MESSEN · LAG-PUTT

Long-Lag-Test — Measure distance control (9, 12, 15 m).

Three-putts are the biggest score-killer on the green — distance control is the only solution. The long putt test (9, 12, 15 m × 10 balls) measures exactly that. How to set up the test, what senior benchmarks apply, and how to train lag putt performance.

MA long-lag test with 65 yielded 13 out of 30—43 percent. The success criterion was: final position within one step (1 m) of the hole. After 12 weeks of lag putt training: 19 out of 30 = 63 percent. The three-putt percentage dropped from 11 to 5 percent. Lag putt training is the most underestimated senior score lever on the green.

The Long-Lag Test measures distance control on long putts—the main cause of three-putts in senior golf. Ten balls from each of three distances (9, 12, 15 m). Success criterion: The ball must come to rest within one step (1 m) of the hole. Senior standard: 35–55% success rate for %.

Set up of the Long-Lag Test

Step 1 — Mark three distances

✓ 9, 12, 15 M FROM THE HOLE.

On a sufficiently large practice green, mark three positions 9, 12, and 15 m from the target hole. Use tees as markers. The hole should be accessible without hills or extreme slopes.

Step 2 - Ten balls per distance

✓ 30 BALLS TOTAL.

Putting ten balls from every distance. Success criterion: Final position within one step (1 m) of the hole—whether holed out or missed. The goal is distance control, not holing out.

Step 3 — Track quote per distance

✓ THREE SINGLE QUOTES.

Record a separate rate for each distance: 9-meter rate, 12-meter rate, 15-meter rate. Total rate (all 30) for trend analysis. Individual rates show which distances require additional training.

43.33% → 63.33%

Typical improvement in the long-lag test after 12 weeks of training

MyTPI Senior Lag-Putt Analysis 2024

Direct correlation to three-putt avoidance — the most important senior score lever on the green.

Three tips for the long lag test

Tip 1 — The step as a unit of measurement

✓ CONSISTENT MEASUREMENT.

Step length as a unit of measurement: Your own step defines the "close enough" distance. Use a consistent step length across all tests. If your step length varies, use a measuring tape or a stick as an aid.

Tip 2 — Walk the distances beforehand

✓ BEFORE THE TEST BEGINS.

Before the first putt: pace and mark all three distances. Do not move them again during the test. The Senior Measurement discipline requires consistent test conditions.

Tip 3 — Three sessions per month

✓ MIN. 30 DATA POINTS.

Three long lag sessions per month = 90 data points. The average is statistically very reliable. Only from this sample size are real trends visible.

Distance control on long putts is the single biggest difference between scratch golfers and bogey golfers. Senior players who practice this skill have a competitive advantage.

— Dave Pelz, Short Game Coach

Three Lag-Putt Training Methods.

Speed Over Strength

Lag putting is controlled by tempo, not force. A consistent 2:1 tempo (backswing twice as long as downswing) produces distance consistency.

Visualization Before the Swing

Before every lag putt: Funnel visualization (1 m radius around the hole). Mentally aim for the funnel, not the hole.

Accept a gimme

A lag putt is a defensive shot: a 1-meter follow-up putt is a success. Senior players who embrace this mindset avoid three-putts.

On this page

ON THIS PAGE

01 Set up of the Long-Lag Test

02 Three Testing Tips

03 What the test does not replace

Mathias Struwe

PUBLISHER · HCP 31 · 68 YRS.

35-55 %

Senior Standard Quotient in the Long-Lag Test.

REFERENCE

Broadie, M. (2014): Every Shot Counts. TrackMan Performance Database 2024. MyTPI Senior Performance Research. PGA Tour Stats 2014–2024. IAGTO Senior Golf Analysis 2024.

What the Long-Lag Test Does Not Replace

The Long-Lag Test measures distance control—but it is no substitute for green-reading practice or putting under competition pressure. Training ratios are often 10–15 % higher than competition ratios. Senior players with good drill performance but poor competition ratios: use mental routines as an additional tool.

THREE FIRST STEPS