align with Purpose: Set your putter and feet, then commit to your line.
Roll It Smoothly: Don't overthink—roll the ball with confidence.
Why this works: A repeatable routine removes doubt. One golfer told Golf Digest, "It's like flipping a switch—once I start my routine, I stop worrying."
Final Thoughts: Putting Is Where Scores Are Made
If you want to lower your handicap, start with putting. It's the part of the game where finesse, feel, and focus matter most—and where amateurs can gain a considerable edge.
Whether you’re just learning the basics or trying to shave a few strokes off, these tips for beginners and amateurs alike will help you roll the rock with confidence.
Want to keep getting better? Check out more golf improvement guides at ScoreThat.com, where we cover everything from driving distance to mental toughness. And don't forget—practice doesn't have to be boring. Grab your favorite putting tool, hit the living room green, and start dropping those birdies.
What’s your favorite putting drill or tool? Drop a comment below—we'd love to hear from you.