If you want to lower scores quickly, putting is the fastest path. Most golfers leave strokes on the green not because of poor technique, but because they lack start-line control, distance consistency, and practice under pressure to perform on the course. The following drills train all of these skills and can be done in just 10–15 minutes a day. Add them into your practice plan and watch your confidence skyrocket on the greens.

Putt Through a Gate

Master your start line and green reading with this drill.

Purpose: Improve your start line and face control at impact.

How to Set It Up:

Place two tees 3-6 feet in front of you slightly wider than your putter head, forming a gate on the line you want to putt. 

Your goal: roll the ball cleanly through the gate without touching either tee. This will give you feedback if you have a stroke issue with your clubface opening or closing, or you have a green reading issue over or under reading your putts. Start with a wider gate and gradually tighten it as your consistency improves. This creates a progressive challenge that mimics tournament pressure.

Points Game: The Ultimate Pressure Putt Challenge

This drill combines green reading, and mental toughness into one simple structure. You’ll use three distances 3 feet, 6 feet, and 9 feet and compete against yourself.

How to Play: Set a tee or coin at each distance from the hole.

Putts are worth:

3-foot putt = 1 point

6-foot putt = 2 points

9-foot putt = 3 points

Hit one putt from each station, then repeat for as many rounds as you want.

Scoring Metrics: For 3 rounds, total of 3 putts at each distance

Beginner Goal: 10 points

Intermediate Goal: 15 points

Advanced Goal: 20+ points

Elite Challenge: 3 perfect putts. All three putts made in a row

Why This Drill Works:

3-footers build confidence and help ingrain a repeatable stroke.

6-footers train start line and speed together.

9-footers increase focus, require better green reading, and simulate on-course pressure.

The point system creates an emotional investment; your stroke has to hold up when it matters.

Track your scores each practice session and try to score one point better than the previous practice session. Improvement becomes measurable, motivating, and fun.

Between the Hole and the Stick Speed Drill

One of the best drills for sharpening distance control is the Between the Hole and the Stick speed drill. Place an alignment stick or golf club on the ground three feet behind the hole, then set three tees at 20, 25, and 30 feet away from the hole. Roll one ball from each distance and track how many finish in the scoring zone, between the hole and the stick. The goal isn’t necessarily to make every putt, but to eliminate long comebacks and build touch on long putts. This drill quickly improves your pace awareness, reduces three-putts, and builds confidence by training speed control.

Interested in practice session routines, reach out to me at kpikegolf@gmail.com.