Putting · Drill
A Two-Gate Drill for Your Putting Mat
Part of our putting programs for start line. Build a program with it
You can sharpen your stroke at home. Make two gates. Lay two sticks a few inches apart, partway between the ball and the hole. That's your start-line gate. Then set two small objects just wider than your putter head, at the ball. That's your stroke gate. Set up with your eyes over the ball. Make strokes that pass cleanly through the putter gate. Then putt three balls from four feet. Move back two feet at a time.
The drill
- Make a start-line gate partway to the hole.
- Make a putter gate at the ball.
- Set up with eyes over the ball.
- Putt three balls from four feet.
- Move back two feet each set.
Why it works
The stroke gate keeps the putter head from hitting the objects, so the path stays steady and the face returns square at impact. The start-line gate gives you a clear target close to the ball, which is easier to judge than a distant hole. With your eyes over the ball, you see the line the same way each time, so the ball starts where you aim it.
Common mistakes
- Setting the putter gate too tight, so you steer the stroke and hit the objects.Set the objects just wider than the putter head so you can swing freely and still get feedback.
- Placing the start-line gate too wide, so almost any roll passes through.Keep the sticks only a few inches apart so the ball must start on your intended line.
- Moving back before you can pass the gates cleanly.Stay at four feet until you roll all three balls through the start-line gate without touching the putter gate.
How you'll know it's working
- The putter passes through the stroke gate without touching either object.
- All three balls roll through the start-line gate without clipping a stick.
- The ball comes off the center of the face with a steady roll and a consistent sound.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Widen both gates slightly and stay at four feet until the strokes feel repeatable.
Harder: Narrow the start-line gate a little and add a rule that you must roll all three balls through before you move back.
Common questions
How wide should the putter gate be?
Set the objects just wider than your putter head. This leaves enough room to swing freely while still telling you when the stroke drifts.
Can I do this drill on carpet without a putting mat?
Yes, if the surface is flat and smooth. Lay the gates down the same way and keep the distances the same.
