A Small Habit That Builds Discipline and Better Putting
One of the simplest habits I try to teach junior golfers is this:
Bring a towel to the green every single hole.
It sounds small, but this is one of those habits that separates organized, disciplined players from the ones who are always a little unprepared and a little rushed.
Clean Ball = Better Putting
A dirty golf ball will not roll the same as a clean golf ball.
It might bounce, skid, or come off the putter face inconsistently. If you’re trying to become a great putter, you should never hit an important putt with a dirty ball.
Tour players clean their ball almost every green. There’s a reason.
If you want to play college golf or high-level junior golf, you should start building the same habits now.
It’s Really About Discipline
This isn’t just about the golf ball.
This is about routine and discipline.
Great players are organized.
They do the same things over and over.
They don’t rush.
They don’t forget things.
They look prepared.
They act prepared.
When a player walks to the green with:
- Putter
- Towel
- Sometimes wedge if needed
You can already tell they are thinking ahead and managing the course well.
Build a Green Routine
Here’s a simple routine I recommend:
When you walk to the green:
- Bring your putter and towel (and wedge if you might chip).
- When you mark your ball, clean it immediately.
- Look at your putt from behind the ball and behind the hole.
- Take your practice strokes.
- Step in and commit.
Do this every hole, every round, every tournament.
Consistency creates confidence.
Small Habits Become Big Results
A lot of players think improvement comes from:
- New swing tips
- New clubs
- More range balls
But a lot of improvement actually comes from:
- Better routines
- Better decisions
- Better discipline
- Being more organized on the course
Bringing a towel to the green every hole is a small habit that builds discipline, routine, and professionalism.
And the players who look and act like good players…
usually become good players.
Start this habit in your next round.