17 Aug 5 Unconventional Putting Drills to Elevate Your Short Game

Putting: the silent art that can make or break a round of golf. While driving for show might grab attention, putting for dough is where the scores truly plummet. If you’re looking to shave strokes off your game and gain a competitive edge, look no further than these five unique putting drills designed to refine your technique and build confidence on the greens.

The Laser Focus Drill: Training Your Eyes to Read the Line

• Purpose: Develops keen observation and line-reading skills.
• Equipment: Putter, alignment sticks, a partner.
• How-To:
  • Choose a putt of moderate length with a noticeable break.
  • Have your partner place an alignment stick perpendicular to your chosen line, about halfway to the hole.
  • From behind the ball, visualize the line to the hole, then check your perception against the alignment stick.
  • Repeat with different putts and varying breaks.
• Why It Works: This drill forces you to consciously assess the green’s slopes and contours. By comparing your visualized line with an objective reference, you’ll fine-tune your ability to predict the ball’s path. Practicing in your favorite golf dress can also enhance your comfort and focus on the game.

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The Pendulum Swing Drill: Mastering Stroke Consistency

• Purpose: Improves rhythm, tempo, and distance control.
• Equipment: Putter, string or a lightweight chain (approximately putter length).
• How-To:
  • Attach one end of the string/chain to your putter grip and hold the other end at a fixed point (e.g., your belt buckle).
  • Allow the putter to swing freely like a pendulum.
  • Focus on maintaining a smooth, back-and-forth motion with minimal wrist movement.
• Why It Works: The pendulum swing eliminates extraneous movements and promotes a pure, repeatable stroke. This translates to consistent contact and better distance control.

The Gates of Success Drill: Refining Accuracy and Start Line

• Purpose: Enhances start line accuracy and builds confidence.
• Equipment: Putter, two tees or alignment sticks.
• How-To:
  • Place two tees (or sticks) about a putter-head width apart, a few feet from the ball, creating a “gate.”
  • Aim to roll the ball through the gate and into the hole.
  • Gradually narrow the gate as your accuracy improves.
• Why It Works: This drill demands precise alignment and a square clubface at impact. Starting the ball on your intended line is crucial for making putts, and this drill ingrains that skill.

The “Eyes Closed” Feel Drill: Honing Instinct and Touch

• Purpose: Develops feel and touch by relying on sensory feedback.
• Equipment: Putter, several golf balls.
• How-To:
  • Choose a straight, flat putt of varying lengths.
  • Close your eyes and take a few practice strokes to gauge the distance.
  • Strike the putt with your eyes still closed.
  • Focus on the sound of the impact and the sensation in your hands.
• Why It Works: This drill disconnects you from visual distractions and forces you to rely on your innate sense of touch and distance. It can be surprisingly effective in improving your feel for the greens.

The Pressure Cooker Drill: Simulating Competitive Stress

• Purpose: Build mental resilience and perform under pressure.
• Equipment: Putter, golf balls, a playing partner.
• How-To:
  • Create a putting competition with your partner.
  • Each player putts in turn, with the loser of each hole owing the winner a small wager (e.g., a golf ball or a post-round drink).
  • Increase the stakes as the competition progresses.
• Why It Works: Golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. This drill replicates the nerves and pressure of tournament play, teaching you to execute under stress.

Integrating Drills into Your Practice Routine

To maximize your putting improvement, dedicate time to these drills during each practice session. Vary the drills to prevent boredom and target different aspects of your putting game. Most importantly, be patient and persistent. Improvement takes time, but with dedicated practice, you’ll see your putting prowess soar, leading to lower scores and greater enjoyment on the course.

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