Putting is one of the most critical aspects of golf, often making the difference between a good round and a great one. If you're struggling on the greens, don't worry—you can improve your putting in just seven days with the right practice routine. In this guide, we'll cover proven drills, mental strategies, and equipment tips to help you sink more putts and lower your scores.
Day 1: Perfect Your Setup and Grip
Before making any stroke, ensure you have a solid putting setup. Here’s what to check:
- Grip: Use a light, consistent grip pressure to avoid tension. A conventional, cross-handed, or claw grip can work—choose what feels most stable.
- Posture: Stand with your eyes directly over the ball to ensure proper alignment.
- Ball Position: The ball should be slightly forward in your stance to promote a smooth, upward stroke.
Day 2: Master Your Putting Stroke
A consistent stroke is key to making more putts. Work on:
- Pendulum Motion: Focus on using your shoulders, not wrists, to create a steady stroke.
- Back-and-Through Length: Keep your stroke equal in length back and through to ensure control.
- Practice Drill: Place two alignment sticks or clubs parallel on the ground and stroke between them to stay on path.
Day 3: Improve Distance Control
Lag putting helps you avoid costly three-putts. Try these drills:
- Gate Drill: Place two tees slightly wider than your putter head and practice stroking through them for a smooth, consistent stroke.
- Coin Drill: Set a coin a few feet past the hole and aim to roll the ball just beyond it to develop feel.
Day 4: Dial in Your Aim and Alignment
Even a perfect stroke won't matter if you're aimed incorrectly. Here’s how to improve:
- Pick a Spot: Instead of aiming at the hole, choose a smaller target a foot in front of your ball.
- Use a Line: Mark your ball with a line and align it toward your target to ensure accuracy.
- Mirror Drill: Use a putting mirror to check your eye position and alignment.
Day 5: Read Greens Like a Pro
Good putters understand break and speed. Learn to:
- Read From Multiple Angles: Assess slopes from behind the ball and from the low side of the putt.
- Feel With Your Feet: Walk around your putt to sense subtle breaks.
- Trust the Process: Commit to your read and stroke with confidence.
Day 6: Pressure Putting Drills
Recreate on-course pressure with these drills:
- 3-Foot Circle Drill: Place balls in a circle around the hole and make them all in a row.
- One-Chance Challenge: Practice as if each putt is for par—no second tries.
- Beat Your Best Score: Compete against yourself to make more putts than the previous day.
Day 7: Build a Pre-Putt Routine
A repeatable routine builds confidence. Try this:
- Pick Your Line – Read the green and choose your aim point.
- Practice Stroke – Take 1-2 rehearsal strokes to feel the distance.
- Step In & Trust It – Align, breathe, and stroke the putt with confidence.
Final Thoughts
By following this structured 7-day plan, you'll gain more consistency, confidence, and control on the greens. Stick with these drills, and you’ll start making more putts in no time!
Want to take your putting to the next level? Try practicing for 10 minutes a day and track your progress. Lower scores start on the greens!
