12 Best Putting Drills An Ultimate Guide

Putting is a crucial aspect of golf that can make or break your game. To become a proficient putter, you need to practice consistently and effectively. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore 12 of the best putting drills that can help you improve your putting skills and lower your scores on the golf course.

1. The Gate Drill:

   • Setup two tees just wider than the putter’s head.
   • Practice putting through the “gate” to ensure a straight stroke.
   • This drill enhances accuracy and alignment.

2. The Clock Drill:

   • Place three tees around the hole at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions.
   • Practice putting from each tee, simulating different distances and angles.
   • Improve distance control and consistency.

3. The 3-Foot Circle Drill:

   • Create a circle around the hole with a 3-foot radius.
   • Putt from various points along the circle.
   • Focus on sinking putts within the 3-foot range, boosting confidence.

4. The One-Handed Drill:

   • Practice putting with only one hand (left and right).
   • Develop a smoother, controlled stroke and better feel for the putter head.

5. The Line Drill:

   • Lay a club or alignment stick on the green as a target line.
   • Practice putting along the line to enhance alignment and accuracy.

6. The Lag Putt Drill:

   • Place three tees at increasing distances from the hole.
   • Focus on getting each putt within the “scoring zone” to improve lag putting.

7. The Putting Mirror Drill:

   • Use a putting mirror or alignment aid to check your setup and stroke.
   • Ensure your eyes, shoulders, and putter face are properly aligned.

8. The Uphill/Downhill Drill:

   • Find an uphill and downhill slope on the green.
   • Practice putts on both to improve speed control.

9. The “No Miss” Drill:

   • Place three tees in a line, 1 foot from the hole.
   • Make 20 consecutive putts without hitting any tees.
   • Develop confidence in short putts.

10. The Gate and Gate Drill:

    • Set up two gates with tees just wider than your putter head.
    • Practice putting through both gates to ensure a straight path and accuracy.

11. The Bunker Putt Drill:

    • Putt from the edge of a bunker or sand trap.
    • Develop a soft touch and precise speed control.

12. The Pressure Putt Drill:

    • Create pressure situations by keeping track of your score during practice.
    • Simulate the intensity of real-game situations to build mental toughness.

1. Stay Relaxed: Tension in your grip and body can hinder your putting stroke. Keep a relaxed grip and posture to maintain a fluid, consistent motion.
2. Read the Green: Spend time reading the green before your putt. Look for subtle breaks, slopes, and grain direction that can affect the ball’s path.
3. Practice Under Pressure: To prepare for real-game situations, practice high-pressure putts. Set specific goals and consequences for missing putts during practice to simulate tournament conditions.
4. Putting Routine: Develop a consistent pre-putt routine that helps you focus and visualize the line and speed of your putt. Stick to this routine for every putt.
5. Use the Right Putter: Ensure your putter suits your putting style and preferences. Experiment with different putters to find the one that feels most comfortable.
6. Recording and Analysis: Record your putting sessions on video and review them for any flaws in your technique. This visual feedback can be invaluable for making improvements.
7. Fitness and Flexibility: Good putting often depends on having a stable lower body and a smooth, controlled upper body. Consider incorporating golf-specific exercises and stretches into your fitness routine.
8. Mental Toughness: Building mental resilience is crucial for putting success. Learn to stay calm and focused under pressure, and don’t dwell on past missed putts.
9. Practice with a Purpose: Have specific goals in mind during your putting practice sessions. Whether it’s improving alignment, distance control, or lag putting, structured practice is more effective.
10. Play Different Courses: Experience different green speeds and conditions by playing various golf courses. This exposure will help you adapt to different putting challenges.

Resources for Further Improvement:

1. Putting Aids: Consider investing in putting training aids like putting mats, alignment sticks, and training mirrors to enhance your practice sessions.
2. Putting Lessons: Professional instruction from a golf coach or instructor can provide personalized feedback and guidance to improve your putting technique.
3. Putting Apps: There are various golf apps available that offer putting drills, green-reading tools, and virtual practice environments to help you hone your skills.
4. Books and Videos: Explore golf instruction books and online video tutorials from renowned golf instructors to gain valuable insights into putting techniques and strategies.
5. Putting Competitions: Participate in putting competitions or mini-golf tournaments to challenge yourself and apply your skills in a competitive setting.
6. Track Your Progress: Keep a putting journal to record your practice routines, goals, and results. Tracking your progress can help you identify areas that need improvement.
7. Putting Clinics: Attend putting clinics or workshops at your local golf club or practice facility to learn from experienced golf professionals.
8. Peer Feedback: Practice putting with a friend or fellow golfer who can provide feedback and support your improvement journey.
9. Visualization Techniques: Use visualization exercises to mentally rehearse successful putts and build confidence in your putting abilities.
10. Regular Maintenance: Maintain your putter by regularly cleaning the clubface and checking for any damage or wear that might affect performance.

Putting Drill Types

  Progression

Common Putting Mistakes

Essential Putting Equipment

 Putting Practice Plan

Conclusion:

Becoming a skilled putter in golf is a continuous journey that requires dedication, practice, and a strategic approach to improvement. By incorporating the 12 best putting drills mentioned in this guide, along with the bonus tips and additional resources, you can elevate your putting game and ultimately lower your scores on the golf course.