Mastering Your Short Game: 10 Putting Drills for GolfersPutting Drills

I. Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on improving your short game through targeted putting drills. Whether you’re a beginner golfer looking to hone your skills or a seasoned pro aiming for consistent performance, mastering putting is essential for lowering your score and enjoying success on the course. In this article, we’ll delve into 10 highly effective putting drills designed to improve your accuracy, consistency, and confidence on the greens.

Golfers often underestimate the importance of putting, yet it can make or break a round. It’s not just about sinking the occasional long putt but also about consistently converting short putts and managing distance control on longer ones. By dedicating time to practicing these essential skills, you can transform your short game and elevate your overall performance.

Throughout this guide, we’ll explore a variety of putting drills that cater to different aspects of putting, from alignment and setup to distance control and tempo. Each drill is accompanied by detailed instructions, practical tips, and personal insights to help you understand its purpose and execute it effectively. Whether you’re practicing on the putting green or at home, these drills are adaptable to various skill levels and environments.

So, grab your putter, head to the practice green, and let’s dive into the world of putting mastery. With dedication, practice, and the right techniques, you’ll soon find yourself sinking putts with confidence and precision, ultimately enhancing your enjoyment of the game. Let’s get started on your journey to becoming a putting maestro!

II. Understanding the Basics of Putting

Before delving into the specific putting drills, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamental concepts that underpin a successful putting stroke. Putting is not just about hitting the ball into the hole; it’s a delicate blend of technique, feel, and mental fortitude. Let’s break down the key components of a proficient putting stroke:

A. Definition and Significance of Putting in Golf

Putting is the final step in completing a hole on the golf course, where players use a putter to roll the ball into the cup. While it may seem straightforward compared to other aspects of the game, putting requires precision and finesse, as it often accounts for a significant portion of a golfer’s total strokes during a round.

B. Key Components of a Successful Putting Stroke

1. Grip: The grip is the golfer’s connection to the putter and plays a crucial role in controlling the clubface during the stroke. Whether you prefer the traditional, cross-handed, or claw grip, finding a grip that feels comfortable and promotes stability is essential.
2. Stance: A proper putting stance provides a solid foundation for executing a consistent stroke. Golfers should stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly flexed, and weight evenly distributed on both feet. The stance should feel balanced and stable, allowing for a smooth pendulum-like motion.
3. Alignment: Alignment refers to the positioning of the golfer’s body and putter relative to the target line. It’s crucial to align the putterface square to the intended target and square the body parallel to the target line. Misalignment can lead to errant putts, even with a technically sound stroke.
4. Tempo: Tempo is the rhythm and timing of the putting stroke. A smooth and consistent tempo promotes a fluid stroke and helps maintain control over distance and direction. Golfers should strive for a steady tempo throughout the stroke, avoiding jerky or rushed movements.
5. Confidence: Confidence is perhaps the most underrated yet essential aspect of putting. Believing in your ability to sink putts, even under pressure, can significantly impact your performance on the greens. Confidence is built through practice, positive reinforcement, and a strong mental game.

By mastering these key components of putting, golfers can lay the foundation for consistent and reliable performance on the greens. In the next section, we’ll explore the first of our 10 putting drills designed to enhance these fundamental skills and take your putting to the next level.

III. Drill 1: Alignment and Setup Practice

In this first drill, we focus on perfecting your alignment and setup, which are foundational elements of a successful putting stroke. Proper alignment ensures that your putterface is square to the target line, while a consistent setup promotes stability and control throughout the stroke.

Objective:

The objective of this drill is to develop a repeatable routine for aligning yourself correctly to the target and setting up your stance and putter consistently.

Instructions:

1. Select a Target Hole: Choose a hole on the practice putting green with a clear target line and flat surface.
2. Position Your Ball: Place a golf ball on the green approximately 3 feet from the hole, ensuring it’s in line with your intended target.
3. Set Up Alignment Aids: Use alignment aids such as alignment sticks or club shafts to create a visual guide for your target line. Place one alignment aid parallel to the target line and another perpendicular to ensure proper alignment of your feet and putterface.
4. Assume Your Stance: Stand behind the ball and visualize your intended line to the hole. Take your stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and square to the target line. Ensure your eyes are directly over the ball for optimal alignment.
5. Align Your Putterface: Position your putter behind the ball, aligning the putterface perpendicular to the target line. Use the alignment aids to verify that your putterface is square to the intended target.
6. Establish Your Grip: Grip the putter with your preferred grip style, ensuring a light and relaxed hold. Maintain consistent pressure in both hands throughout the stroke.
7. Focus on Routine: Develop a pre-shot routine that includes visualizing the intended line, taking practice strokes, and committing to your target. Repeat this routine for each putt to reinforce consistency.
8. Execute Your Stroke: With your setup and alignment in place, execute your putting stroke with a smooth and controlled motion. Keep your head steady and eyes focused on the ball throughout the stroke.
9. Evaluate Your Results: After each putt, assess your alignment and setup to identify any deviations from your target line. Adjust as needed and strive for improvement with each repetition.

Tips for Success:

• Practice this drill regularly to ingrain proper alignment and setup habits into your putting routine.
• Experiment with different alignment aids and visual cues to find what works best for you.
• Focus on maintaining a relaxed and confident demeanor throughout the drill to promote consistency and control.

By dedicating time to mastering alignment and setup, you’ll lay the groundwork for improved accuracy and confidence on the greens. Stay tuned for the next drill, where we’ll delve into techniques for honing your distance control skills.

IV. Drill 2: Distance Control Exercises

Distance control is a crucial aspect of putting that separates good putters from great ones. This drill focuses on developing your ability to judge and control the speed of your putts, allowing you to consistently leave yourself with manageable second putts.

Objective:

The objective of this drill is to improve your distance control on the greens, ensuring that your putts finish close to the hole regardless of the distance.

Instructions:

1. Select Multiple Targets: Choose several holes on the practice green at varying distances from your starting point. Aim to have targets at short, medium, and long distances to practice different lengths of putts.
2. Position Your Ball: Place a golf ball on the green at your starting point, ensuring it’s in a flat and open area with clear lines to each target hole.
3. Establish Reference Points: Use visual markers or landmarks on the green to establish reference points for each target hole. This could be a blade of grass, a divot, or a distinct feature on the green’s surface.
4. Assume Your Stance: Approach each putt with the same stance and setup as in the previous drill. Ensure your feet are aligned parallel to the target line, and your eyes are directly over the ball.
5. Assess the Distance: Take a moment to assess the distance to each target hole and visualize the speed required to reach each one. Consider factors such as slope, grain, and green speed in your assessment.
6. Execute Your Stroke: With your setup and distance assessment complete, execute your putting stroke with a focus on controlling the speed of the putt. Aim to match the speed of your stroke to the distance required to reach the target.
7. Monitor Results: After each putt, observe the distance and proximity to the target hole. Note any variations in speed and adjust your technique accordingly for subsequent putts.
8. Repeat and Adjust: Continue practicing putts to each target hole, adjusting your speed and technique based on feedback from previous attempts. Aim to consistently leave yourself with manageable second putts, regardless of the distance.

Tips for Success:

• Focus on maintaining a smooth and consistent putting stroke throughout the drill.
• Pay attention to the feedback from each putt and make adjustments as necessary to improve your distance control.
• Experiment with different lengths of putts and green conditions to develop versatility in your putting game.

By dedicating time to practicing distance control, you’ll develop a keen sense of touch and precision on the greens, ultimately leading to lower scores and increased confidence in your putting abilities. Stay tuned for the next drill, where we’ll explore techniques for refining your tempo and rhythm.

V. Drill 3: Tempo and Rhythm Training

Tempo and rhythm are essential components of a consistent putting stroke. This drill focuses on developing a smooth and controlled tempo, which is critical for maintaining accuracy and distance control on the greens.

Objective:

The objective of this drill is to refine your putting tempo and rhythm, promoting a fluid and effortless stroke that maximizes consistency and control.

Instructions:

1. Set Up Your Putting Station: Choose a flat and open area on the practice green to set up your putting station. Ensure there are no distractions or obstacles that could interfere with your focus.
2. Select Your Putter: Use your preferred putter for this drill, ensuring it’s properly fitted and comfortable to use.
3. Establish Your Stance: Assume your putting stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and square to the target line. Position the ball slightly forward in your stance for optimal contact with the putterface.
4. Focus on Breathing: Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and relax any tension in your body. Focus on maintaining a calm and composed demeanor throughout the drill.
5. Practice Swinging the Putter: Begin by swinging the putter back and forth in a pendulum motion, focusing on the rhythm and tempo of your stroke. Pay attention to the smooth transition between the backswing and follow-through.
6. Count Your Tempo: As you swing the putter, count the rhythm of your stroke in your head. Aim for a consistent count on both the backswing and follow-through, ensuring a balanced and symmetrical motion.
7. Execute Putts with Tempo: Once you’ve established a comfortable tempo, begin putting balls towards a target hole. Focus on maintaining the same rhythm and tempo in your stroke, regardless of the distance or break of the putt.
8. Monitor Your Results: After each putt, assess the outcome in relation to your tempo and rhythm. Note any deviations or inconsistencies and adjust your technique accordingly for subsequent putts.
9. Repeat and Refine: Continue practicing putts with a focus on tempo and rhythm, making adjustments as needed to improve consistency and control. Experiment with different tempos to find what works best for you.

Tips for Success:

• Practice putting with a metronome or rhythmic counting to reinforce a consistent tempo.
• Focus on maintaining a soft and relaxed grip pressure throughout the stroke to promote fluidity and feel.
• Visualize a smooth and uninterrupted pendulum motion in your mind’s eye to guide your stroke.

By incorporating tempo and rhythm training into your putting practice, you’ll develop a more consistent and reliable stroke that translates to improved performance on the course. Stay tuned for the next drill, where we’ll explore techniques for enhancing your green reading skills.

VI. Drill 4: Gate Drill for Accuracy

The gate drill is a highly effective exercise for improving your putting accuracy and enhancing your ability to roll the ball on your intended line. By creating a gate with alignment aids, you’ll develop a more consistent stroke and increase your chances of sinking putts.

Objective:

The objective of this drill is to refine your putting accuracy by creating a gate with alignment aids and rolling the ball through it consistently.

Instructions:

1. Set Up Your Putting Station: Choose a flat and open area on the practice green to set up your putting station. Use alignment sticks or other straight objects to create a gate approximately 6 inches wide, positioned just in front of the hole.
2. Position Your Ball: Place a golf ball on the green just behind the gate, ensuring it’s aligned with the center of the hole and the intended target line.
3. Establish Your Stance: Assume your putting stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and square to the target line. Align your putterface with the center of the gate to ensure proper alignment.
4. Focus on Your Stroke: Take a few practice strokes to familiarize yourself with the gate and the distance required to roll the ball through it. Focus on maintaining a smooth and controlled stroke throughout the drill.
5. Roll the Ball Through the Gate: With your setup and alignment in place, execute your putting stroke with the goal of rolling the ball through the gate and into the hole. Focus on hitting the ball with the center of the putterface and controlling the speed of the putt.
6. Monitor Your Accuracy: After each putt, assess your accuracy in relation to the gate. Note any deviations from the intended line and adjust your technique accordingly for subsequent putts.
7. Repeat and Refine: Continue practicing putts through the gate, making adjustments as needed to improve your accuracy and consistency. Experiment with different speeds and break conditions to simulate on-course situations.
8. Challenge Yourself: Increase the difficulty of the drill by narrowing the width of the gate or moving it farther from the hole. This will test your precision and challenge you to execute more precise putts.

Tips for Success:

• Focus on rolling the ball through the gate with a smooth and controlled stroke, rather than trying to force it through with power.
• Use visual cues to help align your putterface with the center of the gate, such as a line on the ball or a spot on the putter.
• Practice this drill regularly to ingrain proper alignment and accuracy into your putting routine.

By incorporating the gate drill into your putting practice, you’ll develop a more consistent and accurate stroke that translates to improved performance on the greens. Stay tuned for the next drill, where we’ll explore techniques for honing your touch and feel on lag putts.

VII. Drill 5: Putting Under Pressure

Putting under pressure is a crucial aspect of improving your performance on the golf course. This drill simulates the pressure and intensity of real-game situations, helping you develop the mental fortitude and confidence needed to make critical putts when it matters most.

Objective:

The objective of this drill is to practice putting under pressure and develop the mental resilience needed to perform well in high-pressure situations on the course.

Instructions:

1. Create a Pressure Situation: Choose a target hole on the practice green and designate a specific number of putts you need to make consecutively to succeed in this drill. For example, you might set a goal of making five consecutive putts from varying distances.
2. Establish Your Stance: Assume your putting stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and square to the target line. Visualize the putt and commit to your intended line and speed.
3. Embrace the Pressure: Take a moment to acknowledge the pressure of the situation and accept it as part of the challenge. Embrace the opportunity to test your skills under difficult conditions and focus on maintaining a positive mindset.
4. Execute Your Putts: With the pressure in mind, execute your putting stroke with confidence and conviction. Focus on each putt individually and trust in your ability to perform under pressure.
5. Monitor Your Progress: Keep track of your progress as you attempt to achieve the designated number of consecutive putts. Note any deviations from your intended line or speed and adjust your approach accordingly.
6. Stay Calm and Composed: As the pressure mounts with each putt, remain calm and composed under pressure. Trust in your preparation and training, and visualize each putt finding the bottom of the cup.
7. Learn from Mistakes: If you miss a putt during the drill, take it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Analyze what went wrong and make adjustments to your technique or mindset for the next attempt.
8. Celebrate Successes: Celebrate each successful putt as you progress towards your goal. Acknowledge the mental and emotional resilience required to perform under pressure and use it as motivation for future challenges.

Tips for Success:

• Visualize success before each putt and focus on positive outcomes rather than dwelling on potential failures.
• Practice deep breathing or visualization techniques to help calm nerves and maintain focus under pressure.
• Embrace the challenge of putting under pressure and view it as an opportunity to showcase your skills and mental toughness.

By incorporating putting under pressure drills into your practice routine, you’ll develop the mental resilience and confidence needed to excel in clutch situations on the golf course. Stay tuned for the next drill, where we’ll explore techniques for improving your lag putting skills.

VIII. Drill 6: Visualization Techniques

Visualization is a powerful tool for enhancing performance in any sport, including golf. This drill focuses on harnessing the power of visualization to improve your putting skills by mentally rehearsing successful putts before executing them.

Objective:

The objective of this drill is to enhance your ability to visualize successful putts and execute them with confidence and precision on the greens.

Instructions:

1. Find a Quiet Space: Begin by finding a quiet and distraction-free space where you can comfortably sit or stand in a relaxed position.
2. Visualize Your Putting Stroke: Close your eyes and visualize yourself standing over a putt on the green. Imagine the ball rolling smoothly off your putterface and tracking towards the hole with perfect speed and accuracy.
3. Engage Your Senses: As you visualize the putt, engage all of your senses to create a vivid mental image. Feel the weight of the putter in your hands, hear the sound of the ball dropping into the cup, and see the ball’s trajectory as it rolls towards the hole.
4. Focus on Detail: Pay attention to the details of your visualization, including the slope of the green, the break of the putt, and any obstacles or challenges you may encounter. Visualize yourself overcoming these challenges with confidence and skill.
5. Rehearse Different Scenarios: Practice visualizing a variety of putting scenarios, including short putts, long putts, uphill putts, downhill putts, and breaking putts. Visualize yourself successfully navigating each scenario with precision and control.
6. Stay Positive and Confident: Maintain a positive and confident mindset throughout your visualization practice. Focus on visualizing successful outcomes and trust in your ability to execute your putts with skill and precision.
7. Repeat Regularly: Incorporate visualization practice into your regular putting routine, spending a few minutes each day visualizing successful putts before heading out to the practice green or golf course.

Tips for Success:

• Use visualization as a tool to build confidence and mental resilience on the greens.
• Practice visualization techniques regularly to enhance your ability to execute successful putts under pressure.
• Combine visualization with physical practice on the putting green to reinforce positive outcomes and improve your overall putting performance.

By incorporating visualization techniques into your putting practice, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the mechanics of your stroke and build confidence in your ability to execute successful putts on the course. Stay tuned for the final drill, where we’ll explore techniques for maintaining focus and concentration during your putting routine.

IX. Drill 7: Putting Games and Challenges

Putting games and challenges are an excellent way to make your practice sessions more engaging and enjoyable while also improving your putting skills. This drill explores various putting games and challenges that you can incorporate into your practice routine to enhance your performance on the greens.

Objective:

The objective of this drill is to introduce you to a variety of putting games and challenges that will help you develop your skills and make practice sessions more fun and effective.

Instructions:

1. Horse Race Putting Challenge: Set up a series of holes on the practice green, each representing a different leg of a horse race. Putt from one hole to the next, trying to complete the course in the fewest number of putts possible.
2. Clock Putting Game: Use tees to mark four positions around the hole, representing the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. Putt from each tee in sequence, trying to make each putt without missing. Keep track of your score and try to improve with each round.
3. Match Play Putting Challenge: Partner up with a friend and play a match play putting challenge. Take turns putting from the same position and see who can make the most putts in a row. The loser buys lunch!
4. Distance Control Challenge: Set up a series of tees at varying distances from the hole and practice controlling your speed and distance on each putt. Try to get as many putts as possible within a designated target area around the hole.
5. Putting Obstacle Course: Create an obstacle course on the practice green using tees, flags, and other objects. Navigate your way through the course, making putts from different angles and slopes. This challenge will test your creativity and adaptability on the greens.
6. Putting Poker: Assign point values to different holes on the practice green and try to accumulate the highest score possible by sinking putts. Make sure to keep track of your score and challenge yourself to beat your personal best.
7. Putt to a Picture: Place a picture or image of a hole on the ground and try to putt the ball into the designated hole on the image. This game will help improve your visualization skills and make practice more enjoyable.
8. Putting Race Against the Clock: Set a timer and see how many putts you can make within a designated time limit. Challenge yourself to improve your score with each attempt and push yourself to putt faster and more accurately.

Tips for Success:

• Keep practice sessions fun and engaging by incorporating a variety of games and challenges.
• Set goals and objectives for each game or challenge to track your progress and improvement over time.
• Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different game formats to keep practice sessions interesting.

By incorporating putting games and challenges into your practice routine, you’ll not only improve your putting skills but also make practice sessions more enjoyable and rewarding. Experiment with different games and challenges to find what works best for you and keep your putting game sharp.

X. Drill 8: Uphill and Downhill Putting Drills

Uphill and downhill putts present unique challenges on the golf course, requiring adjustments in speed, line, and technique. This drill focuses on practicing uphill and downhill putting to improve your ability to navigate these tricky situations with confidence and accuracy.

Objective:

The objective of this drill is to develop your skills and confidence in tackling uphill and downhill putts effectively, ultimately leading to improved performance on the greens.

Instructions:

1. Select a Sloped Area: Find a sloped area on the practice green with both uphill and downhill sections. Look for variations in slope and terrain to simulate real-course conditions.
2. Set Up Your Putting Station: Position yourself at the base of the slope, facing uphill. Place a target hole at a distance that allows for a challenging but manageable putt.
3. Uphill Putting Technique:
   • Adjust Your Setup: Position the ball slightly forward in your stance and align your shoulders parallel to the slope. This setup promotes a slightly steeper putting stroke to account for the uphill slope.
   • Focus on Speed Control: Place extra emphasis on speed control when putting uphill. The ball will naturally slow down as it climbs the slope, so adjust your stroke to ensure you reach the target hole with the correct pace.
4. Downhill Putting Technique:
   • Square Your Shoulders: Align your shoulders parallel to the target line and square to the slope. This setup promotes a more controlled and stable putting stroke when navigating downhill putts.
   • Ease Off the Acceleration: Avoid overpowering downhill putts by easing off the acceleration through impact. Focus on maintaining a smooth and controlled stroke to prevent the ball from racing past the hole.
5. Practice Putts from Various Distances: Experiment with putts of varying lengths and slopes to develop a feel for speed and break on uphill and downhill putts. Focus on reading the terrain and adjusting your stroke accordingly.
6. Monitor Your Results: Pay attention to the outcome of each putt and assess your ability to control speed and line on uphill and downhill putts. Note any adjustments or improvements needed for future putts.
7. Repeat and Refine: Continuously practice uphill and downhill putting drills to refine your technique and build confidence in navigating sloped greens. Experiment with different slopes and distances to challenge yourself and improve your skills.

Tips for Success:

• Focus on maintaining a stable and balanced stance when putting uphill and downhill to promote consistency in your stroke.
• Read the slope and terrain carefully before attempting each putt, and visualize the ball’s path to the hole to anticipate break and speed adjustments.
• Practice uphill and downhill putting drills regularly to build confidence and proficiency in handling sloped greens.

By incorporating uphill and downhill putting drills into your practice routine, you’ll develop the skills and confidence needed to tackle challenging putting situations on the course. Stay tuned for more tips and drills to improve your putting game and lower your scores.

Drill 10: Clock Putting Drill

The clock putting drill is a fantastic exercise for refining your short putting skills and developing consistency on the greens. By mimicking the positions of a clock around the hole, this drill helps you improve your accuracy from various distances and angles.

Objective:

The objective of the clock putting drill is to enhance your ability to make short putts from different positions around the hole, ultimately improving your confidence and performance on the greens.

Instructions:

1. Set Up Your Putting Station: Find a flat area on the practice green with a hole to serve as your target. Place tees or markers at the 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock positions around the hole, approximately 3 feet away.
2. Prepare Your Putts: Stand at the 12 o’clock position and place a golf ball next to the tee. Repeat this process at the 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock positions, ensuring that each ball is aligned with the center of the hole.
3. Execute Your Putts: Starting at the 12 o’clock position, putt each ball into the hole using your preferred putting stroke. Focus on maintaining a smooth and controlled motion, aiming to roll the ball into the center of the cup.
4. Rotate Positions: After completing your putts from the 12 o’clock position, move to the 3 o’clock position and repeat the process. Continue rotating clockwise around the hole, putting from each position in succession.
5. Monitor Your Accuracy: Keep track of how many putts you make from each position and note any patterns or tendencies in your performance. Pay attention to your alignment, stroke, and speed control to identify areas for improvement.
6. Challenge Yourself: Increase the difficulty of the drill by decreasing the size of the target area or varying the distances from which you putt. This will test your precision and adaptability on the greens.
7. Visualize Success: Before each putt, visualize the ball rolling smoothly into the center of the hole. Visualize yourself executing the perfect stroke and sinking the putt with confidence.
8. Repeat and Refine: Practice the clock putting drill regularly to refine your short putting skills and build consistency. Focus on making subtle adjustments to your technique based on feedback from each putt.

Tips for Success:

• Maintain a consistent putting routine and pre-shot routine for each putt, regardless of position.
• Pay attention to your grip pressure and body alignment to ensure a stable and repeatable stroke.
• Practice the drill from various positions and distances to simulate real-game scenarios and improve your overall putting performance.

By incorporating the clock putting drill into your practice routine, you’ll develop the skills and confidence needed to sink short putts from any position around the hole. Stay tuned for the conclusion of this comprehensive putting guide.

Drill 11: Star Putting Drill

The star putting drill is an excellent exercise for improving your putting accuracy and distance control from multiple angles around the hole. By setting up tees at different distances and positions, this drill helps you develop a well-rounded putting game that can handle various challenges on the greens.

Objective:

The objective of the star putting drill is to enhance your ability to make putts from different distances and angles around the hole, improving your overall putting performance and confidence on the greens.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Putting Station: Find a flat area on the practice green with a hole to serve as your target. Set up tees at four positions around the hole, representing the points of a star (12 o’clock, 4 o’clock, 8 o’clock, and 10 o’clock), each approximately 4 to 5 feet away from the hole.
2. Start at Each Position: Begin at one of the tee positions, such as the 12 o’clock position, and putt a ball towards the hole. Repeat this process at the remaining tee positions, moving clockwise around the hole.
3. Focus on Distance Control: Pay close attention to your distance control on each putt, aiming to roll the ball with the right amount of speed to reach the hole without overshooting or falling short.
4. Adjust Your Aim: As you move to each tee position, adjust your aim and read the break of the putt based on the angle and slope of the green. Visualize the ball’s path to the hole and commit to your intended line.
5. Repeat the Process: Continue putting from each tee position in succession, aiming to sink each putt with confidence and precision. Take note of any adjustments you need to make to your stroke or alignment as you go.
6. Challenge Yourself: Increase the difficulty of the drill by adding more tee positions or varying the distances from which you putt. This will test your ability to adapt to different putting scenarios and improve your overall skills on the greens.
7. Maintain Focus and Concentration: Stay focused and committed to each putt, regardless of the difficulty or distance. Avoid getting frustrated by missed putts and instead use them as learning opportunities to refine your technique.
8. Track Your Progress: Keep track of how many putts you make from each tee position and note any improvements or areas for further development. Celebrate your successes and use them as motivation to keep improving.

Tips for Success:

• Practice the star putting drill regularly to build confidence and consistency in your putting game.
• Experiment with different putting techniques and grips to find what works best for you in various situations.
• Stay patient and persistent, and don’t be afraid to seek feedback from a coach or experienced player to help refine your technique.

By incorporating the star putting drill into your practice routine, you’ll develop the skills and confidence needed to handle a wide range of putting challenges on the course. Stay tuned for the conclusion of this comprehensive putting guide.

Drill 12: 9 Holes of Drawback

The “9 Holes of Drawback” putting drill is a versatile exercise designed to hone your mid-range and short putting skills while simulating real-game scenarios. By varying the distances and slopes of the putts, this drill helps you develop a keen sense of distance control and green reading, leading to improved performance on the course.

Objective:

The objective of the 9 Holes of Drawback putting drill is to enhance your ability to judge distance and read greens effectively, ultimately improving your confidence and success on mid-range and short putts during your rounds.

Instructions:

1. Select Your Starting Position: Begin by choosing a starting point on the practice green where you’ll putt from for each hole. Ideally, this spot should be located at a mid-range distance from the hole, around 8 to 15 feet away.
2. Identify Your Targets: Look for a series of holes or markers on the practice green that you’ll use as your targets for each putt. Ideally, these targets should vary in distance and slope, offering a range of challenges for your putting skills.
3. Putt Towards Different Holes: For each “hole,” putt towards a different target on the practice green, varying the distance and slope of each putt to simulate real-game scenarios. Focus on maintaining a smooth and controlled stroke, aiming to roll the ball with the right speed and direction to reach the hole.
4. Adjust Your Aim and Speed: As you putt towards each target, adjust your aim and speed based on the slope and break of the green. Take note of any uphill, downhill, or sidehill slopes that may affect the path of your putt, and adjust your stroke accordingly.
5. Read the Greens: Pay close attention to the slope and break of each putt, taking into account factors such as grain, wind, and moisture on the green. Use your putting skills and knowledge of green reading to anticipate how the ball will roll towards the hole and adjust your aim accordingly.
6. Evaluate Your Performance: After completing all 9 holes of the drill, evaluate your performance and take note of any patterns or tendencies in your putting. Pay attention to your accuracy, distance control, and ability to read greens effectively, and identify areas for improvement.
7. Repeat and Refine: Practice the 9 Holes of Drawback drill regularly to refine your putting skills and build confidence on the greens. Experiment with different techniques and strategies to find what works best for you in various putting scenarios.

Tips for Success:

• Focus on maintaining a consistent putting routine and pre-shot routine for each putt, regardless of distance or slope.
• Trust your instincts and commit to your chosen line and speed for each putt, even if it means taking a calculated risk.
• Stay patient and persistent, and don’t be discouraged by missed putts. Use them as learning opportunities to improve your technique and decision-making on the greens.

By incorporating the 9 Holes of Drawback putting drill into your practice routine, you’ll develop the skills and confidence needed to excel on mid-range and short putts during your rounds. Stay tuned for the conclusion of this comprehensive putting guide.

Drill 13: 6ft Speed Drill

The 6ft speed drill is a fundamental exercise designed to improve your distance control and touch on the greens. By focusing on putting from a consistent distance, this drill helps you develop a feel for the speed of your putts, leading to improved accuracy and confidence on the greens.

Objective:

The objective of the 6ft speed drill is to enhance your ability to control the distance of your putts and develop a consistent putting stroke for mid-range distances, ultimately leading to improved performance on the course.

Instructions:

1. Select Your Starting Point: Begin by choosing a starting point on the practice green where you’ll putt from for each repetition of the drill. Ideally, this spot should be located approximately 6 feet away from the hole.
2. Prepare Your Putting Station: Set up a series of golf balls at your chosen starting point, ready to putt towards the hole. Make sure the balls are aligned with the center of the hole and spaced evenly apart for consistency.
3. Focus on Speed Control: With each repetition of the drill, focus on controlling the speed of your putts to roll the ball towards the hole with the right amount of pace. Aim to strike the ball smoothly and evenly to generate consistent roll and distance.
4. Monitor Your Distance: Pay close attention to how far each putt travels and adjust your speed accordingly to reach the desired distance. Use your feel and touch to gauge the speed of the green and make any necessary adjustments to your stroke.
5. Maintain a Smooth Stroke: Throughout the drill, focus on maintaining a smooth and rhythmic putting stroke, free from any jerky or abrupt movements. Keep your grip pressure light and your wrists relaxed to promote a fluid and natural putting motion.
6. Repeat the Drill: Continue putting from the 6ft distance, repeating the drill multiple times to develop consistency and accuracy in your speed control. Aim to sink as many putts as possible while maintaining a consistent pace and rhythm.
7. Evaluate Your Performance: After completing the drill, evaluate your performance and take note of any trends or patterns in your distance control. Pay attention to any areas where you may need to make adjustments to improve your consistency.

Tips for Success:

• Focus on striking the ball with the center of the putterface to promote a true roll and consistent distance control.
• Use visualization techniques to imagine the ball rolling smoothly towards the hole with each putt, helping you develop a mental picture of the desired outcome.
• Practice the drill regularly to build confidence and consistency in your distance control, making adjustments as needed to refine your technique.

By incorporating the 6ft speed drill into your practice routine, you’ll develop the skills and confidence needed to control the distance of your putts effectively and sink more putts on the greens. Stay tuned for the conclusion of this comprehensive putting guide.

Drill 14: Hole Switch

The Hole Switch putting drill adds an element of competition and pressure to your putting practice, helping you develop a focused mindset and hone your ability to hole putts under challenging conditions. By alternating between different holes and competing against a partner, this drill simulates the pressure of real-game situations, ultimately improving your performance on the greens.

Objective:

The objective of the Hole Switch putting drill is to improve your ability to hole putts under pressure and develop a confident and focused mindset on the greens.

Instructions:

1. Partner Up: Find a putting partner to compete against in this drill. Stand at two different holes on the practice green, facing each other.
2. Start Putting: Both you and your partner begin putting towards your respective holes simultaneously, aiming to hole as many putts as possible.
3. Switch Positions: When either you or your partner successfully holes a putt, switch positions with each other. The first player to hole five putts wins the game.
4. Focus on the Process: Throughout the drill, focus on your putting routine and technique, paying close attention to your alignment, grip, and stroke. Block out distractions and maintain a positive mindset, regardless of the outcome of each putt.
5. Embrace the Pressure: Use the competitive nature of the drill to simulate the pressure of real-game situations. Challenge yourself to stay calm and composed under pressure, trusting in your abilities to execute each putt with confidence.
6. Stay Engaged: Keep the intensity level high throughout the drill, encouraging each other and celebrating successful putts. Embrace the competitive spirit of the game while maintaining good sportsmanship and respect for your partner.
7. Track Your Progress: Keep track of how many putts you and your partner hole during each round of the drill. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and adjust your strategy as needed.

Tips for Success:

• Focus on maintaining a smooth and consistent putting stroke, even when under pressure. Trust in your technique and commit to each putt with confidence.
• Stay mentally engaged and focused on the present moment, avoiding distractions and negative thoughts that may undermine your performance.
• Use visualization techniques to imagine successful putts before executing each stroke, helping you build confidence and belief in your ability to hole putts under pressure.

By incorporating the Hole Switch putting drill into your practice routine, you’ll develop the mental toughness and confidence needed to excel on the greens, even in high-pressure situations. Stay tuned for more short putting drills and bonus skill-building exercises to take your putting game to the next level.

Best Short Putting Drills

Short putting is crucial for scoring well on the golf course. Here are some of the best drills to improve your short putting skills:

1. Clock Putting Drill: Practice short putts from various positions around the hole, simulating different angles and slopes.
2. Star Putting Drill: Challenge yourself with putts from multiple distances and angles, focusing on accuracy and precision.
3. 9 Holes of Drawback: Test your mid-range and short putting skills by putting towards different holes on the practice green, adjusting your technique based on distance and slope.
4. 6ft Speed Drill: Develop a feel for the speed of your putts by consistently putting from a distance of 6 feet, focusing on controlling the distance with each stroke.
5. Hole Switch: Add an element of competition to your putting practice by competing against a partner, alternating between different holes and focusing on holing putts under pressure.

Bonus Skill Building

To further enhance your putting skills, consider incorporating these bonus skill-building exercises into your practice routine:

• Visualization Techniques: Visualize successful putts before executing each stroke, helping you build confidence and belief in your ability to hole putts under pressure.
• Grip Variation: Experiment with different putting grips to find the one that works best for you, allowing you to maintain control and consistency on the greens.
• Putting with Different Grips: Practice putting with different grips, such as the conventional, reverse overlap, or claw grip, to develop versatility and adaptability in your putting technique.

By incorporating these short putting drills and bonus skill-building exercises into your practice routine, you’ll develop the skills and confidence needed to excel on the greens and lower your scores on the golf course.

Best Lag Putting Drills

Lag putting is essential for controlling your distance on long putts and setting up shorter, manageable second putts. Here are some of the best lag putting drills to help you master the art of distance control on the greens:

1. Lag Putting Drill: Set up tees at different distances on the practice green and practice putting to a target zone around the hole. This drill improves your distance control and helps you avoid three-putts on long putts.
2. Fringe Putting Drill: Practice putting from the fringe of the green to improve your ability to judge distance and control your speed on longer putts. This drill simulates real-game scenarios and helps you get up and down from challenging positions around the green.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering short and lag putting is essential for lowering your scores and improving your overall performance on the golf course. By incorporating these drills into your practice routine and focusing on distance control and touch, you’ll become a more confident and skilled putter. Remember to stay patient, stay positive, and keep practicing diligently. With time and dedication, you’ll see significant improvements in your lag putting and ultimately lower your scores.

FAQs

Q: How often should I practice these putting drills? A: Aim to incorporate putting practice into your routine at least a few times a week. However, the frequency of practice depends on your schedule and goals. Consistency is key to improvement.

Q: Can these drills be done alone, or do I need a partner? A: While some drills, like the Hole Switch, benefit from having a partner, many can be done solo. Adapt the drills to fit your practice needs and availability.

Q: How long should each practice session last? A: Practice sessions can vary in length depending on your schedule and energy levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow sufficient time to work on different drills.

Q: I’m a beginner golfer. Are these drills suitable for me? A: Absolutely! These drills cater to golfers of all skill levels. Start with the basics and gradually increase the difficulty as you improve.

Additional Resources

• Golf Digest: 10 Putting Drills to Improve Your Short Game
• PGA: How to Improve Your Putting

Author’s Note

Improving your putting game takes time, patience, and dedication. Remember to stay focused, maintain a positive attitude, and have fun with the process. Keep practicing, and you’ll see improvements on the course in no time. Good luck and happy putting!