Bobby Locke said so eloquently, "You drive for show but putt for dough."

Putting is often regarded as the most critical component of a golfer's game, especially since it's typically the most frequent stroke used during a round. Mastering your putting stroke can shave strokes off your scorecard, improve your overall game, and increase your confidence on the greens.

To help you achieve precision and consistency, here are some effective short putting practice drills that will help you quickly master your stroke and lower your scores.

  1. Gate Drill for Perfect Alignment 

The Gate Drill is an excellent way to ensure your putter face remains square through impact, which is essential for accurate putts. Here's how to perform the drill.

1. Place two tees in the ground slightly wider than the width of your putter head
2. This forms a gate around the putter
3. Align the gate about three feet from the hole
4. Practice putting through the gate without hitting the tees
5. This forces you to maintain a straight path and keep your putter face square

Here are the benefits to consider.

• Promotes a consistent putting stroke
• Improves accuracy by ensuring proper alignment
• Helps you develop muscle memory for a straight stroke 

  2. Clock Drill for Distance Control 

Distance control is vital in putting, and the Clock Drill helps you manage different lengths by simulating a variety of putts. Here's how to perform this particular drill.

1. Place 12 balls around the hole, each three feet away, like numbers on a clock face
2. Start at "12 o'clock" and move clockwise around the hole, sinking each putt before moving to the next position
3. Focus on maintaining a consistent stroke and pace for each putt

Some benefits you will gain from doing this drill.

• Enhances distance control for various putt lengths
• Develops consistency under pressure by simulating real putting scenarios
• Builds confidence in making putts from all angles around the hole 

  3. The Ladder Drill for Lag Putting

Lag putting is about getting your first putt close to the hole to minimize three-putts. The Ladder Drill is designed to improve your feel for distance and speed.

Here's how to perform this drill.

1. Set up four or five tees in a line
2. Each one is progressively farther away from the hole (start at three feet, then six feet, nine feet, etc.)
3. Putt a ball to each tee, starting with the closest one
4. Attempt to stop the ball within a few inches of each tee
5. Work your way up and down the "ladder" without stopping

Some benefits you will gain from this drill.

• Sharpens distance control and feel for varying lengths
• Reduces the likelihood of three-putting by improving lag putting
• Helps with reading different green speeds and slopes 

  4. String Line Drill for Stroke Path 

A straight stroke path is essential for consistent putting. The String Line Drill helps you visualize and practice a straight-back and straight-through stroke.

Here's how to perform this drill.

1. Attach a string between two sticks or tees about 10 feet apart, at a height just above the ground
2. Place a ball under the string and line up so the string is directly over your intended line to the hole
3. Practice putting along the line, focusing on keeping the ball rolling directly under the string

Here are some benefits to consider.

• Enhances visual alignment with the target line
• Encourages a straight stroke path
• Helps you develop a repeatable putting stroke 

  5. One-Handed Putting Drill for Stroke Stability 

​The One-Handed Putting Drill is great for developing a stable stroke and improving your feel for the putter head. Here's how to perform this particular drill.

1. Grip your putter with your dominant hand only
2. Practice putting to a hole from various distances, focusing on keeping your stroke smooth and controlled
3. Repeat with your non-dominant hand to balance muscle memory and stroke stability

Check out these benefits.

• Improves feel and control over the putter
• Strengthens wrist stability and stroke mechanic
• Develops a better sense of touch and distance

6. Eyes Closed Drill for Enhancing Feel​

​Putting with your eyes closed can drastically improve your feel for the putter head and the greens. Here's how to do this drill.

1. Set up a straight, short putt (3 to 5 feet)
2. Take a few practice strokes with your eyes open, then close your eyes and putt
3. Focus on the feel of the stroke and the rhythm, and try to listen for the sound of the ball dropping into the hole

The benefits of this drill are as follows.

• Enhances your feel for the putter head and stroke
• Reduces reliance on sight, increasing reliance on muscle memory and touch
• Builds confidence in your putting stroke by focusing on feel rather than sight

  7. The Coin Drill for Precision and Accuracy 

The Coin Drill is perfect for those looking to improve their precision and accuracy on short putts. Here's how to perform this drill.

1. Place a coin a few feet away from your starting point on a flat surface
2. Practice putting the ball to land directly on the coin
3. Once consistent, increase the distance or use a smaller target, like a tee

Don't forget about these benefits.

• Sharpens focus and aim on a smaller target, which translates to greater accuracy on larger targets
• Improves precision on short putts
• Boosts confidence in targeting skills 

  8. Pull-Back Drill for Pressure Putting

​The Pull-Back Drill adds an element of pressure to each putt, which is great for simulating real on-course conditions. Here's how to perform this drill.

1. Set up a series of putts from varying distances (3, 6, 9, 12 feet)
2. If you make the putt, move on to the next one
3. If you miss, pull back the ball one putter length away from the hole and attempt the putt again
4. Continue this process for each putt, increasing pressure with every miss

Here are some benefits to consider.

• Mimics real game pressure, improving performance under stress
• Encourages focus and determination to avoid multiple misses
• Improves both short and long putting skills

  9. Gate Drill with Breaks for Reading Greens 

This variation of the Gate Drill focuses on improving your ability to read greens and adjust your stroke accordingly. The steps to perform the drill are as follows.

1. Set up a gate using tees on a sloped part of the green
2. Practice putting through the gate while adjusting for the break of the green
3. Adjust the gate position to practice both left-to-right and right-to-left breaks

Here are some benefits to consider.

• Improves green reading skills and ability to adjust to different breaks
• Develops a consistent stroke that adapts to varying slopes
• Enhances your ability to predict the ball's path and adjust your aim

  10. Putt-Putt Challenge Drill for Competition Practice 

Turn your practice into a game with the Putt-Putt Challenge Drill, which adds a competitive edge and mimics the pressure of a match. Perform the drill as follows.

1. Set up a mini-course on the practice green with varying distances and challenges (slopes, breaks, etc.)
2. Keep score as if you're playing a round of mini-golf
3. Consider each putt as a different hole
4. Aim to complete the course in as few strokes as possible
5. Practice different putts under varying conditions

Here are the benefits to garner.

• Makes practice fun and competitive, increasing engagement
• Mimics real-game conditions and the pressure of competition
• Provides a comprehensive practice session covering all aspects of putting

  Improve Your Golf Putting Skills Further 

​Improving your putting can significantly enhance your overall golf game, as it is one of the most crucial aspects of scoring. Here are some effective tips to help you become a better putter.

Proper Stance

Position your feet shoulder-width apart, with your weight evenly distributed. Bend slightly from your hips, not your waist, and keep your eyes directly over the ball.

Grip Pressure

Maintain a light grip pressure to allow for a smooth and controlled stroke. Too tight a grip can lead to a jerky motion.

Perfect Your Stroke Mechanics

Practice keeping your putter on a straight path back and through to ensure consistent contact with the ball. After making contact with the ball, keep the putter low to the ground through the follow-through to avoid scooping or lifting the ball.

Practice Regularly with Purpose

Incorporate specific putting drills into your practice sessions, such as the Gate Drill or the Ladder Drill, to focus on different aspects of putting. Practice on different greens to get used to varying speeds, slopes, and grass types.

Analyze Your Putting

Keep track of your putting stats, such as putts per round, and make percentages from different distances. This will help you identify areas for improvement. Record your putting stroke to analyze your mechanics and make adjustments.

Stay Relaxed and Smooth

Tension in your shoulders and arms can lead to inconsistent strokes. Focus on staying relaxed throughout the putt.

Use Our Putting Techniques to Improve Your Golf Skills ​ 

​You are in the game to win it, not to waste time. That's why you need to play at the best golf course out there with instructors who care.

At Plum Creek Golf Course, we have a weekly league that's open to everyone, so you can improve your golf skills and put in some of that putting practice you need.

We are a Par 71, 18 Hole Championship Public Golf Course in Austin, TX. Come visit us to see what it's like to play golf on the rolling hills of Texas.