| The easiest way to build confidence in your | | | | in the cup. |
| abilities is to putt well. Every time you save a | | | | Go back to the position you started from two |
| stroke, your confidence increases. Putting does | | | | feet below the hole. Stand at that position and |
| take skill and practice, however it is the simplest | | | | face the hole. Imagine you are looking at a clock |
| part of the game to master. Anyone can be a | | | | and the hole is the center that the minute and |
| great putter, it just takes practice. Unfortunately, | | | | hour arms pivot. This is your one o'clock starting |
| most players don't practice this part of their | | | | position. From here move to the two o'clock |
| game. Here is a simple drill to help you improve | | | | position, the position directly to your left, and step |
| your putting. | | | | back a foot. |
| For this practice drill you will need your putter and | | | | Your second position is at two o'clock and two |
| one ball. This is a simple, fast and fun exercise. In | | | | feet from the hole. From here putt your ball into |
| fact this drill is so fast I do this almost every time | | | | the hole. Again, read the green, perform your |
| I go to a course, whether I'm playing or practicing. | | | | pre-putt routine and be aggressive with your putt. |
| Go to a golf course or practice facility that has a | | | | Keep proceeding until you have circled the clock |
| practice green. On your first few trips try to find | | | | 1-1/2 times. So your third position will be at three |
| a hole location that is relatively flat. As your skills | | | | o'clock and three feet from the hole. Your fourth |
| increase, you can look for more challenging hole | | | | position will be at four o'clock and four feet from |
| positions. Since you will be hogging a hole, you | | | | the hole. |
| might need to vary the times you go until you | | | | The drill is over when you are at six o'clock and |
| find a time that is not crowded. | | | | eighteen feet from the hole. At completion you |
| Start by placing your ball one foot from the hole | | | | have putted from eighteen different positions. |
| and at the low side of the hole, so that your first | | | | Each position becoming progressively more |
| putt is uphill. Putt the ball into the hole from this | | | | difficult. You have just simulated an eighteen hole |
| spot. Aim for the back of the cup. I want you to | | | | round of putts. |
| be aggressive, no fear of missing. This is not one | | | | To track your progress keep track of how many |
| of those miss and start all over drills. | | | | putts you make. The goal is to take 36 or less |
| If you have a pre-putt routine, and I highly | | | | strokes per practice drill. Remember, putt out |
| recommend you do, use it on each and every | | | | every ball, even from two inches. Count every |
| shot. This is a good opportunity to refine and | | | | stroke. Be honest with yourself. Keep this up and |
| define your pre-putt routine. Take time to read | | | | you will see improvement in your putting. This will |
| the green. If you miss a putt, finish putting from | | | | translate into lower scores. Which translates into |
| wherever your ball comes to rest. In other words | | | | higher confidence. Which again translates into even |
| putt out every ball as if you were playing a | | | | lower scores. |
| regular round of golf. Keep putting until your ball is | | | | |