3 Drills to Improve Your Game, According to Pro Caddies
Caddies are an integral part of the golfing world, offering valuable insights and assistance to elite players. Contrary to outdated stereotypes, these dedicated individuals are not mere slackers, smokers, or scofflaws. In fact, they possess a unique blend of skills that make them essential to the pro game. Acting as both stats nerds and gurus, they carry the burden of being a pack mule while providing therapeutic support to the players. Here, we share three remarkable drills that pro caddies have learned on Tour ranges, drills that can undoubtedly enhance your golfing performance.
The Important Role of Speed in Putting
When it comes to putting, one of the most crucial factors to consider is speed, especially on longer putts beyond 15 feet. To improve your feel for speed, a great drill that I recommend involves placing an alignment stick two feet behind the hole. Set up putts from various distances, such as 15, 20, and 30 feet, and aim to get the ball to the hole without rolling it too far to hit the stick. The objective is to sink the putt, which earns you three points. If you roll the ball just past the hole but short of the stick, you receive one point. Leaving the ball short of the hole deducts a point, while hitting the stick results in a loss of two points. Playing this game with your friends, aiming for a total of 21 points, will undoubtedly enhance your touch around the greens. – Billy Lewis, Steve Flesch’s caddie
The Key to a Solid Takeaway
For an improved takeaway, Cheyenne Knight’s caddie, Chad Payne, suggests a straightforward but effective drill. Place a ball directly behind your clubhead at address and, upon beginning your backswing, push the ball straight back. This drill ensures that your takeaway is initiated on the correct line, setting the stage for a consistent swing throughout the course.
A Putting Drill that Yields Great Results
An invaluable drill that Harrison Frazar’s caddie, Marcel Lebas, introduced in 2008 involves setting up putts from varying distances, including a three-footer, a six-footer, a nine-footer, and a twelve-footer. Three balls are placed at each distance, and the objective is to make all three putts consecutively before moving on to the next distance. A miss requires starting from the three-footer again. Through consistent practice, Harrison was able to master this drill and eventually achieve the remarkable feat of sinking three putts in a row from 15 feet. As a result, his putting performance improved significantly, going from 120th to second in putts per Greens in Regulation, trailing only Steve Stricker.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How can these putting drills benefit my game?
These putting drills are designed to enhance your speed control, touch around the greens, and overall putting consistency. By practicing these drills regularly, you will develop a better feel for speed, improve your takeaway, and gain the skills necessary to sink putts from various distances.
Can I try these drills on my own?
Absolutely! These drills are accessible to golfers of all skill levels and can be practiced individually or with friends. They provide an opportunity to sharpen your putting skills and improve your overall game.
How long should I practice these drills?
The duration of practice depends on your personal schedule and commitment. However, consistency is key when it comes to improvement. Aim to incorporate these drills into your regular practice routine, dedicating a sufficient amount of time each session to effectively enhance your putting skills.
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Remember, practice makes perfect! By incorporating these drills into your training regimen, you can elevate your game and experience notable improvements on the golf course.
1. Caddies are an integral part of the golfing world, providing valuable insights and assistance to elite players.
2. To improve putting speed, a recommended drill involves placing an alignment stick two feet behind the hole and aiming for a total of 21 points.
3. For a solid takeaway, a simple yet effective drill is to push a ball straight back during the backswing.
4. An effective putting drill involving making three consecutive putts from varying distances can significantly improve putting performance.
5. These drills can benefit players of all skill levels and can be practiced individually or with others.
6. Consistency and regular practice are key to seeing improvements in putting skills.
7. By incorporating these drills into training regimens, players can elevate their game and experience notable improvements on the golf course.
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