Putting is the heart of golf. It’s where rounds are won or lost. Getting good at it isn’t just about spending hours on the green. It’s about practicing smart. Practice that sharpens your aim, speed, and touch. Today, we’re diving into some great drills to help you improve your putting. Let’s get started.
1. - The gate drill is a classic for a reason. It’s simple, but it works. Take two tees and set them up, one on each side of your putter head, about 1/4" or so away from either side. Now, make your stroke. If you hit the tee near you, you’re pulling. If you hit the one farther away, you’re pushing. The goal? Make three clean strokes without touching a tee. This drill focuses on your alignment so you keep your putter face square. It’s a game-changer.
2. - The clock drill is all about distance control. Picture a clock around the hole. Place a ball at each hour mark, about a foot out. Start putting from “12 o’clock” and work your way around. Once you sink all 12, back up and repeat. This drill helps you get the right speed and adapt to different greens. It’s quick, effective, and a go-to for pros.
3. - The coin drill. Get out a quarter and place it on the green. Your job? Roll the ball right over it. This tiny target sharpens your accuracy and trains your eye. Plus, it’s easy to set up anywhere. Just you, a coin, and a few minutes can make a huge difference.
4. - The 3-6-9 drill is all about building confidence. Line up three tees at three, six, and nine feet from the hole. Start close and sink three putts. Then move back. Keep going until you’ve nailed a full set. This drill gets you comfortable with those short to mid-range putts that save rounds.
5. - The one handed putting drill. Ever seen Tiger Woods practice with one hand? The one-handed putting drill is about control. Grip your putter with your lead hand only. Focus on smooth, steady strokes. This drill helps you develop touch and tempo. If it’s good enough for Tiger, it’s good enough for you.
6. - Finally, try the club-behind-the-hole drill for distance control. Lay a club or pin on the ground a foot or two past the hole. Practice putting from 10 to 20 feet away. The goal? Get the ball close without hitting the club. This drill keeps your lag putting sharp and cuts down on three-putts.
Putting isn’t about grinding mindlessly. It’s about focused, meaningful practice. These drills don’t just sharpen your skills—they build confidence. They get you ready to sink those big putts when it counts. So grab your putter, hit the green, and start dialing it in.
On Putting Drill #5 – Putting with Lead Hand Only – it shows Tiger putting with his Right hand only. This is the way I have seen Tiger over the years do this drill. Is his Right Hand considered the Lead Hand? I always have thought my Left Hand was the Lead Hand? Maybe just Semantics but wanted to be sure I’m doing that drill correctly! I play golf “Right Handed” and have always done this drill as Tiger is shown in the Video – putting with the Right Hand only. I also practice using only my Left Hand in putting – is this of any value or should I just do it Right Handed? Thanks for the drills!