Golf is a sport all about precision, patience, and, occasionally, astonishing moments of skill and luck. One such incredible feat is sinking a putt from a distance most would see as impossible. Long putts are a testament to both a golfer’s ability to read the green and the unpredictability of the game in general.
Over the tears, professional golfers have defied the odds, sinking putts from seemingly impossible distances and positions, whether in major tournaments or regular tour stops. These moments can become the highlight of a player’s career, standing as an enduring testament to their skill.
Below, we explore some of the longest putts that have ever been recorded on the PGA, European, and other major tours, with a detailed breakdown of the top ten longest putts ever holed and some of the best non-tour putts made.
The Art of Long Putts
Sinking a long putt isn’t just about getting lucky; it requires a deep level of understanding of the green’s speed, slope, and break. While some of the longest putts of all time have included an element of luck, there are factors that will improve a golfer’s chances of success:
- Green Reading: Players analyse the grain, the slope, and the undulations of the green before they make a putt. Even a slight misjudgment can cause the ball to veer off course.
- Speed Control: The speed of a putt is crucial. If hit too softly, it will likely fall short; if struck too firmly, it will likely break past the hole.
- Confidence and Commitment: A golfer’s mental approach plays a massive role. Players who trust their reads and commit fully to their stroke will often execute their putt better.
- Putting Technique: While power is needed for long putts, maintaining balance and a smooth stroke is essential for accuracy.
These skills, combined with years of practice, allow players to sink long putts at crucial moments. While putting from 10-15 feet is an expected part of the game, being able to successfully putt from 50+ feet is a feat few players will ever accomplish in their careers.
Top Ten Longest Putts in Professional Golf History
The longest putt on tour was made by Bob Cook back in 1976, during the International Fourball Pro AM at St Andrews. Cook managed to sink a 140-foot putt to beat the previous record set by Jack Nicklaus by by 30 feet. Here are the top ten longest putts officially recorded in professional gold tournaments:
| Rank | Player | Distance (ft) | Tournament | Year |
| 1 | Bob Cook | 140 | International Fourball Pro AM, St Andrews | 1976 |
| 2 | Craig Barlow | 111.5 | Buick Open | 2008 |
| 3 | Jack Nicklaus | 110 | Tournament of Champions | 1964 |
| 3 | Nick Price | 110 | PGA Championship | 1992 |
| 5 | Angel Cabrera | 103.5 | Phoenix Open | 2011 |
| 6 | Henrik Norlander | 93 | Valero Texas Open | 2023 |
| 7 | Ryan Fox | 91.7 | Mexico Open at VidantaWorld | 2025 |
| 8 | Cameron Young | 71.2 | WM Phoenix Open | 2025 |
| 9 | Jhonattan Vegas | 69.7 | The Players Championship | 2019 |
| 10 | Min Woo Lee | 60 | The Players Championship | 2022 |
These putts weren’t just lucky shots; they often changed the course of a tournament, boosting the player’s momentum while adding to their iconic status thanks to their incredible long-range putt.
Spotlight on Ryan Fox and His 91.7-Foot Putt
Ryan Fox is a name that has been steadily rising in the world of professional golf. The thirty-eight-year-old, who hails from Auckland, New Zealand, has built a reputation for his powerful drives and exceptional putting ability. The son of former All Blacks rugby legend Grant Fox, Ryan took a different sporting path but has proven to be just as good in his chosen field.
Having played on both the European Tour and PGA Tour, Fox turned professional in 2012 and quickly established himself as one of New Zealand’s leading golfers. He secured multiple wins, including the ISPS Handa World Super 6 Perth in 2019 and the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth two years ago in 2023.
The Putt That Stole the Show
During the opening round of the 2025 Mexico Open at VidantaWorld, Fox made headlines with this 91.7-foot putt on the par-3 fifth hole. The putt, which initially seemed impossible, had the right amount of speed and a perfect line, ultimately dropping in for an unexpected birdie. It was the longest putt of the PGA Tour season and one of the longest in recorded history.
Fox later commented: “You never expect to hole a 90-footer. You just aim, trust the read, and hope for the best. When I saw it rolling perfectly toward the hole, I was just praying it wouldn’t stop. To see it go in was amazing.”
Notable Non-Tournament Long Putts
While official tournaments provide the structured settings for record-keeping, some of the most astonishing long putts have occurred in non-tour events, and casual or promotional settings. Here are some remarkable examples:
Jay Stocki – 401-Foot Putt (2023)
- Set a Guinness World Record at The Baths of Blackwolf Run.
- Attempted multiple times before successfully sinking the putt.
Brett Standford – 395-Foot Putt (2017)
- Part of the YouTube channel “How Ridiculous.”
- Made at Point Walter Golf Course, recognised by Guinness World Records.
Wesley Bryan – 432-Foot Putt (2024)
- Achieved by PGA Tour player Wesley Bryan during practice play.
- Not an official tournament but widely covered by the media.
David Micheluzzi – 416-Foot Putt (2024)
- Another incredible non-tour and non-tournament out achieved in a casual setting.
These putts, while unofficial, demonstrate that even in controlled environments, making a putt of over 100 feet remains incredibly rare in the sport of golf.
How Long Putts Impact the Game
Long putts are a lot more than mere statistics; they can change the course of a tournament, and here’s how:
- Momentum Boosters: Sinking a 50+ foot putt can ignite a golfer’s confidence, affecting how they play for the rest of their round or the event as a whole.
- Crowd Reactions: Spectators love long putts, and a successful one can electrify the atmosphere, in turn boosting a player’s morale.
- Highlight-Worthy Moments: Many of the longest putts in the history of golf have become legendary highlights that are viewed time and time again online.
- Psychological Edge: Seeing an opponent drain a long putt can put pressure on competitors.
Conclusion
The longest putts in professional golf history are a blend of precision, skill, and, sometimes, a little bit of luck. Whether it’s a 140-foot bomb in a pro event or a record-setting 400-footer in a more casual setting, these moments are seen as some of the most thrilling the sport has to offer.
Ryan Fox managing to pull a 91.7-foot putt out of the bag at the Mexico Open this year (2025) already adds yet another chapter to this history, proving that even in a game built on consistency, magic moments can happen when they’re least expected. 2025 is already proving to be an excellent year for long putts, with Cameron Young sinking one from 71.2 feet at the WM Phoenix Open. Both Fox and Young have seen their names enter the top ten list for the longest on-tour putts.
With more tournaments to come this year, such as the US Masters, where Scottie Scheffler is the favourite to win according to US Masters winner betting, there’s still plenty of time to see many more outrageous long-range putts before 2025 is out. Therefore, it’s important to keep an eye on golf betting to see which players are playing where throughout the season, as some are more likely to putt from distance successfully than others.
