07/15/2026
The Open Championship kicks off at Royal Birkdale this week, and with firm, fast conditions expected, the greens will be a masterclass in speed control.
SWIPE AND READ BELOW FOR 3 PUTTING TIPS FROM THE PROS YOU CAN USE ANYWHERE:
1. SPEED IS KING. A lag putt struck with solid tempo and stroke path fundamentals leaves you inside 6 feet. Picture a pendulum and lengthen the arc for longer distance.
2. READ THE BREAK FROM THE SIDE. Walk to the side of your line to spot uphill vs. downhill sections and where the break is steepest. Favor the high side — as the ball slows, it should roll toward the hole, not away from it.
3. OWN 6 FEET AND IN. Mix block practice (repetition, same putt) with variable practice (changing lengths/angles) to build a stroke you trust under pressure. Try the ladder drill (progressively longer putts) or circle drill (one ball, multiple angles around the hole) to groove your must-makes.
⛳️ Train your path with the Putter Key’s back target — the arrow and circle show if you are out, straight, or in so every stroke builds real feel. ⛳