Best Putting Drills for Lower Scores
So, you’ve got the putting green, and you’ve got some free time on your hands. We thought it would be helpful to give you a list of 10 of the best putting drills. We believe that every time you practice, you should have some sort of goal or plan for that practice session. While you might not put like a pro, here are 10 ways in which you can have fun, improve your putting, and shoot lower scores! (These are all written from the perspective of the right-handed golfer).
The One-Handed Putting Drill
Why does this help my putting?
Putting with just one hand, and namely just the right hand, this drill helps build the connection between you and your target, and takes away thoughts of stroke mechanics. It also naturally smooths out your putting stroke, and helps you release the putter the correct way through the putt.
What do I need for this drill?
You, your putter, and your putting green (inside or out!)
How to do this drill correctly?
Start out with shorter length putts of 8’ and in. Make a lot of practice strokes to feel the grip pressure you need to do this drill. Always a good drill to come back to if you feel like your putting stroke has gotten a bit “jabby” or you are de-accelerating the putter through the ball.
Putting with just one hand, and namely just the right hand, this drill helps build the connection between you and your target, and takes away thoughts of stroke mechanics. It also naturally smooths out your putting stroke, and helps you release the putter the correct way through the putt.
What do I need for this drill?
You, your putter, and your putting green (inside or out!)
How to do this drill correctly?
Start out with shorter length putts of 8’ and in. Make a lot of practice strokes to feel the grip pressure you need to do this drill. Always a good drill to come back to if you feel like your putting stroke has gotten a bit “jabby” or you are de-accelerating the putter through the ball.
The Gate Putting Drill
Why does this help my putting?
Well, it depends on where the ‘gate’ is! You can make a putting gate drill with tees for your putter to go through (make your stroke without hitting either tee), or you can make a gate of tees for the ball to go through. You can put the gate nearer to yourself to see if you are starting the ball on line, or you can put the gate closer to the hole to see if you are reading the putt correctly and hitting it at the correct speed for your read.
What do I need for this drill?
Putting drills with tees are easy to set up. If you are inside on your putting green, you can use 2 coins to create a ‘putter-gate’ or a ‘ball-gate’ or 2 tees, upside down! If you are outside, you can push the tees into the ground. You can also purchase a putting gate putting aid.
How to do this drill correctly?
The set up of the drill is the most important part of the drill- making sure that your ‘putter-gate’ is close enough to the heel and toe of your putter for your abilities, and making sure that the ‘ball-gate’ is set up straight down the target line, at the proper gate distance for the ball to pass through.
Well, it depends on where the ‘gate’ is! You can make a putting gate drill with tees for your putter to go through (make your stroke without hitting either tee), or you can make a gate of tees for the ball to go through. You can put the gate nearer to yourself to see if you are starting the ball on line, or you can put the gate closer to the hole to see if you are reading the putt correctly and hitting it at the correct speed for your read.
What do I need for this drill?
Putting drills with tees are easy to set up. If you are inside on your putting green, you can use 2 coins to create a ‘putter-gate’ or a ‘ball-gate’ or 2 tees, upside down! If you are outside, you can push the tees into the ground. You can also purchase a putting gate putting aid.
How to do this drill correctly?
The set up of the drill is the most important part of the drill- making sure that your ‘putter-gate’ is close enough to the heel and toe of your putter for your abilities, and making sure that the ‘ball-gate’ is set up straight down the target line, at the proper gate distance for the ball to pass through.
The "Box" Putting Drill
Why does this help my putting?
This is one of the best putting drills for speed. It can be a drill or a game with friends, as the size of the box and the distance away can make this drill more or less challenging.
What do I need for this drill?
You need 3 golf balls, and some string to make the box, and 4 tees. If you are working from different distances from the box, you will need some tees to mark your distances.
How to do this drill correctly?
Depending on your ability, set up a small box using string and your tees (it can be around a golf hole, or not around a hole). A standard-size box would be 2.5’ wide and 5’ long. Practicing from one distance, or moving to different distances is helpful in feeling better speed with your putts. If you have one of these greens, you could go back 15’!
This is one of the best putting drills for speed. It can be a drill or a game with friends, as the size of the box and the distance away can make this drill more or less challenging.
What do I need for this drill?
You need 3 golf balls, and some string to make the box, and 4 tees. If you are working from different distances from the box, you will need some tees to mark your distances.
How to do this drill correctly?
Depending on your ability, set up a small box using string and your tees (it can be around a golf hole, or not around a hole). A standard-size box would be 2.5’ wide and 5’ long. Practicing from one distance, or moving to different distances is helpful in feeling better speed with your putts. If you have one of these greens, you could go back 15’!
Using Your Alignment Sticks When You Putt Drill
Why does this help my putting?
This helps your putting stroke technique. The first way to set this drill up is to be about 3’ from the hole, and place your alignment sticks down running parallel to each other, one along the toe line and one along the heel line. Make practice putting strokes making sure that your putting stroke stays reasonably within the lines. Check the position of your putter in relation to the sticks at the end of your putting stroke.
What do I need for this drill?
You need 3 balls, 2 alignment sticks, and a target.
How to do this drill correctly?
You need to set the sticks up correctly with a little room along the toe and heel line of your putter towards the target. You can set this up on an indoor or outdoor green, just be careful outside to not stay in one place too long while doing this, or you can injure the grass on the green.
This helps your putting stroke technique. The first way to set this drill up is to be about 3’ from the hole, and place your alignment sticks down running parallel to each other, one along the toe line and one along the heel line. Make practice putting strokes making sure that your putting stroke stays reasonably within the lines. Check the position of your putter in relation to the sticks at the end of your putting stroke.
What do I need for this drill?
You need 3 balls, 2 alignment sticks, and a target.
How to do this drill correctly?
You need to set the sticks up correctly with a little room along the toe and heel line of your putter towards the target. You can set this up on an indoor or outdoor green, just be careful outside to not stay in one place too long while doing this, or you can injure the grass on the green.
Putting to a Smaller Target Drill
Why does this help my putting?
This helps various aspects of your putting all at the same time! The reduced cup and entry point help you with your speed control, and if the ball is rolling along your intended target.
What do I need for this drill?
This putting aid is fantastic, and will make the cup smaller, and also help you focus on the point in which you want the ball to enter the hole. You need several golf balls and a golf hole.
How to do this drill correctly?
The set up of the training aid is very important. Make sure you have a straight putt to start out with, and that the training aid is set up directly on line with the middle of the hole. I would start out at 3’ away from the hole and gradually move back if you are making putts. Stay patient- this is a challenge!
This helps various aspects of your putting all at the same time! The reduced cup and entry point help you with your speed control, and if the ball is rolling along your intended target.
What do I need for this drill?
This putting aid is fantastic, and will make the cup smaller, and also help you focus on the point in which you want the ball to enter the hole. You need several golf balls and a golf hole.
How to do this drill correctly?
The set up of the training aid is very important. Make sure you have a straight putt to start out with, and that the training aid is set up directly on line with the middle of the hole. I would start out at 3’ away from the hole and gradually move back if you are making putts. Stay patient- this is a challenge!
Look at the Hole Drill
Why does this help my putting?
This drill helps your putting by taking your focus off the putting stroke, and really working on your feel. It also helps create that connection between your speed control and what you see in distance from the hole. It can help your putting stroke by making the act of putting more of a reaction than an action. Like, in basketball when you just look and shoot? Sort of the same thing here.
What do I need for this drill?
Just 3 balls, your putter and your golf putting green.
How to do this drill correctly?
Not much- this is a simple one! Just practice rolling the ball ttowardyour target from different distances. You can also putt looking at the hole during an actual round of golf if you feel like you have tried different things and have lost your touch that day- it has been known to help.
This drill helps your putting by taking your focus off the putting stroke, and really working on your feel. It also helps create that connection between your speed control and what you see in distance from the hole. It can help your putting stroke by making the act of putting more of a reaction than an action. Like, in basketball when you just look and shoot? Sort of the same thing here.
What do I need for this drill?
Just 3 balls, your putter and your golf putting green.
How to do this drill correctly?
Not much- this is a simple one! Just practice rolling the ball ttowardyour target from different distances. You can also putt looking at the hole during an actual round of golf if you feel like you have tried different things and have lost your touch that day- it has been known to help.
Eyes Closed Putting Drill
Why does this help my putting?
This drill is another one that can help you develop feel and touch on a green, for longer and shorter putts. When we don’t use our eyes, our other senses are heightened and we can get a good feel of the contact of the putt as well.
What do I need for this drill?
You need 3 golf balls and a golf hole.
How to do this drill correctly?
Very simple- you can take practice strokes looking at the hole, but when it is time to putt-close your eyes. The first few might be distance-challenged, but once you start getting the feel, you will surprise yourself!
This drill is another one that can help you develop feel and touch on a green, for longer and shorter putts. When we don’t use our eyes, our other senses are heightened and we can get a good feel of the contact of the putt as well.
What do I need for this drill?
You need 3 golf balls and a golf hole.
How to do this drill correctly?
Very simple- you can take practice strokes looking at the hole, but when it is time to putt-close your eyes. The first few might be distance-challenged, but once you start getting the feel, you will surprise yourself!
1, 2, 3, Speed Putting Drill
Why does this help my putting?
I love this drill. This is all about hitting 6’ and in putts matching the correct speed with your intended line. Being able to hit a putt exactly the way you want to hit it takes any focus off the putting stroke, and puts it solely on making the putt.
What do I need for this drill?
You need 3 golf balls and a cup.
How to do this drill correctly?
You have 3 balls which the point of the drill is to hit each ball at a different speed into the cup. Ball 1- I would like for you to hit the ball as hard as you comfortably can right into the back of the cup. Ball 2- Medium speed putt... going in at a nice roll. Ball 3- Hit the ball as lightly as possible to have it make its last rolls over the front edge of the cup. Move around the hole (so not just all from one spot) matching your speed and your read, trying to control the speed at which the ball enters the cup.
I love this drill. This is all about hitting 6’ and in putts matching the correct speed with your intended line. Being able to hit a putt exactly the way you want to hit it takes any focus off the putting stroke, and puts it solely on making the putt.
What do I need for this drill?
You need 3 golf balls and a cup.
How to do this drill correctly?
You have 3 balls which the point of the drill is to hit each ball at a different speed into the cup. Ball 1- I would like for you to hit the ball as hard as you comfortably can right into the back of the cup. Ball 2- Medium speed putt... going in at a nice roll. Ball 3- Hit the ball as lightly as possible to have it make its last rolls over the front edge of the cup. Move around the hole (so not just all from one spot) matching your speed and your read, trying to control the speed at which the ball enters the cup.
Towel Drill
Why does this help my putting?
This drill is a great drill for speed control of medium to longer length putts.
What do I need for this drill?
You need a small golf towel and 5 golf balls on your putting surface.
How to do this drill correctly?
Decide your distances you want to putt from- 8’, 12’, and 15’ could be good starting points. Lay the small towel flat on your putting surface. See how many out of 5 balls you can get that end up on the towel. You can stay at one distance for a while, or move to all 3 and make it a game.
This drill is a great drill for speed control of medium to longer length putts.
What do I need for this drill?
You need a small golf towel and 5 golf balls on your putting surface.
How to do this drill correctly?
Decide your distances you want to putt from- 8’, 12’, and 15’ could be good starting points. Lay the small towel flat on your putting surface. See how many out of 5 balls you can get that end up on the towel. You can stay at one distance for a while, or move to all 3 and make it a game.
Ladder Putting Drill
Why does this help my putting?
This drill really helps your touch, feel and speed control.
What do I need for this drill?
You need 5 golf balls and 2 tees.
How to do this drill correctly?
This is a good drill to do if you are on a busy putting green and all the golf holes are taken. Start on one side of the green and the goal is to see how many times you can putt from that spot until you ‘bust’ or roll the ball onto the fringe on the other side of the green (you can also do this with the edges of a putting mat inside). The first putt you hit needs to be super short. Then the next putt needs to also be short, but end up just past the first putt. And so on until you reach the other side of the green. Notice where your ‘gaps’ are in distance, and the goal is to be able to stop your next putt a few inches past where the previous putt ended up.
This drill really helps your touch, feel and speed control.
What do I need for this drill?
You need 5 golf balls and 2 tees.
How to do this drill correctly?
This is a good drill to do if you are on a busy putting green and all the golf holes are taken. Start on one side of the green and the goal is to see how many times you can putt from that spot until you ‘bust’ or roll the ball onto the fringe on the other side of the green (you can also do this with the edges of a putting mat inside). The first putt you hit needs to be super short. Then the next putt needs to also be short, but end up just past the first putt. And so on until you reach the other side of the green. Notice where your ‘gaps’ are in distance, and the goal is to be able to stop your next putt a few inches past where the previous putt ended up.
Final Thoughts on Putting Drills
Hopefully there are some ideas in that Top 10 that you have not done before! A few of those ( Ladder drill, 1,2,3, right handed, box...) you can set up or easily do before a round of golf. The drills that help with touch, feel and speed are always helpful to help you quickly and confidently adjust and learn a new speed of green. What do you normally do during a pre-round putting warm up? Anything that helps you get the speed of the greens for the longer putts, and see the short ones going in is a good warm up!
You may also benefit from trying a different type of putter. Getting fit by a PGA Pro is a great way to give yourself the best chance of putting well.
During the round of golf, putting can be the answer to your prayers that day, or a huge hindrance to shooting a good number. It is important, but difficult, to approach each putt as a new putt- and not let previous missed putts lower your confidence or have you doubt your skills.
When we are out on the course, and not able to take a time out to go practice, all we can do is our best. Having a good pre-putt routine and approaching each putt with the mindset of giving that putt the best roll that you can will help keep the negativity at bay. Our attitude is within our control! It is funny how you can make a 20’ putt seemingly out of nowhere, and it can turn your entire mood and golf round around.
The more that you are able to practice your putting with a purpose; the better of a putter you will be. A little focus in practice will go a long way for that money game Saturday mornings, or impressing your boss in a scramble!
Thanks for reading - you may also enjoy our golf simulator forum on Reddit:
Golf Simulator Forum
You may also find a couple of our other golf articles interesting and relevant:
Home Golf Hitting Mats
Build a DIY Golf Simulator
Golf Simulator Enclosures
Best Golf Simulator Software
You may also benefit from trying a different type of putter. Getting fit by a PGA Pro is a great way to give yourself the best chance of putting well.
During the round of golf, putting can be the answer to your prayers that day, or a huge hindrance to shooting a good number. It is important, but difficult, to approach each putt as a new putt- and not let previous missed putts lower your confidence or have you doubt your skills.
When we are out on the course, and not able to take a time out to go practice, all we can do is our best. Having a good pre-putt routine and approaching each putt with the mindset of giving that putt the best roll that you can will help keep the negativity at bay. Our attitude is within our control! It is funny how you can make a 20’ putt seemingly out of nowhere, and it can turn your entire mood and golf round around.
The more that you are able to practice your putting with a purpose; the better of a putter you will be. A little focus in practice will go a long way for that money game Saturday mornings, or impressing your boss in a scramble!
Thanks for reading - you may also enjoy our golf simulator forum on Reddit:
Golf Simulator Forum
You may also find a couple of our other golf articles interesting and relevant:
Home Golf Hitting Mats
Build a DIY Golf Simulator
Golf Simulator Enclosures
Best Golf Simulator Software
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Emily Kuhfeld is a LPGA Class A T&CP member since 2009, and a former Head Women’s College Golf Coach at USCB, Texas Tech (as the Assistant), Georgia Southern University, and Indiana University. Emily played college golf at The Ohio State University, and spent 3 years on the Duramed Futures Tour following graduation. She is currently getting her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling at Indiana
University. |
