Putting is arguably the most important part of golf. No matter how far and straight you can hit the ball off the tee, it won’t matter much if you always stick to three-putting greens. Fortunately, with focused practice and proper putting technique, any golfer can improve their short game. If you want to start hitting more one-putts and lower your scores, implement these proven putting drills and strategies.
Perfect your grip
Before you can become a good putter, you need to master your grip on the club. Be sure to read about the different techniques for using putting equipment. There are several common ways to hold a putter, including the traditional straight-back through grip, reverse overlap grip, cross grip, and split grip. Try to figure out which style allows you to hit the ball with the best control and consistency. Remember, grip pressure should be low to avoid straining and pulling the putter left or right.
Practice correct alignment
Even the best putting stroke will do nothing if you consistently have inaccurate alignment. Set up practice putts 3 feet, 6 feet and 10 feet around the hole. Place two alignment rods on the ground pointed exactly at the holes. Place the putter behind the ball, adjust posture and grip, and check that the putter face and body alignment match the guide stick. If not, make adjustments until everything is perfectly aligned with the target.
Control distance through backswing length
Distance control is critical to putting. When you step onto the practice green, note how far back you push the putt on your 3-foot, 6-foot, and 10-foot putts. The length of your backswing directly affects distance, so keep in mind the specific backswing required for different putter lengths. Keep your movements tight and controlled. Even on long putts, don’t pull the club too far back.
Reading green breaks
Being able to discern subtle breaks and contours on the green is the mark of a great putter. Walk around the hole and imagine how your putter will break before each shot. To solidify this skill, place the tee box on the ground 3 feet from the hole and hit the putter directly onto that mark. This will train you to respond to breaks rather than blindly hitting the ball toward the hole.
Commit to your route
Doubting yourself again during a stroke is suicidal. Once you align and read the green, make your best guess at the target line and commit 100%. Focus on this line during your stroke. If you find yourself starting to lean toward the putt left or right of the target at the last second, you’re not fully committed yet. Trust your reading and preparation.
Focus on solid contacts
A shaky putter is every golfer’s enemy. Nothing erodes your confidence on the green faster than a pop. Practice solid contact by placing the tees on either side of the ball, close enough that if your shot isn’t square and smooth, the putter head will hit the tee. Hit the ball again and again with the sole purpose of sweeping the ball cleanly without touching the tee. This holds the key to center putting control over the hitting face, smooth acceleration, and contact just below the equator.
In golf, you tee off to show and you putt to make money. While the long game may look prettier, your ability to score ultimately comes down to that flat club. Implement these proven putting drills at your next driving range to start making more birdies. By focusing on the fundamentals and quality practice, you’ll be putting with ease in no time.
