three-putts ⁤still rob strokes from casual rounds and tournament scorecards, but a short, targeted putting-speed routine is gaining traction with coaches as an efficient, high-impact solution. Built around repeated ​strokes⁣ from increasing distances with a heavy focus on steady tempo and touch, the drill⁢ aims to improve distance control‌ without long practice sessions. Instructors who follow current teaching trends say it leans on minimalist principles that use natural body motion and prioritize feel, so it integrates easily into any practice plan. Many players who ‍have tried it report faster improvements in ⁣one-putt opportunities ​and a ⁣marked ​drop in three-putts during rounds.

A smart speed-focused putting ​drill that⁤ trains tempo and green feel to cut three‑putts

On the practice green,⁢ instructors describe a concise speed-and-tempo protocol that ⁣reduces three-putts by training the putter head to produce repeatable pace rather than relying only on aim. Want fewer 3-putts? Try this ⁣genius putting speed drill​ insights blends a disciplined tempo framework with proximity-based‍ feel work so golfers learn to leave long putts inside a makeable zone. Grounded ⁤in ⁣basic biomechanics, the approach⁤ recommends a 1:2⁤ tempo ⁢ (backswing : downswing) to promote consistent acceleration, a slight arc driven primarily‌ from the shoulders, and a ⁣practical goal of leaving missed‍ lag‍ putts within 3​ feet. the ⁣tempo programs the motor pattern while repeated, measurable outcomes (leave ‍distance) sharpen green feel across differing speeds and​ grain directions.

The routine is straightforward and easy to track: place three work stations at ⁣ 10 ft, 20 ft, and 30 ft, use a metronome or phone app set to 60-66 bpm to cue the 1:2 rhythm, and record leave distances. Coaches suggest thes focused elements and checkpoints:

• Tempo metronome drill: Move on the ⁣beat – one beat back, two beats through; perform 50 strokes at each distance.
• Ladder ‍feel drill: ⁢Line up tees at 3, ‍6, 9 and 12⁤ feet and aim to finish every putt within 3 ft; ⁣only step back when you reach about a 70% success rate.
• Eyes-closed feel drill: From 15-25 ft, close your eyes during the stroke to heighten kinesthetic awareness (10 ​reps per distance).

These exercises produce measurable ‍metrics⁣ – percentage of leaves inside 3 ft and one‑putt conversion – making progress clear for beginners and low-handicap players ⁣alike.

From a technical standpoint the emphasis is on consistent contact and face control. Address with the ball slightly forward of center,a modest knee flex and a spine‍ angle around 15°,and ​have the putter shaft tilt slightly toward the target. Start the stroke with ​the shoulders while keeping the wrists quiet; at impact the putter face should be square to the intended line within about ±2°. Typical problems include decelerating on the⁤ downswing (which produces short lag putts) and excessive hand action that rotates the face. Use impact tape or a⁢ face-marking sticker to verify square strikes, and practice through a half-stroke gate (two tees just wider than⁢ the head) to reinforce a stable arc and prevent unwanted rotation.

Applying the drill on the course links the practice tempo to playing decisions: when presented with a long lag, rely on the rehearsed‌ rhythm and try to leave the ball on the same level or below‍ the hole where‌ feasible – that reduces the risk‍ of leaving a downhill speedy second putt. Read slope and‌ grain carefully: on greens sloping more than 3-4%, aim a touch above the hole to allow ‍for increased downhill pace. Also adapt to surface conditions – cold, wet, or frosty greens⁢ demand a firmer⁣ stroke while firm, fast‌ surfaces need a gentler touch. Remember the Rules: you may mark, lift‌ and replace your ball on the putting green to test lines and​ pace during a‍ round, which lets you rehearse⁢ tempo without penalty.

Turn⁣ the drills into fewer three-putts with a planned schedule: perform the tempo ladder three times weekly for four⁤ weeks, tracking leaves inside 3 ft and one-putt rates. Novices should focus first on consistent contact and a steady tempo; better players can ⁤add curve-aware strokes and tests‍ with breaking-lip scenarios ⁢to refine feel under pressure. Use auditory aids (metronome), visual feedback (alignment sticks and impact tape) ​and kinesthetic practice (eyes-closed reps) to match different learning styles. Pair these mechanics ⁢with a short pre‑putt routine to calm nerves and rehearse⁤ speed – that mental step closes ⁢the ⁤loop between technique and scoring so repeatable practice produces fewer three-putts in both casual and ⁤competitive rounds.

How to lay out the practice stations: short, mid and long targets with clear aim points

Coaches say a⁣ tidy practice layout speeds improvement. Start‌ by placing three markers to replicate typical course distances: a short target at 6-8 ft, a mid target at 20-30 ft, and a long target at 40-60 ft. Use visible aiming aids – alignment sticks, a coin‍ or a tee line – to define the start line and the landing/hold point for⁤ each⁤ station; position these so they’re visible from address⁣ but won’t interfere with the stroke. Measure​ distances with ​a rangefinder or tape​ to keep consistency between sessions. These practice aids ‍are for training only – in competition follow local rules – and the setup should mirror real-course situations (for example, ⁣an uphill 25‑footer or a back-to-front 45‑footer) to sharpen on-course judgement.

Then lock down basic setup cues ⁢that suit all ability levels: feet​ about shoulder-width, weight slightly toward the⁤ balls of the‍ feet, and eyes over or slightly inside the ball line. Confirm the putter face alignment with a mirror or a club on the ground so the face sits square at address; for players using a ⁣slight arc ⁣the ball will frequently enough be just forward of center. try two putter lengths (standard and +0.5″) and a mid-size grip to discover‍ what produces a pendulum motion​ without wrist collapse. Use this pre-sequence checklist before each block:

• Alignment: putter face square to aiming‍ marker
• Ball position: forward-of-center ⁤for an ‍arc stroke, ‍center for a straight stroke
• Grip pressure: light‍ to moderate – avoid tension
• Eyes: over or ⁣slightly inside the ball

These simple⁢ checks reduce common setup errors and create ‍a reproducible baseline for ​every practice⁢ session.

Run the drill in stages to develop speed control: begin with the short station and finish on the long one. Start by hitting 10 putts to the⁢ 6-8 ft ⁤target, aiming to ‍make at least 7 of 10 to reinforce line and confidence. move ⁤to ‌the mid target and perform a‌ two-part sequence: first, on 10 attempts try to leave each putt within 3 ft (lag and pace), then ‌immediately hole a 3‑foot putt as a ​pressure follow-up. For the long station, adopt the core ​principle from this routine – prioritize leaving the ball close -​ and aim to finish inside 6 ft on at least‍ 70% of 40-60 ft tries. Example progression:

• Short: 10 putts – goal 7/10 made
• Mid: 10 lag-to-3-ft reps,then 10 short pressure putts
• Long: 20 attempts ‌-⁣ goal: 70%‌ left within 6 ft

This staged⁣ plan trains ​both pace ⁢and reading skills – the two main drivers of fewer‍ three-putts and lower scores.

If misses skew left or right, re-check aim (toe/heel alignment) rather than overhauling the⁤ stroke mid-session. When distance is the⁤ problem on long putts, try a two‑land landing approach – pick a landing spot (often 1-2 club lengths⁣ short of the hole on medium-speed greens) and rehearse hitting that ⁤spot to control ​rollout.⁢ Useful corrections include:

• Too much wrist: ⁢ shorten the backswing and sense forearm turn
• Deceleration: concentrate on accelerating through impact -‍ count “one” on the stroke
• Poor reads: identify a distinct crest or grain direction and commit to it

Beginners should put priority on clean contact and repeatable alignment; better players can ⁢tune finer speed cues ⁤and grain reading. Also adjust for weather and course conditions: wet, slow greens call for firmer strikes and more break, while firm, fast surfaces need softer landings and fewer ball revolutions.

Make the drill part of a weekly plan and align sessions with scoring goals. Target two focused practices each week of 20-30 minutes, mixing the station progression with a pressure exercise (for instance, stringing two short putts to “bank” a point). Example weekly plan:

• Monday: short/mid sequence (30 minutes)
• Thursday: long-distance pace training⁤ with pressure follow-ups (20 minutes)
• Weekend: on-course request – identify three common green scenarios and practice those distances

Mentally, ⁣adopt ‌a‌ short pre-putt ritual: visualize the line, select a specific intermediate spot, and use breathing to lower tension. Measurable targets⁤ could include cutting three-putts by 25% over four weeks or raising make‌ rate from 6-8 ft by 15%. By ⁣combining mechanical checks, structured drills and course strategy, the practice green becomes a lab for saving strokes and ‍managing scoring chances more intelligently.

Key stroke ⁢mechanics: pendulum tempo, minimal wrist ⁢motion and stable contact

Begin with a clear, repeatable tempo: a pendulum motion with a backswing approximately 60-75% of the forward stroke gives the moast consistent distance control. For short putts (3-6 ft) the putter head typically travels about 8-12 inches on the backstroke; for mid-range lag‍ putts (15-30 ft) aim for roughly 14-24 inches.Keep light⁢ grip pressure (~3-4/10) to avoid tension and‌ emphasize a square face at impact by prioritizing‌ face-to-path ​alignment rather than excessive hand movement. In short: establish tempo first, then refine contact – those⁣ two steps together stabilize roll and reduce skidding on greens with varying grain and‍ moisture.

Setup anchors the stroke: set your eyes so the ball is under or slightly inside the lead eye, keep a moderate knee flex and ​a small hip tilt ⁤forward, and place the hands slightly ahead of​ the ball to create a gentle forward shaft lean that promotes crisp contact. To limit⁣ wrist action, adopt a connected arm-wrap with elbows near the torso and keep ⁢the shaft aligned with your forearms through the stroke. Use these checkpoints before each ​rep:

• Eye-line: ball beneath lead eye
• Ball position: center to slightly forward of ‍center
• Grip pressure: light and even
• Shoulder-driven stroke: shoulders start the motion, not wrists

These basic checks translate into reliable on-course performance when green speeds and wind ⁢change.

Drills turn technique into measurable gains.Start with a metronome pendulum routine – set a metronome to 60-72 bpm and take one beat ⁢back, one beat through; practice 50 strokes per session to lock in the rhythm. ​Then use the speed ladder: from 20-30 ft hit 20⁣ putts aiming to leave the ball inside 3 ft on at least 80% of ⁤attempts and‌ log leave‌ distances to track progress. The gate-and-towel drill combats wrist breakdown: ‌set two tees just wider than the putter head and stroke through while a towel under ⁤both⁣ armpits keeps the⁣ upper body connected.work in sets of 10-20 ​strokes, monitor metrics (leave ⁢percentage, putting average) and raise the challenge ⁤as consistency improves.

Adjust ‌the drill⁢ for skill level and body type.Novices should focus on pendulum⁤ rhythm and reliable contact with shorter, ⁤slower strokes and a practice target of 80% ⁣center contact. Low-handicappers can marry minimal wrist⁣ motion with controlled face rotation – keep short-putt face rotation under ‍roughly 3-5 degrees – and use a slightly longer stroke for pace. Equipment choices influence results: a heavier head ‍or beefier grip can damp wrist action, and arm-lock or belly-length putters are allowed provided the ⁢club is not anchored ​to the body (anchoring is not permitted ‌ by the⁢ Rules of Golf).Technology‍ -​ stroke analyzers ​and high-frame video -​ helps quantify arc, face rotation and tempo for⁤ fine-tuning.

Move practice onto the course with strategy and conditions in mind. Match stroke length and cadence to the green’s Stimp speed: on a typical 10-12 Stimp surface use​ shorter, softer acceleration; on slower greens slightly increase forward stroke ⁤length⁣ to overcome grain. ‌Factor wind and temperature – cold, wet ‍conditions sap roll so ⁣add about 5-10% more stroke length in cool weather. Troubleshooting quick-list:

• Excessive wrist flip: shorten the stroke and use the towel-under-armpits drill
• Push/pull bias: recheck face angle at address and pick an intermediate aim point
• Poor distance control: use the metronome ​and speed ladder drills and track ⁤leave distances

Pair these technical fixes with a concise pre-shot ‍routine and​ a pace-first mindset – trusting practiced tempo often separates consistent scoring from erratic putting ⁤under pressure.

Read speed before line: combine slope assessment with practiced roll-control cues

Modern instruction emphasizes judging speed first, then committing to a line.start by locating the​ fall line -‌ the route a freely rolling ball would follow downhill – and estimate green pace with a Stimpmeter-style mental reference: many⁤ public courses range from about 8-12 feet on the Stimpmeter,while tournament greens often run‍ 12-14+ feet.‍ Next, assess slope (look for ⁣percent grade visually and by feel), grain, and undulations; even a slight 1-2% slope over 20 feet can change‌ pace more than a small local ridge. Walk around ⁤the hole to view ⁤the ‍line from multiple angles ​and, ⁣where allowed, mark and lift your ball to inspect the putt ‌without changing the surface. Pick a committed intermediate aiming point on the fall line to convert your read into a speed-first plan.

After determining speed, tweak setup and stroke to produce that pace.Use a stable address: eyes over or slightly inside the ball, weight balanced roughly 50/50 to 60/40 favoring the lead foot, and the putter shaft aligned with the forearms to support ​a pendulum motion. For⁣ distance control, match backswing and follow-through⁤ lengths (close to a 1:1 ratio) for long​ lags, and add a fractionally longer follow-through on uphill shots. ‌Equipment choices matter: a putter⁤ with⁤ 3-4 degrees of​ loft ​ helps the ball out of grain; select a head shape that ⁤fits your arc. Players prone to deceleration should practice lag strokes with a metronome‌ set to 60-72 bpm and use a mid-length stroke (for example, 8-12 inches of ⁣arc‍ for​ a 6-8 ft putt) as a tactile⁣ tempo cue.

Turn theory into measurable gains by ⁣repeating drills⁢ – including the drill publicized in instruction columns under the headline Want fewer 3‑putts? try this​ genius putting speed drill insights ⁤ – and tracking outcomes. Practice drills:

• Lag-to-3-Feet Drill – From 40, 30, 20 ⁣and 10 feet hit 10 putts each aiming to finish within 3 feet; score⁤ by proximity, not makes. Goal: 70% inside 3 ft from 40 ft within eight weeks.
• Gate-Tempo Drill – Use two tees 1.5 inches wider than the putter head to groove ⁤a square face through impact; pair with a metronome at 60-72 bpm.
• Speed-First Targeting – Place⁤ a coin or small​ marker on the fall line 6-12 inches in front of the ball on breaking putts and practice landing the ball on that ⁢spot; this prioritizes pace over immediate line⁤ correction.

These ⁣drills scale: beginners focus on short-range lag consistency;⁢ better players extend distances and practice on varied Stimp speeds.

Course management folds your speed read into shot selection. When attacking a green, consider pin placement and surface pace: on a firm green with a tucked pin, favor an approach that leaves you 15-30 feet below the hole so gravity helps‌ control pace, rather than flirting with a downhill chip that invites long lags.In play, use intermediate aim points – a blade ⁣of grass, a discoloration or a seam – and⁣ aim the putt to a fall-line spot rather than directly at the hole when navigating multi-tier greens. ‍Weather⁣ matters: wet turf shortens roll and calls for firmer strokes; fast dry surfaces⁢ amplify speed errors and often warrant more conservative plays to tight ‌pins.

Fix common errors and design⁢ a lasting practice plan that ​links technique to scoring. Frequent faults ⁣include decelerating through​ impact, over-reading tiny slopes, and leaning too heavily ‌on ‌alignment aids; correct these by returning ‌to basic checkpoints: square face at impact, steady head, and committed​ tempo. Troubleshooting steps ‍include:

• Short putts missed left/right: verify face alignment and target a small intermediate mark.
• Long putts finishing too far: increase follow-through length or tempo slightly and employ⁣ proximity scoring in practice.
• Three-putts: use ‌the Lag-to-3-Feet Drill with a goal ​of cutting 3-putts by⁢ more than 50% over eight weeks.

Set measurable objectives – as ⁤a notable example,reduce three-putts by one per round within a month through 30 minutes of speed work three times weekly – and use a scoring app to quantify gains.⁣ Combining green-speed reads with practiced roll-control cues⁣ helps golfers of every level make fewer ⁤mistakes, lower scores, and approach greens with a practical, technical plan.

Progressions ⁤and pressure practices to lock speed control from warm-up to tournament play

Begin each session with a‌ structured warm-up that moves from mobility to specific speed work on ⁤the green.Spend 5-7 minutes on dynamic​ mobility (hip circles, ‌trunk rotations, wrist flicks) to prime range of motion, then roll 8-12 short putts from 3-6⁤ feet to dial in feel. Progress to mid-range strokes at ⁢ 10-20 feet and finish with a​ couple of lag putts at 30-50 feet to calibrate pace for the day’s conditions. ‍Before each stroke, check setup fundamentals: feet shoulder-width, ball slightly forward of center, eyes over or just inside the ball line, and a relaxed grip pressure of about 3-4 on a 1-10 ​scale.when shifting ⁣from warm-up to competitive mode,shorten the routine but keep the ​same checks‌ to preserve muscle ​memory.

On the practice green build speed with​ a progressive ladder that mirrors course scenarios – capture the essence of “Want fewer 3-putts? try​ this​ genius putting speed drill”‌ by‌ placing markers at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 20 feet and following this ⁣sequence until you hit target success rates (for example, 70% make-rate at 6​ feet ‌ and 50% inside 12 ‌feet):

• Start at 3 ft: make five⁣ in a row before moving on.
• At each next distance emphasize stroke length (backswing equals forward stroke for a 1:1 pendulum) rather than⁢ adjusting aim.
• End sessions with five long‍ lag ​putts (30-50 ‍ft), trying to leave each inside a 3‑foot circle – adjust stroke length ‍to match the speed.

Beginners can shorten distances (2, 4, 8, 12 ft) and emphasize pure contact; low-handicappers should add variability (different Stimp values and grain directions) and tighten ⁤leave targets. Confirm ⁤putter loft (commonly 3-4°) and lie fit, since incorrect loft or lie ⁢can change roll and distance control.

To transfer practice speed into competition,⁣ introduce pressure via constrained ⁤routines and penalty‌ drills. Use a concise pre-shot routine of around 6-8 seconds – address, read, breathe and commit – and practice it under stress. Try a tournament-style drill: pick a contest distance (such as, 12 feet) and ⁢require five consecutive makes to win; a miss forces a ⁣restart. This conditions the nervous system to ‌perform under duress. Always follow the rules of Golf on the green: you may mark, lift and⁢ replace your ball to repair marks (Rule 14.1) but avoid touching ⁢the line of putt. Common ⁣problems include speeding the stroke under pressure⁣ and altering setup – counter these by rehearsing identical setup checkpoints and using breathing cues (inhale​ two,exhale two) to preserve ⁤tempo.

Extend speed work into the short game as better recovery shots reduce putting pressure.Practice three-target chip and ⁣pitch ladders that require landing the ball on a chosen spot​ so it rolls to the hole -‌ for example, from 25 yards aim‌ for a landing zone 8-10 yards short of the hole so the ball either checks or rolls in depending on spin.Use alignment ​sticks to control face angle and path; adopt a 60/40 forward weight bias for bump-and-run shots, and a‌ slightly more centered​ stance with a touch of⁤ openness for‍ higher, spinning pitches. Troubleshooting: if shots come out low and run past, add loft and hinge wrists more; if they balloon and stop short, ⁢reduce wrist hinge and accelerate ⁢through impact. Link these short-game choices to course strategy – favor lower trajectory chips on fast firm greens and⁤ higher,‍ spinning pitches on soft surfaces.

Embed speed control into tournament play with an in-round maintenance routine and clear targets. Before ⁤your ‍round ‌spend 3-5 minutes on the practice‍ green: ‍6 short putts, 4 mid-range and 2 long lag putts to the same target you warmed up to. During the round,check feel every three holes by hitting one 6-8 foot‍ putt and one 30-40 foot lag. Set ⁣measurable goals – as an example, limit three-putts to no more than one per ⁢round and aim for an average of 1.7 putts per hole – and track results. Cater⁣ to learning ⁢styles:‌ visual learners mark roll lines and study ball paths; kinesthetic learners use weighted putters or metronome apps; auditory learners count a short “one-two” during​ the ⁣stroke. ‌With warm-up sequencing,​ ladder drills (the speed drill), pressure practice, short-game integration and consistent in-round checks, ‌players at ‌all levels can convert speed control work into lower scores and steadier performance on tournament day.

Measure progress and turn practice gains ​into fewer three‑putts with simple metrics and course rehearsal

Coaches agree measurable feedback is the quickest route ⁤to fewer ⁢strokes, so ​start with a compact set of statistics you can record every round. Track your three-putt rate per ⁣18 holes, putts per green in regulation ⁣(GIR), and a basic lag metric – average proximity on putts started from 20-40 ft.set time-bound targets: for example, aim to shave three-putts to under 1 per 18 within eight weeks, reduce lag proximity from 20-40 ft to⁢ an average of 6 ft, and drop putts per GIR by 0.3. These clear metrics translate practice into on-course scoring and ​provide objective evidence of improvement over time.

Instructional practice​ should be precise and trackable. Include the widely recommended speed-control⁢ routine – Want fewer 3-putts? Try this genius putting ‍speed drill insights -​ and log results. Suggested drills:

• Speed Corridor⁢ Drill: Place two⁤ tees 15 ft from the hole,⁤ 3 ft apart. Stroke 20 balls aiming to stop them inside the corridor; record how many ‌finish‌ within 3 ft of⁣ the cup.
• 3‑Distance Lag Set: From 20, 30 and 40 ft hit 10 putts each aiming to finish inside 6 ft; count proximity and one-putts.
• gate Stroke Drill: Use a narrow gate to check face alignment and path; if the ball passes cleanly 9/10 times your face control and ​path are ⁢consistent.

follow a session plan of 50-100 putts with focused blocks of lag, mid-range and ⁢makeable putts,‍ and record make percentage and average proximity for each block.

To bring green-room gains onto the ‌course⁤ rehearse under realistic conditions and use a simple decision framework. ‍Before a round rehearse three lag putts from common distances (20, 30, 40 ft) to calibrate speed for that day’s greens and weather. Then apply a practical rule: when your approach​ leaves you outside 20 ft, prefer a lag-to-3-ft ​strategy unless the hole shape or⁢ position makes an ‍aggressive birdie​ attempt a ​smart play. Use in-play metrics: if your practice lag ‌success ⁢(inside 6 ⁣ft) is above 60%, you can be more⁢ aggressive; if below, favor par preservation.Also use standard ⁢green-reading tools (plumb line for‌ slope,‍ AimPoint or your chosen system for percentage ​breaks) and mark and replace your⁢ ball as allowed to preserve pace and fairness.

Putting depends on setup, the⁣ right gear‌ and stroke mechanics. Reinforce a repeatable address: feet shoulder-width, eyes​ over or ⁢just inside the ball, slight knee flex and ⁣a forward press ​so the‍ putter’s leading⁣ edge ‍meets the ⁤ball at the intended loft. Check⁤ putter lie angle and loft (commonly 3-4°) and experiment⁢ with grip size – too thin can⁤ encourage wrist action, too thick may ⁤limit necessary face rotation. Troubleshooting quick fixes:

• Deceleration: lengthen the back stroke and accelerate through; verify tempo with a‌ phone video.
• Wrist breakdown: use a short gate drill and a training⁣ grip to encourage shoulder-driven pendulum ⁣motion.
• Inconsistent speed: practice the Speed Corridor drill ​and log average finish distances for feedback.

these solutions scale from basic alignment⁢ and tempo for beginners to micro-adjustments in face angle and weighting for low handicaps.

Make logging and⁢ reflection routine to convert ⁢practice into fewer three-putts. Use a simple spreadsheet or a putting app to note round date, three-putts, putts ⁣per GIR, lag proximity averages, and outcomes ⁢from weekly drills. Review weekly and‌ run ⁣short experiments – for example, test a ⁤1/8‑inch grip tweak for two weeks or⁣ a 4° loft change ​for three sessions – and compare before/after metrics.Before play,rehearse three short blocks (putting,short ‍chip,one full swing) to anchor feel; mentally commit to speed⁣ on lag putts and use process cues (“smooth back,accelerate through”) to limit outcome pressure. Together, these steps create an‌ evidence-based cycle: practice with measurable drills, record on-course​ performance, adjust equipment and mechanics, and reinforce effective habits until fewer three-putts become the⁢ norm.

Q&A

Q: What problem does this drill address?
A: It targets one of golf’s most ⁣costly mistakes – the three-putt. Instead of training to hole every long lag, the routine teaches speed control so the second putt is regularly left inside an easily made radius. Better distance control on long putts translates directly into fewer three-putts and lower⁢ scores.

Q: What is ‌the drill called?
A: Commonly it’s described as a “lag speed” or “leaving-distance” drill. The simple principle is to practice from distance with explicit finish targets for where the ball should​ stop rather than ‍obsessing about holing every attempt.

Q: How do you set it up?
A: On a practice green place a ​small hoop, towel⁢ or coin roughly 3 feet‍ from the hole to mark the acceptable leave. Start with balls‍ at increasing ranges – e.g., 20, 30 and 40 feet – and roll toward the target. Work one distance at a time or rotate to simulate ‌on-course variation.

Q: ⁢Step‑by‑step: ​how is⁤ the ⁤drill​ performed?
A: 1) Choose⁢ a starting range (20-30 ft is good for most amateurs). 2) Aim to finish each putt inside the 3‑foot marker. 3) ⁣avoid trying to make the long putt – concentrate on speed and rhythm.⁣ 4) Record the finish ‌(inside marker, outside but makeable, or long/short).⁤ 5) Repeat 10-20 times, then move on. Progress by narrowing the acceptable leave or extending distance.

Q: Why does ‍it work?
A:⁣ Many instructors highlight that speed mistakes,‍ more than ⁣line errors, cause most three-putts. Training to ‌a ‍specific⁤ leave builds the motor pattern ⁤for repeatable pace, develops feel ‌for ‌green speeds, and removes the pressure of “must-hole” lag putts – resulting in more⁣ second putts left in a makeable zone.

Q: ‍Who benefits from this ‍drill?
A: Any‌ golfer prone to three-putts – from⁢ high handicappers to better players refining lag control. It’s especially useful for weekend players with limited green time who ‌need a compact, repeatable routine.

Q: How often and how long should you⁣ practice it?
A: Short, ‌regular practice outperforms occasional long sessions. Aim for 15-30‌ minutes, three times per week. A focused session of 30-60 ⁣quality putts using the drill typically produces noticeable‌ gains within a few weeks.

Q: Common mistakes to avoid?
A: – ⁤Trying to make‍ long‍ putts instead of dialing speed. – Changing setup or grip between reps.- Fixating only on distance and neglecting stroke ⁤consistency. – Failing ‍to record outcomes – track how many finishes land inside the target.

Q: How do you measure success?
A: ‍Log the percentage of putts finishing inside your 3‑foot marker from each distance. On the course, monitor reductions in three-putts per round. Look for steady improvement – for⁤ example, moving from half your long​ putts finishing outside 6 feet⁣ to leaving 80% inside 3 feet.

Q: Variations and progressions?
A:‌ Progress ‌by ⁤increasing distance, tightening the acceptable ⁢leave ⁢(1-2 feet), adding uphill/downhill reads, or imposing pressure by counting only consecutive⁣ successes. Players often combine the drill with alignment gates or ‌a metronome for tempo training.

Q: Is there expert support for this⁣ approach?
A: Yes – mainstream putting instruction consistently highlights speed control, alignment and repeatable tempo as keys to fewer strokes on the green. This routine trains those⁤ elements‌ under realistic on-course conditions.

Q:‍ Final takeaway?
A: ‌If three-putts ​are hurting your score, ‌focus on leaving second putts within a short, makeable radius. A compact, structured ⁣speed​ drill practiced regularly builds the feel ⁢and consistency that ⁢converts many long lag attempts into two-putts – far more effectively than trying to hole every long roll.⁤

Bottom line: a brief, speed-first practice ‍regime forces repeatable distance feel and removes a major source of three-putts. Backed by coaching emphasis on alignment, tempo and clean strikes, the ⁤drill ⁣is a low-cost, high-return addition‌ to any practice​ plan. Track your results, stay consistent, and your next rounds should feature fewer⁤ long ⁤walks back to the green and more tap-ins.

Stop 3-Putting for Good:⁤ Master​ Greens with This Brilliant speed Drill

Three-putts⁤ bleed strokes. The fastest route to consistently lower scores is mastering green speed and distance control with a targeted speed drill that builds feel, tempo, and repeatability.This⁣ article breaks down a simple, evidence-backed speed drill (the Circle-to-circle Speed Drill), explains how to measure progress, and gives⁢ level-specific goals, practical ⁣tips, and on-course strategies so you stop 3-putting for good.

Why 3-Putting Happens: The Root Causes

• Poor distance control: missing the​ first putt long or short leads ​to difficult second putts.
• Inconsistent tempo and stroke length: Varying backswing/forward swing ‌ratios cause inconsistent roll.
• Misreading green speed: Over- or underestimating pace on fast/slow greens.
• Nervousness‍ on ‍the second putt: Tension changes‌ stroke dynamics, especially inside 20 feet.
• Lack of ⁣targeted practice: ⁤ Practicing only short putts or only making drills doesn’t teach speed and lag ‌skills.

The Brilliant Speed Drill: Circle-to-Circle speed Drill

This drill is built around repeatable outcomes: you either get inside a target circle or you reset. The‍ feedback loop is immediate,which trains distance control and green speed feel.

What you need

• Putter and three golf balls
• Two flat practice circles (use towels, putting cups, chalk rings, or tape) – one around the hole (inner circle) and one larger (outer circle)
• putting green or practice green with honest roll
• Phone or notepad to log attempts and make metrics-driven​ progress

Setup

1. Place the ⁤inner circle 3 feet around the hole (radius ~3ft). This is your “make or⁢ miss close” zone.
2. Set the outer⁤ circle 10-12 feet around the hole (radius ~10-12ft). This is your lag control ‌zone.
3. Pick a starting⁣ distance: 20-30 feet is ideal for the first phase.

How to perform ‌the Circle-to-Circle Speed Drill

1. From the chosen ⁢starting point ⁤(e.g., 25 ft), play a single lag⁤ putt toward the hole.
2. If the ball finishes ​inside the inner 3-foot circle, ⁢its a ⁢success and you move to the next ball from the same⁣ distance. If it finishes ⁢between the inner and outer circle, it’s a partial success ​(acceptable for now). If it finishes outside the‌ outer⁣ circle (beyond 10-12 ​ft), it’s a failure – adjust tempo and try again untill you can consistently stay inside the outer circle.
3. Do three balls from the⁣ same distance per set. Record results as ​(In inner / In outer / ‍Out).
4. Progress distance based on performance: if ​you get⁤ 2 or 3 balls in the inner‍ circle, move farther‌ back 5 feet for the​ next set. If you miss‌ the outer ⁢circle twice,‌ move closer until you can consistently stay inside.

Progressions, Measurable Metrics & Level-Specific Targets

Tracking objective metrics is crucial. Use a simple log: Date | Distance | In Inner | In Outer | Out | Notes.

Skill ⁢Level	Starting Distance	Target (3-ball⁢ set)
Beginner	10-15 ft	2/3 in outer or 1/3 in inner
Intermediate	20-30 ft	3/3 in‌ outer, 1-2/3 in inner
Advanced	30-45 ft	3/3 in outer, 2-3/3 in inner

Exmaple weekly metric goal: Improve “In outer” rate from ⁤60% to 85% in four weeks. Measure green speed feel‍ by how frequently enough you miss long vs‌ short – ⁢aim to reduce long misses (overhit) by increasing forward stroke control and tempo.

Tempo,​ Stroke and Setup Cues for Reliable‍ Distance control

• Two-count​ tempo: Use a​ simple 1-2 count (back-forward) to stabilize timing. Try back = 1, through = 2.
• Stroke length for‌ distance: Calibrate stroke length on ⁤the practice green where you can feel the required stroke for 10 ft‍ increments.
• Low tension: Relax shoulders and forearms.Tension shortens the stroke and causes ⁤inconsistent pace.
• Visualize finish: Picture the ball finishing in the ⁢inner circle before you stroke – ⁢this biases speed and alignment.

Common‌ Errors and How to Fix ​them

• always leaving⁣ it long: Likely due to ⁤excessive⁣ follow-through or hitting with‌ hands. Fix: shorten the follow-through, lighten the grip pressure, and practice 50% speed reps.
• always leaving ⁣it short: Typically due to deceleration. Fix:⁣ focus‍ on maintaining a smooth acceleration through impact – use the two-count ⁣tempo.
• Inconsistent results across greens: ‌ Adjust for green speed. Use‌ one or two “calibration” lag putts when you get to a new​ green to feel the speed before‌ aggressive line reads.
• Nervous second putts: Practice pressure sets – e.g., if you miss an inner circle, do a 10-rep penalty (extra set) – to desensitize nerves.

Translating Practice to Play: On-Course Application

• When you⁤ miss the green, think “circle” not “hole.” Aim to leave ‌inside the 3-foot circle for​ tap-ins – that mindset reduces three-putt risk.
• Use a pre-putt routine that includes a‌ pace check: a practice takeaway at ⁢your intended⁢ length to feel the hammering tempo before the real putt.
• When faced with​ a long lag putt, choose‍ the ‌side of⁣ the​ hole that ⁤minimizes damage: leave it below​ the hole or on the flatter side of the slope⁢ when possible.
• Always calibrate: hit 1-2 practice lag putts (not too manny) when green speed varies considerably or after‌ walking to a new ‌putting surface.

Benefits and Practical Tips

• Faster improvement: Immediate feedback lets‌ you correct tempo and strike‌ within a session.
• Repeatable process: Using circles standardizes practice so you know when to progress.
• Reduced course anxiety: Objective‌ outcomes and practice under pressure reduce second-putt nerves.
• Time-efficient: 20-30 minute sessions,⁢ 3× per week, are enough to significantly reduce ⁢3-putts.

Case Study: 4-Week Improvement Example

Golfer: Mid-handicap player (16 handicap). Baseline: 3-putts averaged 2.4 per 18 holes. Practice: Circle-to-Circle drill, 25 minutes, 4× week. Results:

• Week 1: In outer 62% ⁣(baseline).​ Focus on ⁢tempo and two-count.
• Week 2: in outer 78% – moved​ starting distance +5‍ ft. Reduced long ‍misses by⁣ 40%.
• Week 4: In outer 90%, In inner 45%. On-course 3-putts dropped to ‌0.8‍ per round. Average putts per round dropped⁣ by 2.6.

Key takeaway: Measurable‍ practice with pressure reps and progression creates durable change.

Weekly practice ⁣Plan (Sample)

• Day ‍1 (Technique): 30 mins Circle-to-Circle at 20-30 ft,tempo focus,record results.
• Day 2 (Short game combo): ⁣20 mins short putts inside 6 ft for confidence + 15 mins lag ⁤drill.
• Day 3 (Pressure session): 3 sets of 10 reps⁢ from varied distances. If you miss the ​inner circle, add a penalty set to simulate pressure.
• Day 4 (On-course simulation): Play 9 holes focusing only on leaving putts inside 3 ft; no aggressive holing ​unless comfortable.

Equipment and Setup Tips

• Use the putter you play with for best ⁣transfer‌ from practice to play.
• Practice on greens with honest‌ roll – avoid overly bumpy surfaces for speed training.
• Consider⁣ a putting mat or indoor circle markers for off-season maintenance.

FAQ – Fast Answers to Common Questions

Q: How long before I‌ see fewer 3-putts?

A: Consistent focused practice (3× ‌weekly⁣ for 4 weeks) usually‌ produces measurable improvements. Individual results vary.

Q: Should I practice making short putts too?

A: Yes – short putt confidence and stroke repeatability are still critically important. Combine short-make ⁣drills with the Circle-to-Circle lag practice.

Q: What if I always leave it long?

A: Shorten the follow-through, decrease tempo slightly, and practice hitting to the inner circle intentionally short. Track ⁤long vs short ‌misses in your log.

Q: Does this​ drill work on all green speeds?

A: Yes – the drill is adaptable.Calibrate your target circles to the green speed by making small practice adjustments before beginning.

Swift Checklist Before You Practice

• Set up inner & outer circles
• Pick starting distance based on the table goals
• Log attempt results and long/short bias
• Use tempo cue (1-2 count)
• Progress only when you consistently meet targets

Commit to the Circle-to-circle Speed⁤ Drill, ‍apply the tempo and progression rules above, and you’ll ‌develop the distance control and⁢ green speed⁤ feel⁢ to dramatically reduce 3-putts and lower your scores.