Lydia Ko always focusses on short putts – here’s why

If you arrive at the golf course and only have a short time to get ready, it’s a good idea to head to the putting green.

If you have time to stretch before getting started then even better, but as Lydia Ko explains, getting confident with the putter can stand you in good stead before teeing off.

The two-time major winner told bunkered.co.uk that she likes to keep it simple on the putting green before her rounds, but that it’s vital to build confidence with the short stick.

“I keep it simple. I don’t really do anything too technical on the putting green, especially before going out on to the course,” she said.

• Is this move the key to Rory McIlroy’s putting problems?

However, there is a routine the former world No.1 likes to stick to. It’s nothing too technical, but something that she can stick to no matter the occasion.

“Before a round I’ll do nine long range putts and then nine putts from closer range, I call these ‘birdie range’ putts.”

After that, the last thing she does is hit putts from close range. This isn’t so much about getting a feel for her stroke or for the pace of the greens, but more to build confidence and see the ball hit the bottom of the cup.

“Hitting short putts before you go out is great as it gives you that feeling of the ball going in before heading to the tee,” she said.

• Sleeve more putts with this connection drill

“I always hit a lot of short putts before I go out just to get that confidence. I probably aim for ten short ones to hit the back of the hole before going to the course.”

It’s a method that bunkered Performance Panel member Ailsa Murphy is fully onboard with too.  

“Before going out for a tournament round, one thing I always do is hit some very short putts just to hear the ball hitting the bottom of the cup,” she said.  

• Reviewed! Here’s what our expert thinks of TaylorMade’s new P790 irons

“The more I hear the ball hitting the bottom of the cup the more it builds confidence. This could be very short putts, but if you’re on the putting green and missing lots of putts, it’s not great for getting a feel of picking the ball out of the hole.

“Even if they’re short, if they all go in and you hear that rattle in the cup, you feel really good about yourself.” 

Meanwhile, on the golf course, Ko, who is ranked fifth in putting average this year on the LPGA Tour, makes sure to use a line on her ball to take out a variable in her putting.

• Rory McIlroy’s Ryder Cup build-up

“I’ve always used the line on my ball, except sometimes on very long putts where it really is all about pace.

“Alignment is one thing I can always control with my putting. So, why not use it to my advantage?”

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor