Putting practices is one of the best places to use games to improve your skill set. Each one of these games will work on a specific skill in putting (start line, distance control, green reading) and can be setup in moments. Here are my top 5 putting games for players of all skill levels are:
My top 5 putting games for players of all skill levels are:
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Leapfrog Putting- This should come as no surprise since I use this drill all the time in videos. The game is simple enough create a rectangle and putt the first ball into the rectangle, the next ball must go past the previous ball but stay in the rectangle, repeat until a ball either goes out of the rectangle or does not pass the previous putt. This drill is just a perfect way to master the ephemeral art of touch, but it is very simple to setup and alter according to your skill level.
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10ft-15ft-25ft putts - This drill is all about distance control and making sure we are mastering the simple things in putting. Simply hit three putts from each distance with the goal of having each putt pass the front edge of the hole and stop before going 2ft past the hole. If you are able to get all 9 putts inside the safe zone for this game you are working with a high level of distance control.
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Putt to the Line - As simple of a game as it gets but also one of the most effective games. Lay a club down and take a few steps away from the club and hit putts trying to get the ball to stop as close to the club as possible without hitting it. You can substitute anything for the club as a boundary line, alignment stick, towel, shoes, hoagie, the world is your oyster. But take this game seriously because practicing distance control without a hole to aim at is one of the most effective ways to practice this skill.
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4 Ball Putting- Even simpler than putt to the line, simply throw down 4 balls on the green, putt the first one into the abyss of the green, and then attempt to get the other three as close to the first one as possible. If you’re concerned about consistency of your putting stroke this game will show you exactly how consistent you are. It is “chef’s kiss” perfect for testing consistency.
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Putting Croquet- Saving the hardest for last. Find a straight putt, setup 2 tees halfway to the hole creating a gate slightly wider than a ball, putt ball through said tees. Simple, easy, INCREDIBLY FRUSTRATING. There’s a reason this is a favorite drill of tour players, it gives great feedback on where you are starting the ball and can be made harder by adding break to the putt. If you’re really sick in the head and want to be Tiger Woods, try it one handed, with each hand, and make 10 in a row doing that. Good Luck.
Hopefully this list gives you some inspiration for your next practice session. The key is not to do all 5 every single time you practice. Practice can be effective and only take 15 minutes, it matters far more the time off between practice sessions than the time spent during a practice session.