Putting accuracy is essential for any golfer looking to lower their scores and improve their overall game. Practicing specific drills can help you develop a consistent stroke and build confidence on the greens. Here are three diverse examples of putting drills that are designed to improve your accuracy.
The Gate Drill is a fantastic exercise to sharpen your aim and ensure a smooth stroke. You’ll often find that alignment is one of the most common issues among golfers, and this drill addresses that directly.
Set up two tees or small objects about a putter’s width apart on the green, forming a ‘gate’ about 6 feet from the hole. The goal is to hit the ball through the gate without hitting the tees. This drill not only helps with alignment but also encourages a straight back and through stroke.
To start, place a golf ball in the center of the gate. Stand behind the ball and take a moment to visualize your line to the hole. Then, step up and make your stroke, focusing on keeping the putter head straight as it moves through the gate. Repeat this several times, adjusting the distance and angles to challenge yourself further.
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The 3-Point Drill is perfect for practicing your short-range putts. Accuracy from within 3 to 5 feet can make a huge difference in your game, so this drill focuses on building confidence from these crucial distances.
To set up, choose three spots on the green that are 3 feet away from the hole, spaced out at different angles. Place a marker at each spot. Start at the first marker and make a putt, then move to the second and third markers, ensuring you get each putt in the hole.
If you make all three putts, move back to the first spot and try again. If you miss, start over from the beginning. As you build confidence, you can increase the distance to 4 or 5 feet.
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The Clock Drill is an engaging way to practice putting from various angles around the hole. This drill can help you become more comfortable with different putting scenarios you might face during a round.
To conduct the Clock Drill, imagine the hole as the center of a clock. Place a tee or marker at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, all at a distance of about 4 feet from the hole. Start at the 12 o’clock position, making your putt, and then move to the 3 o’clock position and so on until you’ve putted from all four spots.
The goal is to make all four putts in succession. If you miss, start from the beginning. Once you’ve mastered the 4-foot distance, you can gradually increase the distance to 5 or 6 feet, or even add additional markers for more angles.
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By practicing these examples of putting drills for improving accuracy, you’ll build a solid foundation that can significantly enhance your overall performance on the greens. Remember, consistency is key, so make these drills a regular part of your practice routine!