PGA Professional Brendon Elliott sits down with nine-time major champion Gary Player to discuss the mental and technical aspects of putting that made him one of golf's greatest competitors
Tiger Woods draining that impossible putt on the 17th at Sawgrass. Jack Nicklaus willing in putts during his major championship runs. Gary Player standing over countless pressure-packed putts throughout six decades of competition and nine major championships.
At 89, Player's passion for golf burns as bright as ever. His insights into putting remain razor-sharp, forged through decades of competition on every continent. I recently sat down with the Black Knight to discuss what separated him from his peers on the greens.
Our conversation revealed more than putting technique — it unveiled a philosophy of golf and life that shaped one of the game's most resilient competitors.
Brendon Elliott (BE): Mr. Player, throughout your legendary career spanning six decades, you've demonstrated exceptional putting skills on greens around the world. Looking back at your development as a putter, what fundamental principles or techniques did you discover early in your career that became the foundation of your putting success, and how did these core elements evolve as you faced different green conditions and pressure situations throughout your nine major championship victories?
Gary Player (GP): You know, I wasn't the best lag putter in the world. Jack Nicklaus, now he had tremendous feel from distance. But from inside 10 feet? I believed I was as good as anyone who ever played the game. I holed more of those pressure putts, and that's where tournaments are won.
Early on, I developed a bit of a "jab" stroke, and I wasn't alone. Bobby Locke, Bill Casper, even Arnold Palmer had that kind of motion. Why? Because the greens we played on weren't like today. Spike marks, grainy Bermuda, greens cut once a day if you were lucky. On those surfaces, a jab worked. You had to be firm and decisive, especially on short putts.
For longer putts, though, it's about rhythm and feel. A smoother stroke, like Jack's, was better suited for that. Over the years, I adapted depending on where I played. And remember, I played all over the world. From Australia to Asia, Africa to America, each surface taught me something different. That gave me a complete education in green reading and speed control.
But above all, putting is about belief. I had an extremely tough upbringing. It made me strong mentally. I didn't get nervous standing over a putt, because I believed I was going to make it. That's what you need to be a great putter.
BE: You've always been known for your meticulous preparation and practice routines. For amateur golfers who want to improve their putting but may not have access to practice greens or professional facilities, what specific drills or exercises would you recommend they can perform at home to develop better distance control, alignment, and stroke consistency, and how much time should they dedicate to these home practice sessions to see meaningful improvement?
GP: You need discipline and intention. One of the best things an amateur can do at home is learn to keep their hands ahead of the ball at impact. I love the way Jordan Spieth does it. His hands stay beautifully in front, and his left wrist is firm through the stroke. That's fundamental.
Put a coin on the carpet, make short strokes, and don't let your head move. Head still. That's crucial. I've seen all kinds of putting strokes in my life, and they all work as long as the head stays still and the belief is there. And you don't even need an hour a day. You need 15 consistent minutes, every day, practicing with purpose. Focus on alignment, rhythm, and a positive mindset. When Tiger was making those clutch putts, he believed in his stroke.
Also, never forget Bobby Locke. If today's amateurs saw how he putted on grainy Bermuda in South Africa, they wouldn't believe their eyes. He and Tiger are maybe the two of the greatest putters ever.
BE: The mental aspect of putting has always been crucial to success on the greens, and you've faced some of the most pressure-packed putts in golf history. Can you share your approach to developing mental toughness and confidence on the greens, including how you handled the psychological challenges of crucial putts during major championships, and what advice you would give to golfers struggling with putting anxiety or those who tend to overthink their stroke when standing over important putts?
GP: Mental toughness is born from life, not just golf. I always say, the boy who grows up with little, who walks to school, helps feed the family, and faces real hardship, is twice as tough as the one raised with comfort. That's not to say greatness can't come from privilege, but pressure on the course is nothing compared to real life challenges.
Now, when you're standing over a putt to win a major, there's only one thing that matters: belief. And that little four-letter word: "It." Some players have the "It" factor. Most don't. And even fewer have it consistently. It's not just confidence, it's a quiet conviction.
You can't teach "it" but you can cultivate belief. You do that through preparation, routine, and self-discipline. You control the things you can like your breath, your thoughts, your commitment. Then you trust it. Too many amateurs freeze over the ball, thinking of mechanics. That's fear. Replace it with belief.
BE: Green reading and course management around the putting surface are skills that separate great putters from average ones. Based on your extensive experience playing courses worldwide with varying green speeds, slopes, and grain patterns, what key factors should golfers focus on when reading greens, how do you adapt your putting strategy based on different course conditions and pin positions, and what common mistakes do you see amateur golfers making when it comes to lag putting and overall green management?
GP: Amateurs simply do not spend enough time learning how to read greens properly and it is critical to good putting. And how could they? It takes an unbelievable amount of time to understand grain, slope, the influence of moisture, wind, or even the position of the sun. But even so, reading greens is an art. It comes from years of experience and paying attention.
When I step on a green, I look at the grain, the shine on the surface, the fall line, wear and tear on the cup, and how the ball is going to behave at the last foot. You miss most putts because you didn't read the last 12 inches correctly.
Now when it comes to lag putting, amateurs almost always leave the ball short. Why? Because they decelerate. And they break down the left wrist. That's a fatal flaw. You must accelerate through the putt and trust the line. You'd be amazed how often I've seen players chip or putt short simply because they didn't commit.
And don't forget, the ball travels straight at some point. Learn to visualize that and work your line around it. That's when you start putting like a champion.
Beyond Technique
Player's approach to putting transcends mechanics. His philosophy marries preparation, belief, and life experience into genuine mental toughness on the greens.
His insights about putting's evolution fascinate me most. Player's acknowledgment that different eras demanded different approaches challenges modern golf's obsession with "correct" technique. The "jab" stroke he and others employed wasn't a flaw — it was smart adaptation to playing conditions. This flexibility, this willingness to adjust based on circumstances rather than textbook form, may be the most valuable lesson here.
Player hammers home belief over mechanics throughout our conversation. His conviction that mental toughness comes from life's challenges, not golf's pressures, offers a unique perspective on developing psychological resilience. His distinction between confidence and the "It" factor suggests that putting greatness requires something beyond technical skill or self-assurance.
Most practically, Player's observations about green reading and lag putting could immediately help any amateur. His point that most putts are missed because golfers misread the final 12 inches is eye-opening. His identification of deceleration and left wrist breakdown as the main culprits in short lag putts provides clear technical focus.
The simplicity of Player's home practice routine — just 15 minutes daily with a coin on carpet — proves that improvement doesn't require elaborate setups or expensive equipment. It requires the discipline and intention he emphasizes, qualities that reflect his broader philosophy about success.
Player's putting wisdom mirrors his approach to life: preparation meets opportunity, technique serves belief, and mental toughness trumps natural talent. For golfers raised on launch monitors and biomechanical analysis, Player's emphasis on feel, belief, and adaptability offers a refreshing reminder that golf remains as much art as science.
Whether you're a weekend warrior struggling with three-putts or a competitive player seeking an edge, Player's insights provide a masterclass in great putting. The techniques may evolve and equipment may improve, but his fundamental principles — forged through six decades of competition — remain as relevant today as during his championship years.
Player's greatest gift to golf may be understanding that putting mastery isn't just about rolling balls into holes. It's about developing the complete golfer, competitor, and person. On the greens, as in life, belief conquers all.
