‘The Path of a Putting Master’... "Practice from 32 Feet"

Top 100 U.S. Instructor Murphy's Putting Training Method
Players' 32-Foot Putts Average 2 Putts 'Break-Even Point'
Closer Shots Increase 1-Putt, Farther Shots Increase 3-Putt Probability

Weekend golfers have a practice they dislike the most: putting. Although it is an essential training for score management, it is neither fun nor engaging. Most amateur golfers only roll a few balls on the practice green right before teeing off. They also do not know exactly from what distance practicing is effective. Golf.com in the U.S. provided a small hint to become a putting master. It is a putting practice method recommended by Jim Murphy, one of the top 100 instructors in the U.S.

Jim Murphy, one of the top 100 instructors in the United States, recommended, "Practicing putting from a distance of 32 feet is the best."
[Photo by Golf.com]

Murphy advises going to the practice green instead of the driving range when short on time before a round. This is because good green play is necessary for a good scorecard. "To know the green speed, you must practice putting on the practice green before the round," he said, adding, "Even if your shots are good enough to reach the green in regulation, two-putting or three-putting makes it all useless." He emphasized, "Golfers who have practiced on the green find it much easier to read the green and decide the putting speed."

When returning to the course after a long time, it is not easy to gauge the green speed. Knowing the green speed to some extent is necessary to avoid three-putts. Tour players invest a lot of time in putting. They have ample practice time and practice putting from various distances. Murphy shared a tip for amateurs to develop distance control when they have limited time. "Long-distance putting is more helpful than short-distance putting," he said, "Tour players also measure distance control by putting from longer distances."

Murphy revealed that the optimal putting practice distance is 32 feet (approximately 9.7536 meters). This distance is the average two-putt 'break-even point.' "Tour players tend to make more one-putts than three-putts when inside 32 feet. Beyond 32 feet, they make more three-putts than one-putts. I believe practicing putting from longer distances is a more effective way to improve skills." Putting from 32 feet allows practice of speed control and aim. Place three balls at the 32-foot distance and putt. If all are finished with two putts, move the hole to a different location and stroke again. "If you can two-putt from 32 feet, you gain confidence in putting. Your score improves noticeably."