Putting Tips - Practice with Drills

Incorporate these effective drills into your practice routine to hone your putting skills:

1. Gate Drill

Purpose: Improve stroke path and accuracy.
How to Perform:

• Place two tees slightly wider than your putter head.
• Practice stroking the ball through the "gate" without hitting the tees.
• Focus on a smooth, centered stroke.

2. Ladder Drill

Purpose: Develop distance control.
How to Perform:

• Set up balls at intervals (e.g., 3, 6, 9 feet) in a straight line.
• Putt the balls toward the same target, focusing on consistent speed.
• Aim to stop each ball just past the hole.

3. Circle Drill

Purpose: Build confidence on short putts.
How to Perform:

• Arrange 6–8 balls in a circle around the hole, about 3 feet away.
• Putt each ball into the hole, moving around the circle.
• Progress to 4–6 feet as you improve.

4. One-Handed Drill

Purpose: Enhance feel and control.
How to Perform:

• Practice putting with only your dominant hand on the putter.
• Alternate hands to develop a balanced stroke.
• Focus on maintaining a smooth tempo.

5. Clock Drill

Purpose: Work on alignment and pressure putts.
How to Perform:

• Position balls at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock around the hole, each 4 feet away.
• Sink each ball, simulating pressure situations.
• Gradually increase the distance as your confidence grows.

6. String Line Drill

Purpose: Improve alignment and straight putting.
How to Perform:

• Stretch a string over your intended line, securing it with tees.
• Putt along the string to ensure proper alignment and stroke direction.

7. Distance Ladder Drill

Purpose: Fine-tune touch and lag putting.
How to Perform:

• Mark distances of 10, 20, and 30 feet on the practice green.
• Putt to stop the ball within a target zone around each marker.
• Work on controlling your speed and power for varying distances.

8. Pressure Putt Drill

Purpose: Simulate real-game pressure.
How to Perform:

• Set a target score for 10 consecutive putts.
• Challenge yourself to beat your score or restart if you miss.
• Add consequences (e.g., restarting) to mimic high-stakes situations.

Practicing these drills regularly will improve your putting mechanics, build consistency, and boost your confidence on the green.