Become Automatic and Shave Strokes Off Your Scorecard
Welcome to Shaving Strokes, a new GOLF.com series dedicated to providing golfers like you with improvements, learnings, and takeaways to enhance your game. In this article, we will explore a highly effective putting drill that will help you improve your accuracy from putts within 5 feet. By implementing this drill, you can significantly enhance your performance on the green and eliminate those frustrating 3-putts that can cost you strokes.
The Importance of Balanced Golf Practice
As golfers, we often spend more time honing our driving and iron shots at the practice facility and neglect our short game. However, renowned golf teachers emphasize that a well-rounded and focused practice routine is key to improving your overall performance. I recently experienced this firsthand during a round where I hit almost all fairways but had a staggering 22 putts in just nine holes, averaging 2.6 putts per hole. It became evident that I needed to prioritize my short game and incorporate effective putting drills into my practice regimen.
The 5-Ball Putting Drill: Enhancing Accuracy Within 5 Feet
Seeking guidance, I reached out to GOLF Teacher to Watch, Derek Deminsky, who shared an exceptional 5-ball putting drill. This drill is designed to develop a repeatable stroke and help golfers become automatic from close range. Let’s dive into the details of this highly effective drill.
Finding the Perfect Practice Green
Begin by identifying a putt on your practice green with a consistent uphill slope and no side-to-side slope. Test different areas by rolling balls with your hands in a bowling motion until you find a suitable spot.
The Setup: Placing the Balls
Once you’ve identified the ideal putt, place one ball at the 6 o’clock position, which is four feet from the hole (imagine a clock around the hole). This distance is crucial to practice routinely making shorter putts.
Next, take two balls and drop them to the left, and two balls to the right of the central putt. These balls will introduce slight curves depending on the side, simulating the on-course scenarios where you face left-to-right or right-to-left movements during a round.
Executing the Drill: Tournament Routine and Alignment
It’s crucial to treat each putt in this drill as if you were in a high-pressure tournament situation. Go through your full routine, including pre-shot rituals and mental preparation. It’s essential to train precisely the way you intend to play on the course, ensuring seamless translation from practice to performance during a round.
To aid with alignment, draw a line on your ball. This simple yet effective technique allows you to focus solely on the speed of your putt while providing valuable insights into potential misalignment issues. A perfect roll with a misalignment signifies the need to adjust your line, while a wobbly putt may indicate a flaw in your putting stroke.
The Impact of Mastering Putts Within 5 Feet
Consider the difference it can make if you consistently sink all nine 5-foot putts during a round. This can transform your score from an 84 to a remarkable 75 without altering your tee shots, iron shots, or wedge play. It’s no wonder that this drill has been a staple for both myself and the students I teach. Practice diligently, and you’ll witness a significant improvement in your overall scoring ability.
We understand the importance of having reliable putting equipment to support your training. Explore the [Putting Stick Pro](https://fairway-jockey.myshopify.com/products/putting-stick-pro-by-tpk-golf-green-red-or-blue?utm_source=golfcom&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-ball-putting-drill-derek-deminsky) by TPK Golf, available in green, red, or blue. This tool can further enhance your practice sessions and contribute to your journey toward mastering putts within 5 feet.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How often should I practice this 5-ball putting drill?
To maximize the benefits of this drill, we recommend practicing it at least three times per week. Regular repetition will help you develop muscle memory and consistency in your putting stroke, ultimately leading to increased accuracy from short range.
Can this drill be adapted for putts longer than 5 feet?
While this specific drill focuses on putts within 5 feet, you can modify it for longer distances by adjusting the starting position. Experiment with different distances and maintain a similar setup, incorporating the tournament routine and alignment tips provided.
How long should each practice session be?
Aim for a dedicated practice session of 20-30 minutes when working on this 5-ball putting drill. Shorter, focused sessions yield better results compared to longer sessions where focus may waver.
——————————————————————————————
We hope this comprehensive guide to the 5-ball putting drill has provided you with valuable tips and insights to improve your putting accuracy from within 5 feet. Incorporate this drill into your practice routine, remain focused, and watch your short game flourish. Start shaving strokes off your scorecard today!
Leave a Reply