Putting Drills

Improving your putting skills in golf requires practice and consistency. To help you become a more confident and accurate putter, here are some effective putting drills you can incorporate into your practice routine:

1. Gate Drill:

   • Set up two tees about the width of your putter head apart, creating a "gate" just in front of the hole.
   • Practice putting through the gate to ensure your putter is on the correct path. This drill helps improve your aim and alignment.

2. Distance Control Drill:

   • Place three to five balls at different distances from the hole, starting with short putts and gradually moving farther away.
   • Focus on distance control and try to get each putt to stop within a small target area around the hole. This drill helps develop a feel for various distances.

3. Clock Drill:

   • Position three to six balls around the hole, evenly spaced like the numbers on a clock (e.g., 3 feet, 6 feet, 9 feet, 12 feet).
   • Putt from each position, aiming to sink all putts consecutively. This drill helps you practice putts from different angles and distances.

4. Pressure Putts:

   • Create pressure situations by simulating important putts during your practice. Imagine you're on the 18th hole to win a tournament.
   • Visualize the scenario, and then putt as if the putt matters. This helps build mental toughness and prepares you for clutch putts during a round.

5. One-Handed Putting:

   • Practice putting with only one hand (either your lead or trail hand) to improve your feel and touch. This drill can help you find your putting rhythm.

6. Putting with Eyes Closed:

   • Stand over the ball, close your eyes, and take a few practice strokes to develop a feel for distance and alignment.
   • When you're ready, putt the ball with your eyes closed. This drill enhances your putting feel and develops muscle memory.

7. Coin Putting:

   • Place a coin or small object about 12 inches in front of the ball on the putting line.
   • Focus on hitting the coin consistently with your putter head during your stroke. This drill improves your precision and accuracy.

8. Ladder Drill:

   • Set up a series of tees or markers in a straight line at increasing distances from the hole, such as 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 feet.
   • Putt one ball at a time, starting from the closest tee. Only move to the next tee if you make the putt.
   • The goal is to reach the farthest tee while making each putt. This drill helps you progressively work on longer putts.

9. Uphill and Downhill Putts:

   • Find a practice green with slopes, and practice both uphill and downhill putts. These putts require different techniques and touch.

10. Putting Game:

    • Create a putting game with friends or by yourself. Assign points to different targets or zones on the green, and try to reach a certain score within a set number of putts. This adds an element of competition and focus to your practice.

Remember to maintain good putting fundamentals, including a consistent stance, grip, and posture, throughout your practice sessions. Vary your drills to work on different aspects of your putting game, and don't forget to practice regularly to see improvement on the golf course.