Start Your Putts On-line

Sorry, its been a while since my last post. I have changed jobs and am now really getting settled in at Eldorado CC. It's all going great!

I have talked before about the gate drill when practicing your putting. The single gate drill helps you make consistent, solid contact with your putts, as well as make a pure stroke. 

Today, I want to talk about the "Double Gate Drill". This drill still promotes solid contact and a pure stroke, but adds another gate that will make you start the ball on your target line every time. Below is a picture of the gate drill. Ill explain...

The ball starts between the first gate (bottom) which is just barely wider then your putter. Take a practice putt to see what the exact line of the putt is, then put two more tees (the second gate) about 1/3 of the way to the hole. This is about a 5 foot putt. 

The second gate's width is vary depending on your skill level. I put the tees very close the the ball on either side so there is little room for error. You can make them wider if you want, but I would not leave more than a half inch gap between the ball and the tee on each side, any wider would defeat the purpose of the drill. 

You will find that if you can split the second gate when you putt, the ball will go in EVERY time, and if you do not start it on line, you will bang into the tees and the ball will go nowhere.

Try to make 20 putts from two different locations. You will definitely feel a difference in you putting stroke and your confidence when you start to hit putts without tees everywhere. 

Note: Dont let yourself get too frustrated if you hit the second game a few times in a row. You will be surprised how many putts you do not start on your intended line. This is a very difficult drill but you will really notice the benefits quickly. 

Good Luck!