Lip-Out
Also known as: lip-out, lip out, what is a lip out, lipped out, ball lipped out, putt lipped out, horseshoe putt
A lip-out is when the ball catches the edge of the hole and spins around or away instead of dropping in. It usually happens when the ball arrives too fast or only clips the side of the cup. A ball that circles the hole and comes back toward you is often called a horseshoe.
A lip-out means the line was close but not perfect. The ball touched the rim, but it did not have the right speed and angle to fall. Firm putts are more likely to spin out. Soft putts that reach the hole tend to drop in from the sides.
Some lip-outs come from small bumps around the hole. Many come from aim and speed together. On short putts, aim inside the edge so the ball hits more of the cup. Choose a speed that rolls the ball just past the hole if it misses.
A lip-out on a chip or full shot can also happen. The same idea applies: speed and how much of the hole the ball catches decide whether it stays in.
Tips by skill level
On short putts, roll the ball so a miss would finish about a foot past the hole.
Track your lip-outs. Many on one side point to a consistent aim or start-line error.
Example
A golfer rams a three-footer and it spins out. On the next green he picks a spot inside the right edge and rolls it in at gentler speed. It drops.
Why it matters
Lip-outs tell you something about speed and line. Learning from them helps you hole more short putts.
Common mistakes
- Hitting short putts too hard to take out the break
- Aiming at the edge instead of inside it
- Getting upset over a lip-out instead of noting the speed
Frequently asked questions
Why do my putts keep lipping out?
Usually too much speed or a line that just clips the edge. Aim a little inside the edge and roll it gently past the hole.
What is a horseshoe putt?
A putt that runs around the rim and comes back toward you, like a horseshoe. It is a type of lip-out.
Related terms
- Speed Control (Putting)Speed control is calibrating stroke length and tempo so a putt rolls the intended distance. It is widely considered the single most important putting skill.
- Short PuttsShort putts are often missed because the putter face is not square at impact or the stroke slows down through the ball. Pick a precise target, make a firm stroke that would roll the ball a little past the hole, and keep your head still until the ball is gone.
- Aiming a PuttTo aim a putt, pick a spot on your start line a few inches ahead of the ball. Set the putterface square to that spot before you set your feet. Many golfers use a line on the ball, pointed along the start line rather than at the hole, then match the putter's sight line to it.
- Ball Overhanging the Hole (Ten-Second Rule)You get a reasonable time to walk to the hole, then ten more seconds to see if the ball drops. If it falls in during that time, you holed it with your last stroke. If it falls in after that, it still counts as holed, but you add one penalty stroke.
Related guides & benchmarks
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