Improving your putting is one of the quickest ways to lower your scores and enjoy the game more. While driving might get the spotlight, it’s on the green where strokes are won or lost. The good news? You don’t have to grind through boring repetitions—there are plenty of enjoyable putting drills that build confidence, sharpen accuracy, and make practice feel like play. Here are five beginner-friendly drills that will help you sink more putts.
1. The Clock Drill
Visualize the hole as the center of a clock. Place tees in a circle around it at equal distances, starting about three feet out. Putt from each “hour” on the clock until you’ve made a full rotation. Once you’ve mastered short putts, increase the distance for a tougher challenge. This drill not only improves consistency but also builds confidence on those crucial short putts.
2. The Gate Drill
Set up two tees just slightly wider than your putter head, about three to four feet from the cup. Your goal is to send the ball cleanly through the “gate” without hitting either tee. It’s a simple yet powerful exercise for refining your stroke path and sharpening your aim.
3. The Distance Control Game
Place several balls at increasing distances—say 3, 6, 10, and 15 feet from the hole. Instead of focusing only on making the putt, try to stop the ball within a three-foot circle around the cup. This exercise is excellent for learning touch and distance control, which are critical for avoiding three-putts.
4. The Two-Ball Challenge
Grab two balls and putt them toward the hole at the same time. The challenge is to either sink both or get them equally close. It sounds simple, but coordinating two strokes at once trains rhythm, consistency, and control. Plus, it’s a lighthearted way to keep practice fun.
5. Putting Horse
Bring a friend into the mix and turn practice into a friendly competition. Like the basketball game of HORSE, one player picks a putt—maybe a tricky downhill breaker or a long straight shot. If they make it, the other player must match it. Miss, and you earn a letter. Keep going until someone spells out “HORSE.” It’s a great way to add pressure to your practice while keeping things entertaining.
Final Thoughts
Putting practice doesn’t need to feel like a chore. By mixing in these drills, you’ll not only see improvement in your accuracy and distance control but also enjoy your time on the greens a whole lot more. Whether you’re practicing alone or with a friend, these games keep things fresh and rewarding—helping you roll more putts in when it matters most.
