How to Pick Up a Golf Ball with a Putter

Picking up a golf ball with your putter isn't just a flashy trick for the pros, it's a practical skill that saves your back hundreds of bends during a round, especially on the practice green. This small, stylish move adds a fluid rhythm to your game and makes you feel more connected to the course. This article breaks down the most common methods, from the beginner-friendly press and roll to the advanced blade toss, so you can stop stooping and start scooping.

Why Learning to Pick Up a Ball With Your Putter is Worth It

You might be thinking, "Is it really that big a deal to bend down?" On the first hole, probably not. But think about a long practice session on the putting green. You hit 50, maybe 100 putts. That’s at least 50 times you’re bending over from the waist, stressing your lower back. Now multiply that over years of golfing. The unnecessary strain adds up.

Bending over repeatedly is a classic recipe for back pain, stiffness, and fatigue, which are things no golfer wants to deal with. By learning to use your putter to retrieve the ball, you eliminate that repetitive, stressful motion. It’s a simple ergonomic hack that keeps your body feeling better, allowing you to practice longer and play with less discomfort.

Beyond the practical benefit of saving your back, there’s a mental advantage. Effortlessly scooping up your ball is one of those small actions that broadcasts confidence. It’s a bit of swagger. It’s a fluid, seamless motion that says, "I belong here. I know what I'm doing." It keeps you in the flow of the game, transitioning smoothly from completing a great shot on the last hole to preparing to tap in to secure par. You're not breaking your posture or interrupting your mental state by laboriously bending down every time for every putt. It's a small detail, but golf is a game of small details.

Method 1: The "Press and Roll" (Easiest Method)

This is the most common and user-friendly method for picking up a golf ball. It works reliably with most putter head styles, particularly those with a bit of a cavity or flange on the back. It’s the perfect place to start.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Press and Roll

1. Position the Putter Head: Walk up to your golf ball and place the back flange or trailing edge of your putter head directly behind the ball. You aren't addressing the ball as if you're going to putt it. Instead, you're using the back of the putter. Make sure the face of the putter is angled slightly upward, away from the ball.
2. Apply Downward Pressure: Give a quick, firm, downward press on the grip directly above the putter head. The goal is to pin the golf ball between the back of the putter. A little bit of pressure is usually enough. If you apply too much, the ball might just roll away from you.
3. Roll and Scoop: As soon as the ball is pinned, tilt the putter grip if necessary. By leaning the top half of the putter away from you, once the ball is pinned between the ground and the putter head, you'll feel how the putter head naturally lifts the ball to you. You'll then be able to receive it with your hand. The entire move - press, tip, lift - should be one smooth, continuous action. Don't hesitate or you might lose momentum and drop the ball. This requires some practice, but soon you'll find it satisfying when done correctly.

Pro Tips for Mastering the Press and Roll

• Cavity is Your Friend: Putters with a cavity back or a wide flange (like many mallets) make this technique much easier because they provide a larger surface area to trap and support the ball. Blade-style putters can work, but you need to be more precise. If you are starting out, you may want to try using a mallet putter. Once you perfect the trick and gain confidence, you'll find it more natural and can try it with a blade putter in no time.
• The Right Amount and Kind of Pressure: It's all in the hands and wrists - you should feel the pressure in a snappy way, not a slow, deliberate press. Try to think of the movement as quick and decisive.
• Practice on the Carpet: Your living room carpet or a putting mat is a perfect place to practice this. It's a controlled environment, so you can perform dozens of repetitions in a few minutes without chasing the ball around.

Method 2: "The Toe Pop" (Intermediate Skill)

For those feeling a bit more adventurous, the "toe pop" is a fun technique to master on the practice range with friends. You'll look like a magician, and people will start asking how you did it. Instead of pinning the ball and tilting it to scoop it up, you're going to "pop" the ball up with one quick movement. This technique works better with blade putters and requires a bit of precision and rhythm.

How to Perfect the "Toe Pop"

1. Use Your Dominant Hand: Having better control helps in executing the movement.
2. Pin the Ball with Your Toe: Place the ball gently between your shoe toe area and the back of your putter. With a slight push, aim to pop the ball up.
3. Push Downward with Speed, Not Strength: Once set, lean slightly and go for it. With practice, you'll find how satisfying it is to pick up the ball like this.

Mastering the 'Toe Pop'

• Check Your Posture: Your neck shouldn't be too close to your chin, and keep your spine neutral. This is important not because you're aiming to putt but to maintain good posture.
• A Relaxed Grip: Use the most sensitive part of your hands to feel the pressure. Typically, using your dominant hand helps gain confidence.

Final Thoughts

Picking up your golf ball with a putter is a small flourish that pays off big in comfort and confidence. By saving your back from repetitive strain and adding a smooth, professional feel to your game, this simple trick is well worth the few minutes of practice it takes to master.

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