Speed - Step One Save Plan

✅ Step 1: Pick Your Speed First

Golf is a game of precision, rhythm, and repeatable habits. But before you can align, visualize, or even execute the perfect stroke, you must first master the one element that underpins them all: Speed.

Why Speed Matters

Speed affects every swing — not just putts. Whether you’re hitting a chip, lag putt, or full iron into a green, speed determines how far the ball travels and what kind of shot shape and spin you can produce.

But nowhere is speed more critical than on the green.

“There are 4 ways to miss a putt — left, right, long, or short. But if you control your speed, you eliminate short. Now there are only 3 ways to miss. That’s putting the odds in your favor.”

Proper speed means:

• Short putts drop instead of lipping out.

• Long putts roll close enough to tap in.

• You avoid dreaded three-putts and gain strokes on the field.Puts and Chips Align Based on Speed 

What Proper Speed Looks Like

• On putts: The ball should roll 12–18 inches past the hole if missed. That pace ensures the ball holds its line and gives it a chance to fall.

• On chips and pitches: Controlled speed allows for predictable rollout. That builds confidence in distance control.

• On full swings: Tempo is a key part of speed. Slower doesn’t mean weaker — smooth acceleration is often more effective than brute force.

• Puts and Chips Align Based on Speed 

  Now that you know how fast you want the ball to travel, adjust your aim accordingly:

  • More speed = less break = aim closer to the hole

  • Less speed = more break = aim wider

  Then:

  • Align the clubface to the chosen line

  • Set your body parallel to that line, not directly at the target

  Many amateurs mistakenly align their bodies to the target rather than the intended path. This causes pulls, slices, and inconsistency. Start with the clubface—let your body follow.

How to Practice Speed

Here are 3 drills to help refine your speed:

1. The Circle Drill (Putting)
Place 4 tees around the hole at 12–18 inches away. Practice rolling putts so they stop within that circle. Great for lag putting.

2. One Club, Three Speeds (Chipping)
Use one wedge and try to hit 3 different distances using tempo and backswing length — not club changes.

3. Metronome Tempo (Full Swing)
Practice your swing to a metronome (e.g. 2:1 ratio — backswing to downswing). Helps regulate speed and smooth out jerky swings.

Tools That Help

• Putting mats with distance markers

• Ball speed measuring devices (like Blast Golf or PRGR launch monitors)

• Metronome apps (many are free)

Our Take on Speed

Speed doesn’t mean brute force—especially on the golf course. It means control, tempo, and knowing what your body can do consistently. Play within yourself. Great speed comes from confidence, not tension.

If you’re serious about shaving strokes, start with speed. It touches every part of your game and is the gateway to consistency. Remember, you don’t need a new swing to get better.