Drills
The 3-Putt Killer: A Simple Drill to Master Your Speed Control
Eliminate three-putts for good with this simple and effective putting drill. Our Resident PGA Pro breaks down how to master your speed control and transform your game on the greens.
There is nothing more frustrating in golf than a three-putt. You’ve done the hard work of getting to the green, only to give away a shot with a clumsy performance on the putting surface. The primary culprit for most amateurs? Poor speed control. In this article, we will break down a simple drill, which is an effective putting drill designed to help you eliminate three-putts by mastering your speed control. This is a fundamental putting practice that can transform your game.
Understanding the Importance of Speed Control
Most golfers focus excessively on the line of their putt. While the line is important, speed is the dominant factor in successful putting. If your speed is correct, the ball has a much better chance of falling into the hole, even if the line is slightly off. Good speed control ensures that even your missed putts leave you with a simple tap-in, taking the dreaded three-putt out of play. This putting drill is designed to train your brain and body to feel the correct distance, which is the key to consistent speed.
The Ladder, A Simple Drill: Your Path to Fewer Putts
One of the most effective drills for improving speed control is the “Ladder Drill.” It’s a simple putting practice that requires only three balls and a putter. Here’s how to set it up and execute it to perfection.
Step 1: Setting Up the Drill
Find a relatively flat area on the practice green. You don’t need a hole for this drill. Place three balls in a line, about three feet apart from each other, starting about 10 feet from the edge of the green. Your setup should look like a ladder, with each ball representing a rung.
Step 2: Executing the Drill
1.First Putt (10 feet): Start with the ball closest to you (10 feet from the edge). Your goal is to putt the ball so that it stops as close to the fringe as possible without going off the green.
2.Second Putt (13 feet): Move to the second ball. Again, your goal is to get the ball as close to the fringe as possible.
3.Third Putt (16 feet): Finally, putt the third ball with the same objective.
After you have completed the first “ladder,” retrieve your balls and repeat the process from different distances and angles. The key is to create a new challenge each time. This forces you to adapt and develop a feel for different putt lengths.
Why This Putting Drill Works
The Ladder Drill is effective because it isolates the feeling of distance. By removing the hole as a target, you are forced to concentrate solely on the speed of the putt. This helps you develop a more intuitive sense of how hard to hit the ball to cover a specific distance. Consistent practice of this drill will help you eliminate three-putts and build confidence on the greens.
Key Takeaways for Your Putting Practice
•Focus on Speed: Prioritize speed over line in your putting practice.
•Practice with Purpose: Use drills like the Ladder Drill to create a structured and effective practice routine.
•Develop Your Feel: The goal is to develop an intuitive feel for distance, which will translate to better performance on the course.
By incorporating this simple putting drill into your regular practice, you will be well on your way to becoming a more confident and consistent putter. Say goodbye to the frustration of the three-putt and hello to lower scores. What are your favorite putting drills for speed control? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
