The No. 1 Mistake Golfers Make When Putting From the Fringe (And How To Fix It)

Whether you call it “putting from the fringe” or using the “Texas wedge”, choosing your putter instead of a sand or lob wedge near the edge of the green is often a smart choice. However, once you commit to putting from the fringe, you’ll want to avoid a critical mistake most golfers make. If you are ready for better distance control and consistency when putting from the fringe, here’s how to get it right.

Get the ball position right

Ball position matters on all shots but golfers tend to overlook it when putting from the fringe. The thicker grass, uneven lies and sometimes wet or grainy conditions make details like ball position even more important for these shots.

When putting from the fringe, move the ball up slightly in your stance. Slightly forward of center allows you to catch the ball on the upswing without digging the putter into the fringe.

If the position is too far back in your stance, you could trap the ball, causing it to bounce or skid through the fringe. At the same time, there is a chance you’ll deloft the clubface too much and keep it from gliding over the fringe.

More tips for putting from the fringe

Now that your ball position is correct, there are other important tips that can help you dial in these putts from the fringe.

Don’t hit at the ball

The idea of trying to “pop” the ball forward instead of keeping a continuous stroke like a traditional putt is a mistake. A smooth pendulum motion will help you manage distance control and develop your skill at hitting this shot over time.

Decelerating or intentionally accelerating leads to poor contact. Keep the stroke smooth.

Practice from the fringe

Putting from the fringe is not a shot you likely practice often but it should be. It takes some trial and error to dial in your distances and feel. Practice putting over different amounts of fringe.

Choose the right club

Choosing your putter when hitting from the fringe is smart. However, some golfers like to play this shot with their hybrid. If the fringe is thick and wet or you have more grass to go over, the hybrid can be a good selection.

Hybrids have a lot more loft, sometimes making it easier to keep the ball rolling through the fringe.

The hybrid also has a bulky head that keeps it from getting caught or snagged in the thicker fringe. Experiment with both shots. I like the hybrid when the pin is in the back and my ball is near the front of the green.

Final thoughts

Putting from the fringe (using the “Texas wedge”) is a smart, low-risk option for many golfers. While it’s not a difficult shot, starting with the wrong ball position (anywhere other than slightly forward of center) can lead to inconsistency in distance control and direction. The next time you’re practicing experiment with fringe putts. The more you work on developing feel, the easier it will be to get these tricky shots closer to the hole.