In the last post, we talked about how to improve putting visualization skills, and now we’ll look at another simple way to lower your scores on the green.
Distance control is one of the most crucial skills in putting, and mastering it can dramatically lower your scores. Whether you’re facing a tricky downhill putt or a long lag across the green, knowing how to control distance in putting with drills can help you build consistency and confidence.
In this guide, we’ll explore simple yet effective drills designed to fine-tune your feel and touch on the greens. Practicing these regularly can turn three-putts into tap-ins. Also, don’t forget feeling stable and confident starts from the ground up, so make sure you’re wearing the most comfortable golf shoes. Let’s dive into how to control distance in putting with drills and take your short game to the next level.
Ladder Putting Drill
This drill helps you develop a consistent stroke for various distances.
Setup: Place markers or tees in a straight line at 10, 15, 20, and 30 feet from the hole.
Execution: Start at the 10-foot mark and attempt to putt the ball within 1 foot of the hole. If successful, move to the 15-foot mark and repeat. Continue this process up to the 30-foot mark.
Objective: The goal is to consistently land the ball within the designated distance from the hole, promoting a uniform stroke across varying lengths.
Reverse Ladder Drill
This drill focuses on controlling the speed of your putts from longer distances.
Setup: Place a marker or tee 30 feet from your starting position.
Execution: Putt your ball to the 30-foot marker (getting within 1 foot). Then, putt your next ball 1–2 feet closer than your last ball. Repeat this process until the last ball you putt is just 2 feet in front of you.
Objective: This drill helps you develop a feel for varying distances and the necessary stroke adjustments to achieve consistent results.
Distance Control Holing Speed Drill
This drill emphasizes the importance of speed and pace in your putts.
Setup: Choose a straight, uphill putt. Place a tee into the back of the hole so it sticks out about 2 cm.
Execution: Set up 1 meter away from the hole. Your goal is to hit the tee with your ball rather than letting the ball drop in the middle or front of the cup. Hole 20 of these putts in a row before moving back another meter.
Objective: This drill helps you develop a consistent putting stroke that ensures the ball reaches the hole with the appropriate speed, increasing the likelihood of sinking the putt.
Ball-O-Rama Drill
This drill uses different-sized balls to challenge your distance control.
Setup: You’ll need a Hacky Sack, golf ball, small tennis ball, and a large tennis ball. Line each ball up the same distance from the hole.
Execution: Putt each ball in starting with the Hacky Sack, then the golf ball, small tennis ball, and finally the large tennis ball.
Objective: This drill helps you adjust your stroke to accommodate different ball sizes, enhancing your ability to control distance under varying conditions.
Four-Ball Drill
This drill focuses on maintaining a consistent stroke across multiple putts.
Setup: Place four balls in a row on a flat stretch of green, ideally one with no severe slopes.
Execution: Putt each ball consecutively without pausing to observe the results.
Objective: This drill encourages a smooth, uninterrupted stroke, promoting consistency in your putting technique.
Ladder Putting Drill with Pressure
This variation adds a competitive element to your practice, simulating on-course pressure.
Setup: Place markers or tees in a straight line at 10, 15, 20, and 30 feet from the hole.
Execution: Start at the 10-foot mark and attempt to putt the ball within 1 foot of the hole. If successful, move to the 15-foot mark and repeat. Continue this process up to the 30-foot mark. If you miss a putt, start over from the 10-foot mark.
Objective: This drill helps you develop focus and consistency under pressure, improving your performance during actual rounds.
Coin Distance Control Drill
This drill uses coins to set specific distance targets for your putts.
Setup: Place four coins on the green, starting with 5 feet from the hole and increasing by 5 feet increments up to 40 feet.
Execution: For 5-10 foot putts, aim to stop the ball between the first and second coins. For 10-20 foot putts, stop the ball between the first and third coins, and so on.
Objective: This drill helps you develop a feel for different distances and the necessary stroke adjustments to achieve consistent results.
Incorporating these advanced drills into your practice routine can significantly enhance your distance control in putting. Regular practice will lead to more consistent and accurate putts, ultimately improving your overall performance on the course.
Conclusion
Mastering distance control in putting is one of the fastest ways to lower your scores, and incorporating effective drills into your practice routine makes a huge difference. Techniques like the ladder drill, clock drill, and gate drill help fine-tune your feel and build consistency over time.
Remember, controlling distance isn’t just about mechanics it’s also about developing a solid routine and touch through repetition. Wearing the most comfortable golf shoes can also support your stability and posture, giving you the confidence to execute each stroke with precision.
Whether you’re on the practice green or playing a tight match, comfort and proper technique work together to help you sink more putts. Stay committed to your practice, and your distance control will become second nature.
In the next post, we’ll dive into How to Adjust Putting Stroke for Fast vs. Slow Greens so you can read greens better and sink more putts with confidence on any surface.
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