How to Make More Putts

A practice drill that will improve your putting and reduce your golf scores.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Three golf balls
• Three golf tees
• A putter
• A practice green

1. 1. Find a level spot on the putting green.

2. 2. Put a tee at each of the 3-foot; 6-foot; 9-foot distances.

3. 3. Each sequence will involve all three balls. A “try” will consist of three putts. All three balls must be holed in a try before moving on. Less than two balls sunk in a try result in a start over at the last position.

4. 4. Putt three balls at the 3-foot mark. Do not move to the next tee until you have sunk all three balls on the first try.

5. 5. Then move to the 6-foot mark. If you make less than two putts, return to the 3-foot mark and start over. If you make two putts, remain at the 6-foot mark and start the sequence of three over again. When you make all three putts on the first try move on to the 9-foot mark.

6. 6. At the 9-foot mark, if you make less than two putts on the first try, return to the 6-foot mark and start over. If you make two putts, remain at the 9-foot mark and start over. Remain at the 9-foot mark until you have sunk all three on one try.

Tips & Warnings

• You will feel the “must-make” pressure on each putt. The pressure will be greatest on the third ball in a particular try. It is normal to take at least an hour on the attempt at this drill. When you move through the 3-, 6- and 9-foot stations on the first try at each, then move to 5-, 9- and 12-foot stations.
• Repeat this drill at least once a week to maintain your putting ability and confidence. You may soon experience no 3-putt rounds. At each station, always visualize the ball going into the hole. When you feel you have mastered this straight-putt drill move to the same process on breaking putts. Begin with right-to-left breaking putts, as they are easier for right-handed players. After attaining proficiency on this type of putts, begin the process on left-to-right breaking putts.