- Navigating the Green By World's Longest Putt
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- What Counts as a Putt? You Might Be Surprised.
Golfers,
We know it seems like a simple question: what is a putt? But when you dig into the official definitions and how records are kept, you’ll see it’s more nuanced than it appears. And we’d love your opinion on this topic.
Defining a “Putt”
According to standard golf dictionaries, to “putt” means “to hit a golf ball gently with a club (usually a putter) so that it rolls on the ground toward the hole.”
The USGA doesn’t list a formal definition of a “putt” as a specific stroke type, but it does clarify that any stroke made from the putting green is counted as a putt, regardless of the club used. That means if a player uses a wedge from the surface of the green, it still counts as a putt. Conversely, if a player uses a putter from off the green, such as from the fringe or fairway — it is not counted as a putt in official statistics.
The PGA Tour follows this same idea, treating any stroke on the green as a putt “regardless of the club used.” For example, one world-record listing states: “Any shot on the green is technically classed as a putt, regardless of the club used.”
The Error in Guinness’ Definition
To add to this discussion and to the error in Guinness’ current rule, it’s worth noting that the PGA Tour’s longest recorded putt is held by Craig Barlow, whose 111-foot make was struck with a wedge. This example reinforces that what defines a putt is not the club, but the surface from which it’s played. Guinness, interestingly, recognizes this same principle within its own criteria, yet contradicts itself by identifying a “putt” solely based on the club used rather than the location of the stroke.
In other words, Guinness correctly acknowledges that the type of club is irrelevant but then uses that very factor to define its record. The PGA Tour and USGA clearly establish that any stroke from the green, whether with a putter or wedge is a putt, while any stroke from off the green is not. So by Guinness’ own logic, its current definition is inconsistent with the governing standards of the game.
Adding to this, there’s an emerging concept known as SPOG (Subsequent Putt Off Green), which helps clarify edge cases. A SPOG occurs when a player’s ball leaves the putting surface after a stroke from the green, and the following shot, even if struck from off the green and with any club — is considered part of that same putting sequence. While technically a stroke from off the green could, in context, be counted as a putt, it’s only valid as a continuation of play, not as an independent attempt.
This subtle but important distinction highlights why Guinness’ current record definition deserves a closer look and why the golf community might benefit from formally defining what a “putt” truly is.
Guinness and the Contradiction
Guinness defines the “Longest Golf Putt (Non-Tournament)” as any stroke using a putter, regardless of where it starts. Out of the seven official Guinness records, only three start and finish on a green — two of which were set by us in 2023 and 2025.
To ensure the record reflects the standards used throughout the game of golf, we are proposing that Guinness World Records establish two distinct categories that differentiate between these types of shots:
Longest Golf Putt - The ball must start and end on a putting surface (aligning with PGA and USGA standards).
Longest Golf Shot Made with a Putter - Recognizing remarkable off-green shots using a putter.
By distinguishing between the two, Guinness can honor both achievements while staying true to the technical standards of the game.
The Case for Consistency
Updating Guinness’ criteria would not only bring consistency with PGA and USGA standards, but it would also honor the integrity of the game’s terminology.
As new large-scale putting courses continue to appear worldwide, this is the perfect moment to refine how we define the game’s most precise and storied shot.
If a shot made with a putter is struck from off the green (for example, from the fringe or fairway) and rolls onto the green and into the hole, is it a putt? |
Commit to Your Line with Coach Eric
Dear Golfers,
As your coach, I’m here to strengthen your mental game with a key putting skill: committing to your line. I’ve seen doubt derail many students, but I know you can putt with confidence, and I’m here to show you how.
Why It Matters
Hesitation creates tension, disrupting your stroke. Once you’ve read the green, fully trusting your chosen line leads to smoother, more accurate putts. I want you rolling the ball with conviction.
How to Do It
After your green read, pick a precise target like a blade of grass or mark 6 inches in front of your ball—on your intended line. Visualize the ball rolling over that spot into the hole, like following a laser beam. For example, on a 15-foot putt with a left-to-right break, I had a student focus on a divot mark an inch left of the hole. They locked in, putted confidently, and drained it. Take a deep breath, trust your choice, and stroke without second-guessing.
Practice Drill
Try the “Spot-Focus Drill.” On a practice green, choose a 10-foot putt. Pick a spot 6–12 inches ahead on your line and place a tee there. Make 10 putts, focusing only on rolling the ball over the tee. I used this with a student last week, and their stroke became noticeably smoother.
Your Homework
In your next round, pick a spot for every putt and commit fully. Practice the Spot-Focus Drill to build trust, and email me about your newfound confidence, I’m excited for your success!
Your Coach,
Eric Amalfitano — WLP Coach
Sponsor Spotlight ✨
We’re proud to partner with Bushmills Irish Whiskey, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, crafting timeless spirits since 1608. Just like a great putt, Bushmills is all about precision, patience, and character — qualities that define every World’s Longest Putt event.
When the putt dropped and the Guinness World Record was officially broken, there was only one way to celebrate, with a few well-earned pulls of Bushmills Irish Whiskey.
At select WLP tournaments, golfers can earn a bottle of Bushmills Original, 10-Year Single Malt, or 12-Year Single Malt as they celebrate record-breaking moments on the green.
Whether you’re chasing the line or relaxing after the round, Bushmills reminds us that some things only get better with time.
Here’s to good friends, great golf, and even better whiskey.
Meme of the Week 😂
What did you think of today’s newsletter? |
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