Putting · Drill
Make Three in a Row
Part of our putting programs. Build a program with it
Putting practice gets boring. Games fix that. Place three balls a few feet from the hole. Try to make all three in a row. Miss one and start over. Once you make three, move back a few feet. Keep going until three straight is truly hard. It builds consistency. It also adds a little pressure, just like on the course.
The drill
- Set three balls at three to five feet.
- Make all three in a row.
- Miss one and start over.
- Move back after each success.
- Stop where it gets really hard.
Why it works
Short putts depend on a repeatable stroke and a steady start line. Needing three in a row means one loose stroke costs you the round, so you focus on every ball. The restart rule adds mild pressure, which shows whether your routine holds up when a result is at stake.
Common mistakes
- You rush the second and third putts because the first one went in.Use the same routine on every ball: read, align, one look at the hole, then stroke.
- You move back before you have actually made three in a row.Stay at the current distance until all three drop without a miss, and restart after any miss.
- You hit every putt from the same spot, so you only learn one line.Move the three balls to different spots around the hole so you see different breaks and slopes.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball starts on your chosen line and rolls at a steady pace, with no wobble or sudden stop short of the hole.
- You make three in a row more often at your starting distance, with fewer restarts.
- Your routine and tempo feel the same on the third ball as on the first.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Start closer to the hole, such as two or three feet, and use a flat putt with no break.
Harder: Move the balls to a sloping spot, add more distance, or require five in a row before you move back.
Common questions
How far from the hole should I start this putting drill?
Start at three to five feet, where you can make most putts. Move back only after you make three in a row.
Why do I miss short putts when I feel pressure?
Pressure often makes you rush or steer the stroke. Practicing with a consequence, like restarting after a miss, helps you rehearse a steady routine under that feeling.
