Whether you’re an avid golfer or just getting started, improving your putting is essential for lowering your score on the course. The good news? You don’t need to be at the green to work on your putting skills! With a few simple drills and golf accessories you can do right at home, you’ll be ready to sink more putts and boost your confidence.
Here are five putting drills to practice from the comfort of your living room (or backyard), no fancy equipment required!
1. The Gate Drill
The Gate Drill is perfect for improving your putting alignment and stroke consistency. All you need is your putter, a few golf balls, and two objects to act as gates.
How to Do It:
- Place two golf tees, books, or any small objects just wide enough to allow your putter to pass through.
- Position them a foot apart in front of your ball.
- Practice putting the ball through the gate without touching the objects.
This drill helps you keep your putter straight through impact, building accuracy over time. Start with wider gates and narrow the gap as you get better.
2. The Coin Drill
This drill focuses on improving your ability to control the pace of your putts. Being able to stop your ball where you want is crucial to mastering lag putting.
How to Do It:
- Place a coin or small marker on the floor about 3-6 feet from your starting point.
- The goal is to putt the ball so that it stops as close to the coin as possible, without going over it.
By practicing this drill regularly, you’ll develop a more controlled stroke and a better sense of distance, which is key for both short and long putts.
3. The Distance Control Drill (10-20-30)
Distance control is vital to avoid three-putting and keeping your score low. The 10-20-30 drill can be done at home with a few balls and enough space.
How to Do It:
- Place markers or tape at 10, 20, and 30 feet (or approximate distances if you’re limited on space).
- Starting at 10 feet, putt three balls, then move to 20 feet, and finally 30 feet.
- The goal is to leave the balls as close to the marker as possible, ideally sinking them if you can.
This drill builds consistency across different distances, and will significantly help you on the green during your next round.
4. The String Line Drill
If you want to fine-tune your aim and stroke, the String Line Drill is your go-to. It’s easy to set up and incredibly effective for practicing your accuracy.
How to Do It:
- Stretch a piece of string at about the height of your putter (just above the ball) or use our putt stroke mirror.
- Position the ball underneath the line and ensure it’s aligned directly with your target.
- Practice putting along the line, focusing on keeping your stroke straight and the ball rolling under the string.
This drill will help you groove a perfect putting stroke and improve your ability to keep the ball on target.
5. The One-Handed Putting Drill
The One-Handed Putting Drill is excellent for developing touch and feel in your putting stroke, particularly with your dominant hand.
How to Do It:
- Set up as you normally would to hit a putt, but only grip the putter with your dominant hand (right hand for right-handed players).
- Practice hitting putts using just this hand, aiming to keep a smooth, even stroke.
This drill forces your hand to develop the muscle memory needed for a balanced, controlled stroke. Switch hands and try with your non-dominant hand as well to build an even stronger feel for the putter.
Final Thoughts
Practicing these five putting drills regularly will help you develop a more consistent stroke, better distance control, and greater accuracy—all from the comfort of home. Whether you're putting on carpet, tile, or using a practice mat, these drills are sure to improve your game. The next time you’re out on the course, you’ll notice the difference in your putting, with more confident strokes and fewer missed opportunities.
So grab your putter, set up your practice space, and start working on your game today!
Looking for the perfect putter or golf training equipment? Explore our collection of putting training aids to elevate your golf game at home and on the course!