Simple Putting Drills Every Beginner Golfer Should Try

Understanding the Importance of Putting

Putting is arguably the most critical component of golf, often deciding the outcome of a round. For beginners, mastering this skill can lead to greater confidence and lower scores. Effective putting requires not just skill but also the right mindset and practice. Below are some engaging and straightforward putting drills that can help beginners improve their game.

1. The Gate Drill

Objective: To help with stroke alignment and ensuring a straight putt.

How It Works:

Place two tees in the ground, slightly wider than the width of your putter head, creating a “gate” about 3-4 feet from the hole.
From a few feet away, practice putting the ball through the gate without hitting the tees.
Focus on your stroke path and make sure your putter moves straight back and through the ball.

Benefits:

This drill reinforces proper alignment and helps eliminate any unnecessary movements in your stroke.

2. The Clock Drill

Objective: To improve distance control and accuracy.

How It Works:

Create a “clock” by placing balls at various distances from the hole: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, and so on, up to around 10-12 feet, resembling the hours on a clock.
Start with the closest balls and work your way out, focusing on sinking each putt.
Take note of each ball’s location and practice until you can make a certain number in a row.

Benefits:

This drill enhances your ability to gauge distance and improves overall putting consistency.

3. The Ladder Drill

Objective: To develop distance control and stroke uniformity.

How It Works:

Set up 5 balls in a straight line, each 2-3 feet apart, starting from the hole.
Putt each ball in succession while focusing on striking the ball with the same strength.
Try to keep the balls from rolling too far past the hole.

Benefits:

This drill sharpens your feel for the power needed to control longer putts, crucial for reducing three-putts.

4. The One-Handed Drill

Objective: To enhance feel and control.

How It Works:

Using only your dominant hand, putt a series of balls from short distances (about 3 feet).
Switch and practice with your non-dominant hand, focusing on balance and touch.

Benefits:

This drill helps emphasize the importance of grip and touch while enhancing your overall control on putts.

5. The Ball Marker Drill

Objective: To improve stroke accuracy.

How It Works:

Place a small coin or ball marker just in front of your ball.
Focus on ensuring that your putter strikes the ball first without hitting the marker.
This drill reinforces the aspect of contact.

Benefits:

This is a simple yet effective drill that teaches you to make clean contact and improves overall accuracy.

6. The Distance Control Drill

Objective: To fine-tune distance judgment and the ability to gauge speed.

How It Works:

Choose a flat surface and select four different distances (e.g., 5, 10, 15, and 20 feet).
Putt balls to each distance, trying to land them just short of the hole on each trial.
Progressively adjust your strength based on how close you get to your target.

Benefits:

This drill enhances your judgment on how hard to hit the ball, crucial for tougher greens and lengthy puts.

7. The Putt with Purpose Drill

Objective: To develop focus and mental resilience.

How It Works:

Set a specific goal (e.g., 10 putts in a row from a 5-foot distance).
Instead of just casually hitting balls, take your time with each putt, visualizing success and concentrating on your routine.
Note how many putts you make and keep track of your progress.

Benefits:

This encourages a mentally disciplined approach to practice and reinforces the importance of a consistent routine.

8. The Uphill/Downhill Drill

Objective: To learn how slope affects the putt.

How It Works:

Find a small hill or incline on the green.
Practice putting up the slope and then down the slope while varying distances.
Pay attention to how the slope affects the speed and break of the putts.

Benefits:

Understanding how to adapt your stroke to different terrains is essential for any golfer. This drill develops how you adjust your strength and read the green.

9. The 3-Putt Challenge

Objective: To develop pressure handling and short game resilience.

How It Works:

Choose a series of holes on the practice green and play a competitive game against yourself.
If you 3-putt from any distance, you must restart your challenge.
Work to see how far you can progress without failing.

Benefits:

This drill mimics real-game situations, helping you build pressure tolerance while making you aware of your putting limits.

10. The Paint Can Drill

Objective: To increase peripheral vision focus.

How It Works:

Set a small target (a paint can, a bucket, etc.) at various distances.
Putt towards this target, focusing on sending the ball straight like you would on the course.
Expand the challenge by moving the target around or adding different strokes.

Benefits:

This drill emphasizes the importance of focus while simulating on-course pressure.

Tips for Successful Putting Practice

Consistency: Keep practicing on a regular basis. Set aside time each week dedicated solely to putting drills.
Routine: Create a putting routine that prepares you before each putt, building consistency.
Feedback: Record your sessions or use a coach to seek feedback on your form.
Visualization: Picture your putts going into the hole. This mental practice can significantly enhance your performance.
Stay Relaxed: A tense grip can lead to poor strokes. Focus on keeping a relaxed grip for better control.

By incorporating these drills into your routine, beginner golfers can effectively improve their putting skills, experience a more enjoyable game, and build the foundation necessary for improved performance on the green. With practice and patience, putting can become a strength in your golfing arsenal.