Can You Push a Putt in Golf?

Staring down a must-make six-footer, you make your stroke only to watch the ball slide frustratingly past the right edge of the cup once again. That’s the painful feeling of a pushed putt, a miss that robs amateurs and pros alike of confidence on the greens. This article will show you what a push really is, explain if it's even legal, and most importantly, give you a clear, step-by-step plan to fix the pushed putt for good and start rolling your putts on the mark.

First Things First: Are You Allowed to "Push" a Putt?

Let's clear this up from the start, as it confuses and sometimes infuriates golfers. When we look at the official Rules of Golf, rule 10.1 mentions "push" as a prohibited action. However, the reality is more nuanced, and it doesn't quite apply to the way a typical amateur sees their shot. Here's a quick explanation.

According to Rule 10.1a, you must strike the ball fairly with the head of the club. The official language prohibits "pushing, scraping, or spooning" the ball. This can be misleading - the thinking is that if you "push" the ball, it must be illegal because the rules seem clear.

However, what the Rules Committee actually means is that the club should strike the ball with a singular, brief moment of force in the intended direction. In an illegal scenario, a player would maintain continuous contact, dragging the ball along the intended putting line like utilizing a giant shovel or executing a billiard-style jab. The key is in the definition of "strike." As long as your push putt is a single, fluid motion into the back of the ball and not prolonged contact, it is legal.

Now that we have covered the rule book, let's focus on the "push" that amateurs experience. The frustrating putt that misses to the right (or left for lefties) of your intended line is a common issue that can ruin a great round. This isn't illegal - it's just really frustrating.

What "Pushing a Putt" Really Means (And Why It's Happening)

In everyday golf language, a "pushed putt" refers to a slight miss in your putting stroke that can significantly affect your score. Simply put, the putt starts to the right of your chosen line. You line up, feel confident, but somehow the ball drifts offline, making your golf experience irritating. Here are four major issues, ranked from most to least common, causing you to push your stroke:

1. Your Putter Face is Opening Up at the Point of Impact

This is, by far, the biggest reason golfers push their putts to the side. At the moment of impact, the clubface must not only point straight up but also align squarely with the target. Consider the putter face as your vehicle's headlights. If the lights turn past the road at the moment before hitting the ball, the ball will invariably go right. Here are three reasons why your putter face opens at impact:

• Your hands are too active - common among amateurs who try too hard. They attempt to steer their hit through impact, which often means the club's face does not square itself, creating further issues, especially for long putts.
• Golf can feel overwhelming with differing advice. Players might slow the club before contact, allowing the clubhead to go past them. This can lead to sloppy shots, affecting both the follow-through and energy transfer.
• Overthinking crucial moves can disrupt the swing. It's important to swing naturally without fear, allowing a clean, confident shot.

2. Poor Alignment to Begin With

Putting might seem easy for some, but it can be an exercise in frustration for others. Pushing the golf ball can happen even to the best, including professionals. Misalignment often means you've aimed incorrectly from the start. It's crucial to check that your eyes line up with your target. Many golfers fail to take their time, focusing on aiming with their eyes rather than involving their whole bodies. To avoid this, always align with your entire body.

3. Stroke Path Issues and Biggest Swing Thoughts

While the direction of your putt is about 80% due to your path, the remaining 20% lies in putter alignment. Amateurs often believe they just need to hit the ball, but golf is complex, involving mental focus and precision. Standing too close to the ball can hinder natural swings, causing tension and affecting shot alignment. Treat putting like cooking: standing too close can lead to issues, just as misalignment affects putt accuracy.

Start planning for a better golfing experience by eliminating these issues.

Your Action Plan to Eliminate the Pushed Putt for Good

Fixing a pushed putt isn't a quick fix. It's about building new habits. This step-by-step plan lays the foundation to ensure your shots are on course:

Step 1: Understand Where Your Ball is Going Every Time You Hit It

The first question for my golf students is always about grip. Though it seems simple, your grip is foundational. A weak grip can open the clubface, misaligning shots. Meanwhile, an overly tight hold reduces control. Think of the grip as your starting point and foundation for improvement.

Step 2: Checking Your Setup Position and Alignment

Now that you have a stable grip, focus on your setup. Here's a precise three-point checklist for every putt:

• Ball Position: The ball should be ahead of your left heel. Having it too centered encourages hands to lag, causing a push. A simple trick is placing your club upright on your belly button to help ensure position consistency.
• Eye Alignment: Your stance and how you see the ball are vital. Stand directly over the ball for a clear view. Misalignment can be avoided with a string or alignment aid.
• Foot Position: Your feet are your foundation. They should point straight to the target. Open or closed stances complicate alignment. Use a club to draw a straight line at your feet for guidance.

Step 3: Finding Your Natural Stroke Path

With improved grip and setup, focus on stroke motion. Aim for a pendulum-like movement from your shoulders, not your hands or arms. Keep your grip relaxed to allow the club to finish square to the hole each time. Here are my favorite drills:

Drills to Master Your Putting

The Putting Gate Experience: This drill provides instant feedback and is effective while waiting on the course. Place two tees near your putter to form a "gate" on your follow-through line. This helps reinforce straight putts.

One-Handed Putting Drill (for right-handed players): Most players overcontrol with their dominant hand. By practicing with just the left hand, you learn to calm the swing for a natural follow-through.

Final Thoughts

Pushed putts are common and usually unintentional. They can often be fixed by focusing on club control, a solid setup, and a rhythmic swing. Simple tools and new habits can improve your game one putt at a time.

If you're unsure or struggling, consider seeking help. With Caddie AI, you can have a pro by your side. It provides immediate and insightful feedback on your setup and swing, improving your game naturally. Whether facing a difficult hole or refining skills, Caddie AI is easy to use and guides you with photos or voice recordings. Experience a more confident and relaxed golf game today!