Mastering Distance Control: Training Your Putting Game During a Round

When it comes to lowering your golf scores, putting is the quickest route to improvement–and mastering distance control is the cornerstone of great putting.

Imagine standing over a 40-foot putt, confident not only in your ability to lag it close but also in your skill to avoid dreaded three-putts. That confidence comes from practicing distance control, and the good news is you can do it while playing a round.

This blog will explore why distance control matters, how you can effectively train during your rounds, and how the Optimum putter is your ideal companion for this approach.

Why Distance Control Matters

Poor distance control is one of the main culprits behind three-putts. 

Consider a common scenario: you find yourself on the green of a par-4 hole after two great shots, 35 feet from the hole. If your first putt races 10 past or stops 6 feet short, your chance of saving par plummets. Poor speed can turn a birdie into a bogey even if your line was perfect.

On the flip side, players with great distance control can consistently leave lag putts within a tap-in range, taking unnecessary pressure off their game. Whether you’re a high handicapper looking to shave strokes or a mid-handicapper aiming for consistency, distance control is a skill worth sharpening.

Training While You Play: A Game-Changer

Traditional practice often involves countless hours on the practice green, which is great, but what if you could improve your skills while enjoying a round?

Training during play allows you to experience real-world conditions–actual green speeds, undulations, and the pressure of performing with a score on the line.

Let’s take another example. You’re on a sloping green, facing a 25-foot putt. Instead of just stepping up and taking the stroke, you decide to treat this as a training opportunity. Before the putt, you rehearse a few practice strokes with the distance in mind, feeling the weight of your putter and visualizing the ball rolling to the hole.

Then you execute the putt with purpose, not just to score, but to assess your touch and adapt to the green. This small shift in mindset–from simply playing to training while you play–builds confidence over time. 

Tips for Mastering Distance Control on the Course

1. Develop a Pre-Putt Routine

Your pre-putt routine should be consistent and focused. For example:

• Walk the putt’s line to get a feel for the slope.
• Take two or three practice strokes while looking at the hole to gauge distance.
• Commit and execute.

With the Optimum putter, you can enhance your routine, immensely. Its natural alignment helps you visualize the stroke path, while its balanced design ensures a smooth, controlled stroke.

2. Prioritize Feel Over Mechanics

While technique matters, focusing too much on mechanics mid-round can be counterproductive. Instead, trust the feel. Picture the ball rolling toward the hole. How much energy does it need to reach it? The more you practice this mental imagery, the more natural it becomes.

3. Lag Putt with Purpose

Lag putting is not about sinking the putt; it’s about proximity. For instance, on a 40-foot putt, your primary goal should be leaving the ball within a three-foot circle around the hole. With the Optimum’s feedback-enhancing design, you’ll learn to regulate your stroke length and tempo, improving your lag putting in real-time. 

4. Tracking Your Progress

Keep a simple mental or physical log of your long putts. For example, note whether you tend to leave putts short or hit them too hard. Over time, patterns will emerge, and you can adjust accordingly. The Optimum’s consistent feedback makes identifying these tendencies easier, helping you refine your touch.

Practice Off the Course to Support On-Course Progress

While “training while you play” is effective, combining it with off-course practice accelerates improvement. For example, set up drills that mimic real-world scenarios:

• Distance Ladder Drill: Putt to targets at 10, 20, 30, and 40 feet, focusing solely on pace.
• One-Ball Practice: Use only one ball to mimic on-course pressure.

The Optimum is a fantastic training tool for these drills, as it delivers reliable feedback in both practice and play settings.

Why the Optimum Putter Is the Ideal Companion

Unlike most putters, the Optimum is designed to bridge the gap between practice and play. Its precision engineering provides feedback that helps golfers fine-tune their stroke, while its adherence to golf’s rules ensures that you can use it during any round.

Imagine having a training aid that’s always with you on the course–that’s the Optimum.

One golfer shared how the Optimum transformed their game: “I used to dread long putts, but now I see them as opportunities to practice my distance control. Since switching to the Optimum, my three-putts have all but disappeared.” - Zack C.

Conclusion

Mastering distance control isn’t just about spending hours on the practice green. By training while you play, you can improve in real time, building confidence and consistency on the course. With its innovative design, the Optimum putter makes this process seamless, helping you enjoy the game while improving your skills.

Ready to take your putting game to the next level? Explore the Optimum and start mastering distance control today.