There’s no question that missing putts is the easiest way to put a monster number on the scorecard. A great drive and a solid approach shot can be nullified by a couple of missed putts, and the next thing you know, you are fighting for a bogey or worse instead of that a birdie you were set up for. Sure, it’s frustrating, but like anything, to get better you have to practice.
Here are a few great putting drills to add to your practice session that will help you become a better putter and and improve consistency on the green.
1. Around the World
Also known as the “clock drill”, this exercise requires consistency and focus. Start off by finding some space on the putting green, pick a cup to shoot towards and set up four golf balls around it. The balls should be the same distance from the cup and the goal is to make all four before moving the balls back a foot and trying to sink each one from that distance. If you miss, you have to start over. The drill simulates the pressure you can sometimes feel on greens during a round, and thus help you prepare for it.
The repetition of the drill also helps with those short putts that are infuriating when missed. Sinking four balls in a row from different particular distances will get you comfortable with those distances, and will increase your confidence when facing those putts on the course. When using this drill, remember to start from a distance where you frequently miss putts on the course. Beginners will want to start closer in, while better putters should start further back. Begin the drill from a distance where you are less comfortable and keep practicing until you are able to make all four putts.
2. Gate Putting Drill
We’ve all seen Tiger Woods, use this drill as this is one drill guaranteed to help you develop confidence on your short putts.
3-4 feet away from the hole place two tees just wider than the head of your putter, creating a gate for your putter to swing through.
Alternate hitting 12 putts with your right hand only (right handed golfers), then 6 putts with both hands. Set a number of putts that you need to make in a row before ending the drill.
For Tiger it was 50 or 100 depending on the day. The key for this drill is to make sure that your putter head is going straight back and straight through to the hole. Seeing the short putts drop over-and-over will build your confidence and not let you give away any strokes on the course.
3. Long Putt Points Drill
Most players should spend the majority of their time on the shorter putts (ten feet and in), but that doesn’t mean they should disregard the long putts. Putts from 20 feet and beyond create major problems for many players. These lengthy attempts often result in three or even four-putts that can kill someone’s score and ruin their confidence. That’s why the goal with this drill, besides trying to actually drain the putt, is to put the ball within a three-foot range for a makeable two-putt. If you can consistently two-putt from 20 feet and further, while occasionally making one, you will be able to shave several strokes off your score right away.
What’s great about this drill is that it also involves a point system that allows you to track your progress and level of improvement over time. If you make the putt, give yourself three points. If you put it within the three-foot circle, give yourself one. You can even create your own point system that rewards you for making longer putts, like 40 and 60 footers. Make sure to keep track of your score, so that the next time you use the drill, you will be able to see if you are getting better.
These are great reminders for we amateurs
A drill I like even better is the Parabola. Make an oval shape with about 8-10 balls, spaced about 3-4 feet apart, with the hole closer to one end of the oval. Start with the shortest putt and move you way along, trying to hole every putt…if you miss, start all over and see how long it takes you to complete the “circle”
Good content. Having something to practice that gives feedback has greater benefit than only rolling putts without feedback. Encouraging a way to keep people engaged is a major help.
Putting with one hand ,left and right alternately, gives you great feel .
Put also with one eye closed ,the two eyes closed ,loking backrwards (so to not see the ball .
Developing feel is the key to improve your putting .
Work then to read the slopes of the greens .The AIMPOINT system can prove helpful .
Train your feet to sense the amount of slope
First of all Thank You. I strive to get better,EVERY DAY, Putting & Chipping is where shots are saved !!!! Obsessed !! Much THANKS !!!!
Excellent drills – for a different long putt variation – set up 3 balls – 20,30 and 40 feet then putt 20, 40 30, reset and put 30, 20, 40, reset and putt 40,20, 30 – this helps you get your distance control and shows you forgetting about line makes getting distance easier as after you have hit the first putt of a set, you have a good idea of the line so you now concentrate on distance.
Another practice plan that I use is AFTER I finish a round. The putts I struggled with DURING that round, I redo on the practice green while they’re still fresh in my memory. BUT, only those putts, short, long, breakers…whatever. I’ve found that if I can correct (at least try) why I struggled, I stays with me.