The Best Putting Coaches of All Time

The Best Putting Coaches of All Time and Their Teachings

Putting is often said to be the most important part of golf, with many championships won and lost on the greens. While ball-striking is crucial, the ability to make putts under pressure is what separates good players from great ones. 

Over the years, several instructors have revolutionized putting, each bringing their unique philosophy to the game. From data-driven analysis to mental strategies and biomechanical refinement, these coaches have worked with some of the world’s best players to help them perform when it matters most.

In this article, we’ll explore eight of the greatest putting instructors of all time, their teaching philosophies, and the elite players who have benefited from their expertise.

Summary Table: The Best Putting Coaches

1. Dave Pelz – The Science of Putting

Dave Pelz is a former NASA physicist turned golf instructor. His scientific approach to putting is based on data-driven research, stroke mechanics, and statistical analysis. His short game and putting methodologies have been widely adopted by PGA and LPGA Tour players.

Teaching Philosophy:

Pelz’s primary belief is that distance control and face alignment are the two biggest factors in putting success. His research showed that most amateurs consistently under-read break, leading to missed putts.

Notable Students:

• Phil Mickelson – Worked with Pelz on putting and wedge play, using Pelz’s drills to refine his game.
• Patrick Reed – Improved his distance control and short putting under Pelz’s guidance.
• Various PGA and LPGA pros – Pelz’s books and training have been widely used at the highest level.

Impact on Putting:

Pelz developed training aids like the Putting Tutor and True Pendulum Motion (TPM) device, which help players improve face control and stroke mechanics.

2. Stan Utley – The Natural Arc Stroke

Stan Utley is a former PGA Tour winner who became one of the most sought-after putting coaches due to his emphasis on a natural, flowing stroke.

Teaching Philosophy:

Utley believes that a slight arc in the putting stroke is the most natural way to putt. Unlike methods that advocate for a straight-back, straight-through motion, Utley encourages a free-flowing, natural arc with soft hands.

Notable Students:

• Sergio Garcia – Helped Garcia develop a smoother putting stroke after struggles with consistency.
• Kevin Kisner – One of the best putters on Tour, influenced by Utley’s methods.
• Zach Johnson – Improved his feel-based putting under Utley’s guidance.

Impact on Putting:

Utley has helped many struggling putters regain their touch, promoting a less mechanical and more instinctual stroke.

3. Phil Kenyon – The Tour’s Putting Guru

Notable Students:

• Rory McIlroy – Kenyon worked with McIlroy to improve stability and consistency in his stroke.
• Justin Rose – A major champion who benefited from Kenyon’s technical stroke refinements.
• Tommy Fleetwood – Adopted Kenyon’s precision-focused putting methodology.
• Dustin Johnson – Helped Johnson become a better putter, leading to his dominant 2020 season.
• Matt Fitzpatrick – Major champion who relies on Kenyon’s detailed putting analysis.

Impact: Kenyon’s high-tech, biomechanical approach has made him one of the most sought-after putting coaches on the PGA Tour.

4. Bruce Rearick – The Putter Whisperer

Notable Students:

• Tour Pros & Amateurs – While not as widely publicized as other instructors, Rearick has worked with various PGA, LPGA, and elite amateur players.
• Club Fitters & Instructors – Rearick focuses heavily on helping players match their putting stroke to the right putter design.

Impact: His customized approach has helped golfers match their natural stroke to the correct putter, improving their consistency.

5. Paul Hurrion – Biomechanics & Roll Efficiency

Notable Students:

• Padraig Harrington – Used Hurrion’s biomechanics-based putting principles to win three majors.
• Danny Willett – 2016 Masters champion, worked with Hurrion to improve his roll and impact conditions.
• Lee Westwood – Sought Hurrion’s help to become a more consistent putter.

Impact: Hurrion’s biomechanics-driven approach has helped players optimize their putting stroke for pure roll and impact efficiency.

6. Bob Rotella – The Mental Game of Putting

Notable Students:

• Jordan Spieth – One of the best clutch putters, credits Rotella with helping him stay confident under pressure.
• Darren Clarke – Won The Open Championship after mental coaching from Rotella.
• Padraig Harrington – Used Rotella’s methods to trust his putting and improve performance in big moments.
• Ernie Els – Worked with Rotella to regain his putting confidence after struggles with the yips.

Impact: Rotella has coached multiple major winners by helping them master the mental side of putting.

7. Geoff Mangum – Neuroscience & Putting Instincts

Notable Students:

• Various PGA/LPGA Players – Mangum’s methods are used by many professionals seeking to improve their feel and visual processing on the greens.
• Elite Amateur Golfers – Known for working with competitive golfers and instructors to develop better green reading skills.

Impact: Mangum’s neuroscience-driven techniques train players to use their brain’s natural instincts for better putting.