Putting Coaching: How to Improve Without a Coach

If you’re struggling on the greens, you’re not alone. Putting is the part of the game where even the best players in the world can look like amateurs—and it’s also where most golfers can shave strokes off their score faster than anywhere else.

Many players assume they need putting coaching to fix their stroke or improve their confidence. But here’s the truth: with the right habits, tools, and mindset, you can become your own best putting coach.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to take control of your putting and develop a smarter practice schedule—without the cost or hassle of hiring a coach. These are the exact strategies I use as a +2 handicap. 

Why You Do NOT Need Putting Coaching 

Hiring a putting coach can certainly help in some cases—especially for players at the elite level or those with major flaws in their mechanics. But for most amateur golfers, the biggest gains don’t come from having someone watch you putt for an hour.

The real problem most golfers face on the greens isn’t a lack of talent—it’s a lack of focus, structure, and feedback in their practice.

Here’s why coaching yourself is not only possible, but often more effective:
✅ You save time and money you can reinvest into practice.
✅ You develop a repeatable practice routine you can use anytime, anywhere.
✅ You learn how to identify your own tendencies and adjust in real-time on the course.

Instead of spending hundreds of dollars and relying on someone else to tell you what to do, you can use the same techniques and tools the pros use—on your own schedule.

Step 1: Record Your Putting Stroke

The first step to coaching yourself is seeing what’s actually happening in your stroke. Set up your phone on an iRange Sports Stick, tripod, or have a friend film you. Then, record your stroke from both face-on and down-the-line angles.

Make sure you capture a few putts of different lengths—short, mid-range, and lag putts—to get a full picture of your tendencies. Remember, you can’t fix what you can’t see, and video gives you instant feedback, just like a coach would.

Plus, having videos will help you break out of a putting slump in the future and give you a blueprint for success.

Step 2: Analyze Your Putting Stroke Like a Coach 

As you review the footage, ask yourself:

• Are my wrists quiet?
• How does my path look?
• Is my head staying still?
• Is my ball position correct?
• Are my feet and shoulders aligned properly?
• Are my eyes directly over, inside, or outside the ball?
• Are my hands too low (raising the toe) or too close (raising the heel of the putter)?
  

Chances are you’ll find something at setup such as eye position, shoulder alignment, or ball position. Pick 1–2 things and compare to previous videos when you’re putting well to see how it compares. 

Step 3: Make Adjustments  

Once you’ve identified the areas to improve, make one adjustment at a time. Don’t try to fix everything at once—focus on the biggest issue first.

✅ If your alignment is off, work on setting up square to the target.
✅ If your stroke path is inconsistent, use a gate drill or putting training aid to groove the right motion.
✅ If your tempo is rushed, try counting, using the Tour Tempo app, or using a metronome. 

In the next few sessions, prioritize putting at the course and at home. If you don’t have an indoor putting mat, you’re missing out! Even 10–15 minutes per day can help you dial in your fundamentals even with a busy schedule. 

Step 4: Check Your Putting Routines

Once the mechanics are sound, don’t forget to ensure you have a consistent green reading and putting routine (learn how to read greens here). 

If you want to bring your best putting to the course under pressure, a reliable routine is non-negotiable. As Ken Brown said, “A good routine becomes a subconscious comforter and the backbone to hole more putts under pressure.”

A great putting routine keeps you focused, builds confidence, and prevents overthinking. Start by locking in a clear green reading process, then commit fully to your intended line. 

Use a consistent setup—whether you prefer aligning the ball with a line or playing it by feel— and stick with it. Take 1–2 purposeful rehearsal strokes, exhale to relax, and step into the ball with confidence.

Whatever routine you choose, keep it simple, repeatable, and timed consistently on every putt — whether it’s a two-footer for par or a 20-footer for birdie. The key is to trust it, especially when the pressure is on. As Rory McIlroy’s missed putt at the 2024 U.S. Open reminded us, abandoning your routine at the wrong moment can be costly.

You can grab my FREE putting-routine checklist here if you want to learn more about the process.

Step 5: Get a Custom Putter Fitting 

One of the most effective—yet overlooked—ways to improve your putting is investing in a proper putter fitting. Most golfers don’t think twice about dropping $600 on a new driver or $1,200 on irons, yet hesitate to spend a fraction of that on the club they use most often. 

The right putter can last for years (just ask Tiger Woods, who still uses his iconic Scotty Cameron) and immediately boost your confidence on the greens. A fitting takes the guesswork out of finding a putter that actually matches your stroke and setup. 

• A good fitter can recommend a better style for your stroke type, tweak your length or lie angle
• They can act like a putting coach and spot subtle setup issues—like eyes out of position, a closed face at address, or a grip that’s too thin or thick for your hands. 
• These small details have a huge impact on your ability to start putts on line and control speed.

Whether you opt for a forgiving high-MOI mallet, adjust your lie angle a few degrees, or simply swap to a thicker grip, the improvements can be immediate. Think of it as an investment in your game—and a key step toward becoming your own putting coach.

Recommended Putting Resources 

To help you implement everything you’ve learned and take your putting practice to the next level, here are some of my favorite tools and systems. These resources make it easier to practice with purpose, build confidence, and develop the habits of a great putter — whether you’re at home, on the practice green, or preparing for a big round.

Putting Thing - The BEST Putting Training Aid

The Putting Thing is my favorite putting aid for improving start line and getting immediate feedback on your stroke. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a must-have for golfers who want to practice with intention. Whether you’re working on mechanics or building confidence, this tool makes practice fun and purposeful.

Read my full review to learn why it’s great for all skill levels. 

Look and Shoot Putting Method 

The Look and Shoot Method teaches you how to trust your instincts and quiet your mind on the greens. This approach is perfect for golfers who overanalyze and struggle to commit to their reads. Once you learn how to “look and shoot,” putting feels more natural and instinctive — just like the pros. 

HackMotion

HackMotion isn't just the best wrist trainer in golf for your full swing, it's also a powerful tool to improve your putting. It can act like a coach and teach you if you're using your wrists properly to make a consistent putting stroke. 

Read my full HackMotion review now.

PuttView Yardage Books  

PuttView makes the most detailed yardage and green books in golf, showing you slopes, contours, and precise breaks. These books give you confidence on every putt by removing the guesswork. Whether you’re competing in tournaments or just want to improve your green reading, PuttView is a great investment. 

See how it stacks up against competitors like Strackaline or GolfLogix. 

Tour Tempo Total Game App 

The Tour Tempo app helps you master your rhythm and flow on the greens by teaching you the same tempos used by the best players in the world. Many golfers struggle with speed control, and this app helps you find a consistent pace. It’s also great for syncing your full game to a reliable rhythm.

Invest in an Indoor Putting Green 

PrimePutt is the best indoor putting mat I’ve tested, offering a realistic roll and durable construction that makes it feel like a true green. Practicing at home becomes more engaging and productive with this mat.  

It’s perfect for staying sharp between rounds or during the offseason. Read my full review or watch the YouTube video below. You can also use the code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10% on your PrimePutt putting mat.

When to Hire a Putting Coach

While there’s nothing wrong with working with a coach, I believe most putting problems are mental—or stem from simple setup issues that you can fix yourself with the right tools and habits. That said, hiring a putting coach can make sense if you’ve already tried to coach yourself and still feel stuck, lack confidence, or struggle to identify what’s wrong.

A coach can also help if you’re preparing for high-level tournaments, have access to advanced technology like SAM PuttLab, or simply want a second set of eyes to fine-tune your technique. Just remember: even if you do hire a coach, the real improvement still comes down to your practice habits, mindset, and routine.

Closing Thoughts 

Improving your putting doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or overwhelming. With the right practice habits, a solid routine, and a few smart tools, you can become your own best putting coach and transform your performance on the greens.

Start applying these tips, track your progress, and stay consistent—you’ll be amazed how quickly your confidence grows and your scores drop. And if you ever feel stuck, don’t hesitate to get help from a trusted coach to take your game even further.

Here’s to fewer three-putts, more birdies, and putting with confidence every round!