If we want to lower our golf scores, it really starts with putting. Simple drills for short, medium, and long putts can help us build confidence and actually sink more putts out there.
Practicing the right way turns missed chances into made putts. It’s not flashy, but it works.
A lot of us struggle on the greens because we just don’t practice properly. Drills like placing tees around the hole or running two-putt drills from different spots teach us to control speed and read breaks.
Each drill targets something specific. That way, we show up ready for whatever putt we face.
Key Takeaways
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Simple drills help improve putting from all distances.
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Practicing with purpose builds confidence in holing more putts.
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Consistency and smart routines lead to real results on the course.
Fundamentals of Holing More Putts
Making more putts comes down to habits and paying attention to the details. Repeated routines, correct body position, and practicing the right skills lead to more consistent results.
Understanding Grip and Posture
Grip matters—a lot. If you squeeze too tight, you’ll feel tense and probably jab at the ball.
Too loose, and you lose control. I like the advice from coaches like Phil Kenyon: palms facing each other, putter running through the lifelines, thumbs straight down, both hands working together.
Posture is just as important. Stand tall, bend from the hips, and let your arms hang.
Feet about shoulder-width apart. Eyes should be right over or just inside the ball—this helps with alignment and stroke.
Mastering the Pre-Shot Routine
A solid pre-shot routine keeps us focused and relaxed. Most good putters swear by it.
Start by reading the green from a couple of angles to get a feel for speed and break. Pick a target on your start line, then set up.
Take a practice stroke to feel the right speed. Here’s a quick checklist:
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Read the putt
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Pick your start line
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Aim and align feet and putter
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Practice stroke for speed
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Settle in and make the stroke
Doing this every time builds trust in your process. It’s not about being robotic, just consistent.
Importance of Start Line and Accuracy
Accuracy is more than just aiming at the hole. We need to start the ball on the right line, every single time.
The “gate drill” is great for this—put two tees just wider than your putter head and see if your putts get through clean. It’s a quick way to check if you’re rolling it straight.
Work on both direction and face angle. Sometimes, an alignment tool or a friend can help spot issues.
When you miss, ask yourself: was it the start line, speed, or read? That’s how you figure out what to fix.
Drills for Short Putts
Short putts matter more than we think—they can change your score fast. The right drills help us lock in our technique and boost our make percentage.
Gate Drill for Consistency
The Gate Drill is simple and works. Place two tees just outside your putter head, and a third tee just wider than a golf ball about a foot in front.
Putt the ball through this “gate,” making sure both the putter and ball pass through clean. Start at three feet, focusing on a smooth, straight stroke.
If the ball hits the tees, you know something’s off. This drill helps keep the face square and reduces sidespin.
Stick with it daily and watch those short putts drop more often.
Circle Drill for Confidence
For the Circle Drill, put 8 to 10 balls in a circle around the hole, each about a putter’s length away. Try to make every single putt in a row.
Miss one? Start over. It’s a little brutal, but it builds real confidence from that three-foot range.
This drill gets you used to the kind of pressure you feel on the course. When you can make them all in a row, you know you’re ready.
Drills for Medium and Long Putts
Medium and long putts are about distance control and learning to handle whatever the green throws at you. These drills help you get the pace right and know when to go for it.
Distance Control Ladder
Set up five or more markers—start at 10 feet, go out to 40 feet. Take three balls and try to putt one to each marker, aiming to stop right at or just short, never past.
If you go past, start over. This one’s all about tempo and touch.
It helps you get a feel for lag putting. You can track your progress in a simple chart if you’re into that:
| Marker Distance | Number of Attempts to Complete |
|---|---|
| 10 feet | |
| 20 feet | |
| 30 feet | |
| 40 feet |
Up and Down Challenge
This one’s about saving par from far away. Place a ball 20–40 feet from the hole.
Your first goal: get the ball inside a three-foot circle. Then finish out.
Try to two-putt every time and avoid three-putts. Keep score if you want.
You’ll get better at both distance control and handling short putts under pressure.
Aggressive Putt Simulation
Sometimes you need to be bold. Pick some spots outside 15 feet with a clear line.
Hit the putt firm enough to either make it or finish no more than 18 inches past if you miss.
Repeat from different angles, adjusting for slopes. Jot down your results—you’ll see if you’re leaving putts short or blasting them by.
This drill teaches you when to be aggressive and how to control speed, even on tricky greens. It’s a confidence builder for those clutch moments.
Integrating Drills into Short Game Practice
To really get better, combine realistic practice with tracking your results. That’s what brings the drills to life on the course.
Combining Chipping and Putting
Blend chipping and putting drills to make practice feel more like a real round. Chip from just off the green, then putt out from wherever the chip lands.
This “chip-and-putt” routine forces you to finish every shot. It keeps your focus sharp.
Change up your chip spots and distances. Want more pressure? Keep score—see how many you get up and down in two.
It’s the kind of thing even pros do.
Tracking Progress and Adjusting Practice
Track your results every session. Maybe write down how many putts you make from three, six, or ten feet.
A notebook or table works fine—just something to see your improvement. If you notice certain distances or lies are tough, spend extra time there.
If your scores improve, great! If not, tweak your routine or ask for help.
Being honest with your progress is how you get better, step by step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting better at putting is about using the right drills and tools, and tweaking your technique for different distances.
What are the most effective drills for improving short putting accuracy?
Try the gate drill. Place two tees just wider than your putter head and work on rolling it straight through.
Another good one: set up balls in a circle around the hole at three feet and see how many you can make in a row.
How can I adjust my putting technique for medium-distance putts?
For 10–15 footers, reading the green is huge. Pick a clear line and commit to it.
A start line drill—rolling the ball over a coin or target—helps you hit your intended line more often.
Which practice aids are recommended for mastering long putts?
Alignment sticks or a string line can help with setup and aim. A putting mat with marked distances is great if you’re practicing at home.
Some folks like using training balls with alignment lines to check their roll, especially on long putts.
What is the best routine for practicing putting consistency?
Start with short putts from different angles, then move to medium and long. Use three balls at each distance and try to hole or get close with each one.
Doing this regularly builds better habits and, honestly, better results.
How do distance control drills differ for various putt lengths?
Short putts are all about hitting the center and controlling the start line. For longer putts, drills like the two-putt challenge help you learn how hard to hit it.
Mix up the lengths in practice. That’s how you develop touch and speed for anything the course throws at you.
Can using a putting mat improve my overall putting skills?
Practicing on a putting mat can really help with consistency and alignment. You start to get a feel for a repeatable stroke, which is huge.
A lot of mats have those distance markers or aim lines. That means you can mess around with short or long putts right at home.
It’s not quite the same as being out on the course, but it’s a solid way to sneak in some extra practice when you can’t get out there.