Definition: A "lag putt" is a long putt which, because of its length, the golfer does not expect to make but hopes to get close to the cup. If it goes in the hole, great! But if it doesn't, you want to make sure you are left with a short, manageable second putt that you won't miss. A good lag putt positions the golfer to have a simple and easily makeable follow-up putt, thereby avoiding a 3-putt.
"Lag" can be applied to any length putt (whereas "lag putt" usually implies a lengthy first putt) and is often used as a verb, or after the fact to describe the second, shorter putt that results after not making the first putt. Example of verb usage: "I need to lag this putt up close" or "Just try to lag this one up by the hole." Example of an after-the-fact usage: "Nice lag," or "way to lag it up close."
Lag putting is something that can be practiced by focusing on distance control (a k a speed control) in your putting. For examples, see:
Putting drills for distance control
Chi Chi's "Lag-nificent" lag putting drill
Also Known As: Lag putt
