If you’ve ever walked off the green shaking your head after another three-putt, you’re not alone. Putting is often called the “game within the game,” and for good reason—nearly half of all strokes in a typical round come on the green.
The good news? Most putting struggles come down to a few common mistakes that are easy to fix with the right awareness and practice. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned golfer, correcting these errors can immediately shave strokes off your scorecard.
Here are the 10 most common putting mistakes golfers make—and simple fixes to help you putt with more confidence and consistency.
1. Poor Grip Pressure
Mistake: Holding the putter too tightly creates tension and reduces feel.
Fix: Grip the putter lightly—enough to stay in control but relaxed. Imagine holding a tube of toothpaste without squeezing any out.
2. Inconsistent Setup
Mistake: Standing differently over the ball each time leads to inconsistent strokes.
Fix: Build a routine setup. Position the ball slightly forward of center, keep your eyes over (or just inside) the ball, and square your shoulders to the target line.
3. Not Aiming Properly
Mistake: Many golfers focus on the hole instead of where the putter face is pointing.
Fix: Use the alignment line on your putter. First aim the putter face at your target, then align your feet and shoulders parallel to that line.
4. Decelerating on the Stroke
Mistake: Slowing down before impact often leaves putts short.
Fix: Keep a smooth, even tempo. Think “back-and-through” with the same rhythm on both sides of the stroke.
5. Overthinking the Line
Mistake: Spending too much time reading break leads to doubt and tension.
Fix: Read the putt, pick your line, and commit. Trusting your decision builds confidence and improves execution.
6. Ignoring Green Speed
Mistake: Treating all greens the same causes putts to roll too far or come up short.
Fix: Spend a few minutes before your round hitting putts to gauge green speed. Adjust stroke length, not force, based on conditions.
7. Using Too Much Wrist Action
Mistake: Flicking the wrists instead of rocking the shoulders creates inconsistency.
Fix: Keep the wrists quiet. Picture your arms and shoulders forming a triangle that rocks back and forth together.
8. Looking Up Too Soon
Mistake: Peeking early causes mishits and poor contact.
Fix: Keep your eyes down and your head still. Listen for the ball to drop instead of watching it immediately.
9. Poor Distance Control
Mistake: Neglecting lag putting leads to unnecessary three-putts.
Fix: Practice rolling putts to finish about three feet past the hole. This ensures you give the ball a chance to drop without leaving it short.
10. Lack of Routine
Mistake: Approaching each putt differently increases pressure and inconsistency.
Fix: Develop a simple pre-putt routine—read, align, set, stroke—and repeat it every time. Consistency builds confidence.
Final Thoughts
Putting doesn’t have to be complicated. By avoiding these 10 common mistakes and applying the simple fixes, you’ll see immediate improvement in your pace, accuracy, and overall confidence on the greens.
Remember, the best putters aren’t always the ones with the fanciest strokes—they’re the ones with the most consistent routines and the strongest belief in their line and speed.
So the next time you’re standing over a putt, relax, trust your process, and roll it with confidence.
What’s your biggest putting struggle right now? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!