Putting is a critical component of golf, accounting for nearly 40% of all strokes in a typical round. It is often the difference between winning and losing, as even the longest drives and precise iron shots can be negated by missed opportunities on the green. Mastery of putting not only lowers scores but also builds confidence, as players who can consistently hole putts under pressure gain a significant advantage over their competitors.

Improving your putting isn’t just about reducing strokes; it’s about maximizing the effort invested in every other aspect of your game. Take Nick Taylor’s victories, for example. The PGA Tour star, in 2023, became the first Canuck to win the Canadian Open since 1954. He didn’t rank well on the putting charts (currently too he’s 109th, -0.340) Yet, back then he won the event with a 72-foot eagle putt in a playoff. And just this Sunday too at the 2025 Sony Open, he forced a playoff with a clutch 60-foot birdie. So you see, it’s not just about nailing every putt, but about the putts that matter. And here are some tips for you to do that:

1. Use alignment sticks

The first and foremost thing to work on your putting and getting the club face alignment is using some alignment sticks. Start by putting a couple of clubs on the ground. Secondly, what you can do to make things easier is draw a line on your ball. But how will that help your putting skills?

You can aim it from behind, which will help you improvise your putting alignment. It is always easier to make the right aim from behind it than beside it. 

2. Use your clubs to form railroad tracks

Just like with your long game, laying a few clubs on the ground can help you visualize what square, open, and closed alignments look like in relation to your target. While perfect alignment isn’t always necessary, being misaligned—thinking you’re open when you’re actually closed, for example—can lead to consistent issues with your putting. Establishing a clear sense of alignment will ensure greater consistency and accuracy on the greens.

3. Keep your shoulders in square

Use a club under your armpits to see where your shoulders are in relation to your feet and target line. Open or closed shoulders are an issue that is usually affected by your grip. Be wary: Golfers with left-hand low grips tend to have closed shoulders at address, while golfers who use the traditional, right-hand low putter grip tend to have open shoulders. 

4. Make sure that your right side is in proper form

One of the most common mistakes spotted in putting is the hand being on top rather than what is actually required. Always remember, whenever your right hand is always exactly opposite to your left hand placing, you will have a poor alignment. This is why it is important to have a practice round and see the ratio between your left-hand placing and the right one.

Additionally, you should always keep track of your right forearm. If it ends up riding higher than what’s needed, you will get too open to your target while setting up.

This is why you should always ensure that your right forearm is always in alignment with the shaft of your club. But where does the left forearm go? Put the left forearm at the address. This will only help elevate the odds of consistently aiming more toward your target.

5. Align your setup with the hole

Setting up while looking at the hole and trusting your stroke during putting is essential for consistency and accuracy. Focusing on the hole helps your brain gauge distance more effectively, improving pace control and reducing misalignment. It encourages natural alignment, engages muscle memory, and fosters a smooth, confident stroke by eliminating overthinking and second-guessing.

This approach minimizes distractions, keeps you in the moment, and reinforces trust in your routine, resulting in more consistent and successful putts.

Although mastering putting can be frustrating, it is important to remember that your short game becomes crucial in improving your score. Do you have anything to add to this list of tips to improve the putting game? Share them with us in the comments section below!