The Secret to Speed Control? It’s Not What You Think
/Speed control is one of the most critical aspects of putting. If you struggle with distance control, you’re going to leave yourself long comeback putts or missable short putts. Most golfers assume the key to better speed control is adjusting stroke length or tempo—but there’s a deeper issue at play.
Why Most Golfers Struggle with Speed Control
In my lesson with a student who was leaving putts short, we analyzed his stroke using SAM PuttLab. His timing, rhythm, and dynamics were excellent—so why was his speed control so inconsistent?
His answer surprised me: “I don’t really have a purpose when I hit putts.”
This is a common issue. Many golfers focus on avoiding mistakes rather than committing to a clear target. Instead of aiming to roll the ball to a precise location, they simply hope to lag it close.
The Fix: Stop Reacting, Start Executing
Most golfers adjust their stroke based on the previous putt. If they leave one short, they instinctively hit the next one harder. If they blow it past, they dial it back. This constant overcorrection creates inconsistency.
The best putters don’t react—they execute a consistent process.
A New Approach to Speed Control
Instead of making random adjustments, I taught my student the 10% Rule:
Your dispersion should be 10% of the putt’s length. A 30-foot putt should finish within a 3-foot window beyond the hole.
Focus on rolling the ball to a target one grip-length past the hole, rather than just “getting it close.”
We practiced this approach on my speed control putting green, which allows for putts up to 45 feet. By committing to a specific target, his speed control improved dramatically in just one session.
How to Apply This to Your Game
Define your target. Instead of just trying to lag putts close, aim to roll the ball one grip-length past the hole.
Use the 10% Rule. Keep your dispersion within 10% of the putt’s length.
Stick to your process. Stop overcorrecting based on the last putt—focus on executing your plan.
Great speed control isn’t about reacting—it’s about committing.
The Secret to Speed Control? It’s Not What You Think
Tee Claw:
I love using the Tee Claw! It provides a great visual without interfering with the ball roll. Get yours here:
Visual: The 10% Rule for Speed Control
A diagram showing a target zone for a put of 30’. I love using the Tee Claw! It provides a great visual without interfering with the ball roll. Get yours here: [Insert Link] just past the hole (one grip-length) and the 10% dispersion area based on putt length.
Drill: The One Grip-Length Roll
Objective: Improve speed control by focusing on rolling the ball past the hole by one grip-length.
Setup:
Place a tee claw one grip-length behind the hole.
Putt from 15, 25, and 35 feet, trying to stop the ball inside that zone.
Track how many putts finish in the correct range.
Progression:
Once you consistently stop putts in the target area, challenge yourself with longer distances.
If you leave putts short, focus on increasing tempo rather than stroke length.
Key Takeaway:
Stop adjusting based on your last putt. Instead, train yourself to roll the ball to a consistent target.
tee Claw 10% Rule best putting drill for speed control - Dennis Sales golf academy