Golf · Level 2: Elementary · Sub-level 2.3
Putting Basics
4 tests · 40 facts · updated 13 October 2026 · markdown
Putting grips and the stroke, reading slopes, controlling distance and the habits of the green.
Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.
Test 1Grip and strokeTake a test
It is the most common putting grip.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
It is also called left-hand low for right-handers.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
It quietens the trail hand.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
Quiet wrists keep the face square.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
Slightly forward helps the putter meet the ball as it starts to rise.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
Many players listen for the ball to drop.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
The face decides most of where the ball starts.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
The stroke is a smooth back-and-through rocking.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
Reverse overlap is taught most often; the others are popular alternatives.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · applied
The shoulders rock and the arms and putter swing together.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · applied
Test 2Reading the greenTake a test
Reading the break is reading the slope.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
Gravity pulls the slowing ball downhill.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
A fast ball holds its line for longer.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
Downhill putts need a softer stroke.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
Some players find it helps them see the break.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
Walking around the putt helps too.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
They pick where the ball must start to curve in.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
Speed and line are read together.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
Same distance, different slopes.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · applied
The ball must start above the hole to curve in.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · applied
Test 3Distance controlTake a test
Good lag putting avoids three-putts.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
Most three-putts come from a first putt left well short or long.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
Many teach aiming to finish just past the hole.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
The real hole then looks bigger.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
It trains a feel for distance.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
A longer swing sends the ball farther at the same rhythm.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
Holing them builds confidence.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
The longer the putt, the more speed decides it.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · applied
The circle makes the target realistic.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
From there the next putt is short and simple.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · applied
Test 4Putting habitsTake a test
Many players also draw a line on the ball.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
Two putts on a green is the standard for par.
Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides) · recall
A ball-marker shows where to replace it.
Source: The R&A and USGA, Rules of Golf 2023, Rule 14.1 · recall
Grain can make putts faster or slower.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
Keeping the head still holds the face square.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · recall
In stroke play every putt must be holed.
Source: The R&A and USGA, Rules of Golf 2023, Rule 3.2b · recall
Cleaning is allowed on the putting green.
Source: The R&A and USGA, Rules of Golf 2023, Rule 13.1 · recall
A holed putt finishes in the hole.
Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides) · applied
Seeing the line from above helps the stroke start on it.
Source: General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides) · applied
Sources
PGA coaching and general teaching guides, the World Handicap System Rules of Handicapping, and the Rules of Golf 2023 where a beginner needs a rule; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Rule-by-rule procedures belong to the Rules of Golf category.
- General golf instruction (PGA coaching and teaching guides)34
- General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides)3
- The R&A and USGA, Rules of Golf 2023, Rule 14.11
- The R&A and USGA, Rules of Golf 2023, Rule 3.2b1
- The R&A and USGA, Rules of Golf 2023, Rule 13.11