Every golfer wants to become a better ball-striker with the woods, hybrids and irons. Seldom do you hear anyone extol the virtues of hitting putts purely.
Nonetheless, rolling putts consistently on line requires solid contact. And while that may seem easy to accomplish given the slow, short nature of the stroke, few golfers find the putter’s sweet spot time after time.
If your putter approaches the ball on too much of an inside or outside path, you may strike it on the heel or toe. Playing the ball too far forward or back in the stance can equal contact too low or high on the blade.
The putter “gate drill” will improve your putting contact (and effectiveness):
1. With the putter behind the ball as at address, stick two tees in the green an inch outside the club’s toe; the tees should be a few inches apart.
2. Set two more tees an inch from the heel, so that the four tees form a box around the putter and ball.
3. Beginning with short putts, stroke the ball without hitting the tees.
If you contact any of the pegs, you’ll know your stroke is off in one direction or another. When you can consistently hit the ball without touching the tees, your path is golden.
Thomas Golf Putters
Traditional, Mid-Length/Belly & Long Putters
The Gate Drill is a popular practice drill that can help improve your putting accuracy and consistency. It involves setting up a gate, or two objects, on either side of the putter head to guide the path of your stroke. Here's how to perform the Gate Drill to make more putts:
- Setup: Place two alignment rods, tees, or any other objects of similar height on the green, parallel to each other, and slightly wider than the width of your putter head. The distance between the rods will depend on your comfort level and the size of your putter head, but starting with a gap of about one to two inches is a good reference point.
- Alignment: Position the gate in a way that is perpendicular to your target line. The gate should be a few inches in front of the ball, allowing enough space for a clean stroke.
- Stroke path: Address the ball and focus on a smooth and controlled putting stroke. As you make your stroke, ensure that the putter head moves back and through the gate without touching the rods. The gate serves as a visual reference to keep your putter on the correct path and promotes a consistent stroke.
- Feedback: The Gate Drill provides immediate feedback on the path of your stroke. If your putter head hits the rods, it indicates that your stroke is off-line, either on the backswing, through impact, or on the follow-through. The objective is to consistently stroke the putter through the gate without touching the rods, which encourages a square and on-target strike.
- Start with shorter putts: Begin the drill with shorter putts, gradually increasing the distance as you become more comfortable and consistent. Focus on maintaining the proper stroke path throughout.
- Visualization: While practicing the Gate Drill, visualize the ball rolling through the gate and along the intended line. This mental imagery helps reinforce the correct stroke path and aids in improving your putting accuracy.
- Practice regularly: Incorporate the Gate Drill into your practice routine consistently. Spending dedicated time on the putting green with this drill will help train your muscle memory and build confidence in your stroke.
Q: What is the Putting Gate Drill? A: The Putting Gate Drill is a putting practice exercise that involves setting up two alignment sticks or tees on the ground to create a “gate” through which the golfer putts the ball. The goal is to improve putting accuracy and consistency by ensuring the putter head moves along a straight path.
Q: How is the Putting Gate Drill set up? A: To set up the Putting Gate Drill, place two alignment sticks or tees on the ground parallel to each other and just wider than the putter head. The sticks should be positioned a few inches in front of the ball and a few inches behind the ball, creating a “gate” for the putter head to pass through.
Q: What is the purpose of the Putting Gate Drill? A: The purpose of the Putting Gate Drill is to help golfers develop a more consistent putting stroke and improve their ability to start the ball on the intended line. It encourages the golfer to swing the putter on a straight path and avoid any unwanted sideways movement.
Q: How does the Putting Gate Drill improve putting accuracy? A: The Putting Gate Drill improves putting accuracy by providing visual feedback to the golfer. If the putter head hits either of the alignment sticks during the stroke, it indicates an off-center hit and a misalignment. Regularly practicing the drill helps golfers develop muscle memory for a straighter putting stroke.
Q: Can the Putting Gate Drill be used for different putting distances? A: Yes, the Putting Gate Drill can be adapted for different putting distances. Golfers can position the alignment sticks closer or farther from the ball to practice different-length putts and improve their accuracy at various distances.
Q: How often should golfers practice the Putting Gate Drill? A: Golfers can incorporate the Putting Gate Drill into their regular putting practice routine. Practicing the drill for a few minutes before or after a round or during a practice session can be beneficial in developing a more consistent putting stroke.
Q: Can the Putting Gate Drill be combined with other putting drills? A: Yes, the Putting Gate Drill can be combined with other putting drills to create a comprehensive putting practice routine. Golfers can use drills focused on distance control, speed, and reading greens in conjunction with the gate drill to improve overall putting performance.
Q: Are there any common mistakes golfers should avoid when doing the Putting Gate Drill? A: Common mistakes to avoid when doing the Putting Gate Drill include setting the alignment sticks too close together, using an incorrect ball position, or hitting the sticks during the stroke. Golfers should also ensure they have a relaxed grip and maintain a steady head during the drill.
Q: Can the Putting Gate Drill be done indoors or only on the putting green? A: The Putting Gate Drill can be done both indoors and on the putting green. Indoors, golfers can use artificial turf or a putting mat to practice the drill. However, practicing on a real putting green provides more accurate feedback on green speeds and undulations.
Q: How long does it typically take for golfers to see improvements in their putting accuracy after doing the Putting Gate Drill regularly? A: The time it takes to see improvements in putting accuracy can vary among golfers. With regular practice and focus on the correct stroke mechanics, golfers may start noticing improvements in their putting accuracy within a few weeks to a few months. Consistency and dedication to the drill are key to seeing progress
By incorporating the Gate Drill into your practice sessions, you can develop a more consistent putting stroke, improve your alignment, and increase your accuracy on the greens.
