Putting · Lesson
Keep Putting Practice Simple
Part of our putting programs for three-putts, missing short putts, start line. Build a program with it
Simple practice can be the best practice. Find a straight five-footer. Snap a chalk line, or use a string. Put two tees a foot in front of the ball, just wider than a ball. Roll lots of putts through. On short putts, don't hit them too hard. A ball that dies in has a bigger hole than one that slams the back. For long putts, read them in three parts. And judge yourself on read, start line and speed, not just makes.
Step by step
- Find a straight five-footer.
- Lay a line and a tee gate.
- Roll many putts through it.
- Let short putts die into the hole.
- Read long putts in thirds.
Why it works
A straight putt removes the read, so you can see whether your start line and speed are right. The tee gate a foot in front of the ball gives you instant feedback on start line without needing the hole. Pace matters because a ball rolling slowly can drop in over a wider part of the hole, while a fast ball only catches the hole if it is almost dead center.
Common mistakes
- You set the tees too tight and stop the stroke to avoid hitting them.Set the tees just wider than the ball and swing as you normally would.
- You hit short putts hard to be sure they reach the hole.Aim to have the ball die at the hole so it drops in over a larger part of the cup.
- You count only makes and ignore why a putt missed.After each putt, note whether the read, the start line or the speed was off.
How you'll know it's working
- Most balls roll through the tee gate without touching a tee.
- Short putts finish within a few inches past the hole when they miss, not several feet past.
- The ball rolls along the chalk line or string without wobbling off it.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Move the ball closer to three feet and widen the tee gate slightly until you roll putts through cleanly.
Harder: Narrow the tee gate to barely wider than the ball, or require a set number of putts in a row through the gate before you move on.
Common questions
Why should short putts die into the hole?
A ball that is slowing down can fall in over more of the hole's width. A ball that hits the back at speed can pop out or lip out.
How do you read a long putt in thirds?
Split the putt into three equal sections and judge the slope in each one. Then combine them into one read for your start line and speed.
