This simple experiment shows why you’re hitting your putts too hard

You’ve probably heard the old adage that on the greens, speed is more important than line. If you haven’t, then commit that to your memory banks! Of course picking and starting your golf ball on the correct line is hugely important, but speed kills. It doesn’t just determine the length of your next putt — and therefore your potential to three-putt — it also can effectively make the golf hole itself bigger or smaller.

Don’t believe us? Then consult the video below from U.K.-based putting instructor James Jankowski. With a simple experiment, he illustrates perfectly the importance of speed on your putts and how it can be used to your advantage.

Using The Perfect Putter training aid, he hit the same putt on the left edge twice, at two different speeds. The first putt was calibrated to roll six inches past, but hits the lip and drops into the hole. The other putt, traveling on the same line, but rolling to a foot past the hole, careens around the lip.

The lesson? Speed kills! So use it to your advantage.