For amateur golfers, practice time can be limited, making it important to have a goal or purpose behind every shot. This is especially true when it comes to putting. Professional golfer Sam Burns, who has ranked no worse than 10th in SG: Putting for the last three seasons on the PGA Tour, knows this all too well. According to Burns, speed control is the most common issue among amateur golfers he has encountered during pro-ams.
So how can you work on consistently getting the ball to the hole like a pro? Burns recommends taking 10 minutes to do this Pro-approved drill. Begin by taking three balls and setting them at 10 feet away from the hole. Your goal is to get them to the hole and two feet past. Once you can do this, move back to 15 feet, then 20 feet. This drill will help you to get a feel for the speed of the greens and improve the consistency of your stroke.
It is also beneficial to get the ball beyond the hole. Pros leave just 7 percent of their 10-footers short, while amateurs leave 17 percent short. Getting the ball beyond the hole will give you a better chance of making a putt and reduce the chance of a three-putt.
If you are looking to improve your putting and lower your scores, it is important to spend time on the practice green dialing in your stroke. A great way to do this is to practice getting the ball to the hole and two feet past, and it will not take long—only 10 minutes!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest challenge for amateur golfers?
Speed control is the biggest challenge for amateur golfers.
How can amateur golfers improve their speed control?
Professional golfer Sam Burns recommends taking 10 minutes to do this Pro-approved drill. Begin by taking three balls and setting them at 10 feet away from the hole. Your goal is to get them to the hole and two feet past. Once you can do this, move back to 15 feet, then 20 feet. This drill will help you to get a feel for the speed of the greens and improve the consistency of your stroke.
Why is it important to get the ball beyond the hole?
Pros leave just 7 percent of their 10-footers short, while amateurs leave 17 percent short. Getting the ball beyond the hole will give you a better chance of making a putt and reduce the chance of a three-putt.


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