Sick of those heart-stopping, pressure-packed long putts? Want to spend less time agonizing over tap-ins and more time celebrating birdies? Then look no further than Rachel Heck, aka “Putting With Rach,” the YouTube star who’s here to turn you into a lag putting pro.

In this informative video, Heck, a talented golfer in her own right, dives deep into the world of lag putting. Forget fancy trick shots or tips for draining those impossible 50-footers – this video is all about that crucial skill that separates the good golfers from the great: leaving yourself with short, makeable second putts.

Heck kicks things off by explaining why mastering lag putting is a game-changer. Sure, sinking long putts is impressive, but wouldn’t you rather consistently leave yourself with tap-in range for birdie opportunities? Heck makes a compelling case, and viewers are quickly hooked, ready to learn the secrets to lag putting mastery.

To get the ball rolling (pun intended!), Heck breaks down the three key factors that influence lag putting success: distance control, reading greens, and pace. She doesn’t bombard viewers with technical jargon – instead, she explains each factor in a clear, concise way that golfers of all skill levels can understand.

First up is distance control. Heck grabs a trusty pitching wedge and demonstrates how to visualize different yardages on the green. She emphasizes the importance of a consistent putting stroke and maintaining good posture throughout the motion – no more hunching over the ball and hoping for the best!

Next, Heck tackles the art of reading greens, a skill that can be as intimidating as it is crucial. She walks viewers through the process of identifying slopes, breaks (subtle changes in elevation), and even the grain (the direction the grass grows), all of which can significantly impact where the ball will roll. Heck uses creative visual aids like arrows and on-screen highlights to make these concepts clear, even for those who’ve always felt a bit lost deciphering the green’s secrets.

Understanding pace is equally important. Heck uses a simple yet effective drill where she alternates between tapping the ball softly and hitting it with a bit more oomph. This helps golfers develop a feel for different putting speeds, allowing them to control how far the ball travels on the green.

Now that viewers have a grasp of the fundamentals, Heck dives into a series of drills designed to hone those lag putting skills. The first drill is all about dialing in your distance control. Three balls are placed at various distances on the practice green, and the goal is to sink the putt from the farthest distance, then work your way closer. It’s a simple yet effective way to groove that distance control muscle memory.

Another drill involves alignment sticks. Heck positions these magic sticks on either side of the target line, creating a visual channel for your putt to travel through. This drill ensures proper aim and promotes a straighter, more predictable roll.

The final drill incorporates a putting arc gate, a training aid that helps golfers visualize the proper swing path. By swinging through the gate, golfers can train themselves to develop a consistent putting stroke, leading to better distance control and accuracy.

As the video wraps up, Heck offers some parting words of wisdom. Mastering lag putting takes time and dedication, she reminds viewers, but with consistent practice and the drills she’s shared, you’ll be well on your way to leaving those long birdie putts a distant memory. Heck also throws in a pro tip for aspiring lag putting gurus: film yourself putting to identify areas for improvement. With a little self-analysis and the guidance from Putting With Rach, you’ll be holing those long putts with newfound confidence in no time. So grab your putter, hit the green, and get ready to transform your short game alongside Rachel Heck!