Winter is here, so there may be times when it’s too cold to go to the course and practice outdoors. Here are some drills you can practice in the warmth of your home to improve your putting stroke:
Find the Sweet Spot
The putter face transfers different amounts of energy to the ball depending on which part strikes the ball; on the toe, the center or heel. For consistent speed control on the greens, it’s crucial to strike the ball on the center of the putter face, otherwise known as the sweet spot.
Use the drill below to help you get into a habit of striking your putts out of the sweet spot.
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Take two rubber bands and wrap one around the right side of the putter face and wrap the other around the left side of the putter face. Leave just enough room between the rubber bands to strike the golf ball. Practice putting until you can consistently avoid the rubber bands. Start off with short putts – less than two feet – and slowly work your way up to longer distances.
If you find this drill too difficult at first, move the rubber bands out to the ends of the putter face to give yourself more margin for error, then start moving the rubber bands back toward the center. The closer you can get the rubber bands the more precise your putting stroke.
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Get Your Eyes Over the Ball
Getting your eyes over the ball will help you see the line better. Try these two drills to get your eyes over the ball:
- Put a ball in your right pocket then set-up to putt with both hands. Take the ball out of your pocket and position it directly beneath your right eye while holding the putter just in your left hand. Let the ball in your right hand drop to the ground and see where it hits the ground. If the dropped ball strikes the ground even with the ball you are putting, your eyes are over the ball. If it drops anywhere else, you need to make an adjustment to get your eyes over the ball.
- Take an old DVD or CD and put it on the floor. Place a ball in the middle of the disc and address your putt. You will be able to see your reflection in the CD if your eyes are over the ball.
