7 Best Golf Putting Books For Lower Scores
If you want to score lower without changing your swing, there's one area you have to master: putting.
Putting accounts for roughly 40% of all strokes in a typical round—yet most golfers spend far more time on the range than the green. The truth is, you can stripe it off the tee and hit every green in regulation, but if you're averaging 36+ putts per round, you're leaving strokes on the table.
The best players in the world all have different putting strokes, routines, and grips—but they share one thing: a deep belief in their ability on the greens. That belief is built through smart practice and a strong mental approach—both of which are shaped by great information.
In this post, I’m sharing some of the best golf putting books that have helped shape my own philosophy—and can help you build more confidence, sharpen your skills, and sink more putts. Or, you can also read my favorite golf books of all time too.
7 Best Golf Putting Books
Before we dive into the list, I want to make something clear: Putting isn’t just a skill—it’s a mindset. That’s why putting is one of the five pillars of Wicked Smart Golf, and why I’ve dedicated full sections to it in both of my books:
- Wicked Smart Golf: Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing–In the original book, I break down putting as one of the key tools to start scoring lower immediately—no swing change required.
- Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently– In Book 2, I go deeper with a full 7-step Putting Confidence System that’s helped thousands of golfers improve their mindset, routine, and performance on the greens.
While those systems have worked incredibly well for Wicked Smart readers, I also want to share some of the external books that influenced my own putting journey. These books—some classics, some underrated—have helped me gain a deeper understanding of green reading, mental focus, pre-putt routines, and clutch performance under pressure.
1. Putting Out of Your Mind by Dr. Bob Rotella
When it comes to the mental side of putting, Putting Out of Your Mind is the gold standard. Dr. Bob Rotella breaks down what separates great putters from average ones—and spoiler: it’s not mechanics. It’s belief, confidence, and commitment.
I did a full breakdown in this blog review of Putting Out of Your Mind, and also shared some of my biggest takeaways in the above video. If you struggle with trusting your stroke, second-guessing reads, or putting well under pressure, this book is a must-read.
It’s not about technical instruction—it’s about training your mind to let go, trust your routine, and putt with conviction.
As Dr. Bob said, “If you think the putter you’re using will help you, it probably will. Conversely, if you think the putter you’re using is worthless, it most likely will be."
2. Zen Putting by Dr. Joseph Parent
Dr. Joseph Parent’s follow-up to Zen Golf (which made my list of the best golf books for the mental game) is a masterclass in putting. He has an incredible way of simplifying the game, and Zen Putting focuses on everything from green reading and visualization to pre-putt routines and letting go of results.
I’ve interviewed Dr. Parent twice on the podcast, and many of the principles in this book have made a lasting impact on my own putting philosophy. One of my favorite practice drills he shared was this:
Add more break to your long putts. Try placing your phone over the low side of the cup in practice to visually force yourself to aim higher. This mental shift can make a huge difference in green reading.
In our second interview (and in my book Wicked Smart Golf II), I highlighted one of the most powerful mindset shifts he teaches: “The definition of making a putt is: I love the way it left the putter.” – Dr. Joseph Parent, Episode 320
According to him, a “made” putt comes down to three things:
- A clean, end-over-end roll
- Starting it on your intended line
- Hitting it with the pace you visualized
If you check those boxes—even if it doesn’t fall—you’ve done your job. That reframe alone can completely transform your confidence on the greens.
3. Unconscious Putting by. Dave Stockton
This is one of the shortest but most impactful books on this list. In Unconscious Putting, legendary coach Dave Stockton focuses on the mental side of putting, building confidence through routine and athleticism rather than overthinking mechanics.
His philosophy is all about feeling the putt—not guiding or steering it. If you’ve ever felt robotic or tense over short putts, this book will help you simplify and trust your instincts. I’ve re-read it multiple times and still come away with reminders that help me putt with more freedom and flow.
4. Your Brain Swings Every Club by Dr. Izzy Justice
While not a putting-specific book, this one has dramatically improved my putting routines and mindset on the greens. Dr. Izzy Justice, creator of the GYRA Golf system (which I’ve called one of my favorite books ever on my podcast), dives deep into the neuroscience of performance—especially how to get into the zone under pressure.
One lesson from Your Brain Swings Every Club that’s transformed my approach: when picking a target on putts, especially short ones, choose a precise spot near or inside the cup—and look at it often. As Dr. Justice explains, the more you “paint the wall” by reviewing your target, the more likely your brain is to burn that spot in and execute automatically.
This book is short, easy to read, and loaded with practical tools to stay calm, focused, and consistent—especially when putting under pressure.
5. The Putting Prescription by Dr. Craig L. Farnsworth
The Putting Prescription leans more technical than others on the list, but it’s packed with practical insights for golfers who want to build a repeatable, confident putting stroke. Dr. Farnsworth covers eye dominance, setup tweaks, grip options, and routine-building strategies that can take your consistency to the next level.
If you’ve plateaued with feel-based putting books and want to get a little more detailed in your approach—without getting overwhelmed—this is a great next step.
6. Putting My Way by Jack Nicklaus
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better source than the greatest major champion of all time. In Putting My Way, Jack Nicklaus shares the putting lessons he learned throughout his career—how he approached pressure, chose lines, and trusted his routine when everything was on the line.
It’s not a long or technical read, but it’s full of timeless wisdom and old-school perspective from someone who always delivered in big moments. If you’re trying to be more clutch on the greens, this is a must-read.
7. Dave Pelz’s Putting Bible by Dave Pelz
The Putting Bible is the most in-depth and technical book on the list—and it comes from one of the most respected short game minds in the game. Dave Pelz’s research-based approach to putting covers aim, green reading, speed control, and routine development in extensive detail.
If you’re a data-driven golfer or someone who wants to truly understand why you miss putts and how to fix them, this book delivers. It’s long, but full of gold. Pelz worked closely with Phil Mickelson and helped shape one of the best short games in history.
RIP to Dave Pelz, whose legacy will continue to help golfers sharpen their skills for decades to come.
Other Putting Resources
Looking to dive even deeper into building confidence on the greens? Start by reading my guide to becoming your own putting coach.
Plus, here are a few more putting tools, strategies, and reviews that can help you putt smarter and shoot lower.
Look and Shoot Putting Method
The Look and Shoot Method is a simplified method helps eliminate overthinking by training your eyes to lead the stroke, not your hands. It’s a powerful way to build feel and trust your instincts, without changing your stroke.
DECADE Golf App
DECADE is a game changer when it comes to course management so you can think like a pro. But, the app also has a "Simulated Putting" feature that makes it easy to track strokes gained and practice like a pro.
PuttView Yardage Books
I firmly believe that PuttView books are the best in the business as they go beyond tee shots and show detailed green contours, ideal if you take course management and putting strategy seriously. They’re tournament-legal and incredibly helpful when reading complex slopes.
PrimePutt Mats
There's no doubt that PrimePutt has the best putting mats in the game. Are they cheap? No, but they're worth the investment if you're serious about improving your short game.
You can use the code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10% and improve your indoor putting like never before.
WhyGolf Putting Thing Review
One of my favorite putting aids, the Putting Thing teaches proper face control and start line in a simple, effective way. It’s a go-to tool in my putting routine and something I regularly recommend to Wicked Smart Golfers.
Check out my full review to learn more.
Closing Thoughts
Putting is one of the fastest ways to drop strokes—and it doesn’t require speed, strength, or a swing overhaul. It’s a skill built on confidence, routine, and focused practice.
The books and resources above have all played a role in shaping my own putting philosophy, and I hope they do the same for you. Whether you're trying to break 90, 80, or go even lower, mastering the mental and physical aspects of putting will give you a huge edge.
Keep learning. Keep practicing. And most of all—keep believing in your stroke. That’s what Wicked Smart Golf is all about.
If you want even more help, check out the full Putting Confidence System inside Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently. Plus, countless tips to shoot in the 70s more often without swing changes.
