How to Putt Better: 5 Drills for Junior Golfers
SIMPLE PRACTICE THAT TURNS MISSED PUTTS INTO LOWER SCORES
by Keith Bach · PGA Member, President and Director of Instruction JPGA (Also called JRPGA)
You hit a great drive. A perfect iron. The ball is on the green, and then it takes three putts to finish the hole. Every golfer knows how that feels. Here is the good news. Learning how to putt better is the fastest way to lower your score. Putting takes a big share of the strokes in every round, and it does not need a long swing or a strong body. It needs good habits and smart practice. In this guide, I will share five putting drills for junior golfers that I use with my own players. They are simple, they need almost no equipment, and you can do them at the course or at home.
How to Putt Better: Start With the Basics
Drills only work when the setup is right. These putting tips for beginners are the starting point for every player, whatever their age.
- Eyes over the ball: Look straight down at the ball. This helps you see the line.
- Light grip: Hold the putter softly. Tight hands make the stroke jerky.
- Quiet body: Rock the shoulders like a pendulum. Keep the head and legs still.
- Same tempo every time: A smooth, steady rhythm beats a fast, hard hit
KEY TAKEAWAY
Good putting is not talent. It is a repeatable setup and a smooth stroke, practiced often.
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Putting Drills for Junior Golfers
Do these drills in order, or pick the one that fixes your biggest problem. Keep score on each one. Scores keep practice honest and make it fun.
Drill 1: The Gate Drill
Best for: a straighter stroke.
Push two tees into the green, just a little wider than your putter head. Place a ball a few inches behind them and putt through the gate without touching either tee. Start with a 3-foot putt. Your goal is 10 clean strokes in a row. This drill teaches the putter to move on a straight line and hit the ball on the sweet spot.
Drill 2: The Short Putt Ladder
Best for: making the putts you should make.
Place three balls in a line at 2, 3, and 4 feet from the hole. Make all three in a row, then add a ball one step farther back. If you miss, start over at the beginning. It sounds easy until the pressure kicks in. That is the point. Short putts decide scores, and this drill builds the nerves to make them.
Drill 3: The Clock Drill
Best for: reading breaks from every angle.
Place eight balls in a circle around the hole, about 3 feet away, like numbers on a clock. Make all eight without missing. Each putt has a different slope, so you learn to read the green from every side. Your goal is to complete the full circle three times in a row.
PRO TIP
Stand where you finish. After every putt, hold your finish for one second. It keeps your head still and shows you what really happened.
Your 15-Minute Putting Practice Plan
You do not need hours. Short, focused sessions work better. Here is how I would split 15 minutes.
Use the Clock Drill on days when you have extra time. Write your scores down each week. Seeing the numbers go up is the best motivation.
How to Improve Putting Under Pressure
Practice putting is easy. Making the putt that matters is hard. To improve putting when it counts, add small stakes to your drills. Play against a friend. Set a goal you must hit before you can leave the green. Give yourself only one try at each ball.
It also helps to use the same routine on every putt. Look at the line, take one practice stroke, breathe out, and go. If you want to build the mental side of the game, read our guide to golf mental training, and see how to prepare for a golf tournament so your practice carries over on tournament day.
WHY IT MATTERS
A golfer who putts well plays with less stress. Every approach shot feels easier when you trust the flatstick.
Where Putting Fits at JPGA
At Junior Players Golf Academy, putting is part of our short game and course work, along with swing, fitness, and tournament preparation. Players practice with scores, games, and pressure so skills show up when it counts. If you want to see how the full picture comes together, read how to improve your golf swing or learn about our Hilton Head Island academy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a junior golfer putt better?
Start with a steady setup and a smooth, pendulum stroke. Then practice a few simple drills, like the gate drill and the short putt ladder, for 15 minutes a few times each week.
How do I stop three-putting?
Work on speed. Most three-putts come from long first putts that finish too far from the hole. The Lag Zone drill trains you to leave the ball close.
How long should a junior practice putting?
Fifteen focused minutes, three to four times a week, is a great start. Quality matters more than time.
What is the best putting drill for beginners?
The Gate Drill. It teaches a straight stroke and a clean strike, which every beginner needs first.
Can I practice putting at home?
Yes. A carpet, a putting mat, or a smooth floor works for the Gate Drill, the Ladder, and the Clock. Use a coin or a cup as your target.
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