Definition

1. Noun:

   • In golf, a putt is a stroke made with a putter on the putting green, intended to roll the ball into the hole.

2. Verb:

   • To putt means to strike a golf ball lightly with a putter, especially on the putting green, in an attempt to roll it into the hole.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:

  • He made a difficult 20-foot putt to win the match.
  • Her putting was excellent; she sank every putt she attempted.

• Verb:

  • You need to putt the ball gently on this fast green.
  • He putted poorly all day, missing several short attempts.

Advanced Usage

• "to lag a putt": to putt the ball with the primary intention of getting it close to the hole, rather than sinking it, especially from a long distance.

  • From 50 feet away, his strategy was to lag the putt close for an easy tap-in.

• "to drain/sink a putt": to successfully make a putt, causing the ball to go into the hole.

  • She drained a 15-foot putt for birdie on the final hole.

Variants and Related Words

• Putter (n): The type of golf club specifically designed for making putts on the green.

  • He selected his favorite putter for the crucial shot.

• Putting (n/gerund): The action or skill of performing putts.

  • His putting has improved significantly this season.

Synonyms

• Stroke (n): A general term for any single swing of a golf club at the ball. (A putt is a specific type of stroke.)
• Roll (v): To cause the ball to move along the ground, which is the intended action of a putt.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• "to putt out": to complete the hole by putting the ball into the hole after it is on the green.

  • After his approach shot landed on the green, he putted out for a par.

• "to line up a putt": to carefully assess the path (the "line") and speed needed for a successful putt before striking the ball.

  • The golfer took a minute to line up his putt from all angles.

Related Idioms

• "Within putting distance/range": Close enough to the hole that a player can reasonably attempt a putt.
  • His chip shot landed within putting distance, giving him a chance for par.

Noun

1. hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter; he didn't sink a single putt over three feet"
   • his putting let him down today

Verb

1. hit a putt
   • he lost because he putted so poorly
2. strike (a golf ball) lightly, with a putter
   • he putted the ball several feet past the hole