Should putting practice be random practice or block practice. It really is about building confidence and both are important. Let’s take a closer look.
Random Practice
This would be using one ball at a time from different locations to give yourself downhill, uphill and breaking putts of various lengths.
Block Practice
Hitting multiple putts from the same location. Like rolling 3 and 6 footers using a mirror and putting gate for accuracy. Another example would be taking multiple putts from the same location to dial in speed for lag putts.
Location
At home, it’s not a bad idea to spend part of the day putting. Even if it’s for 10 minutes here or there.
Examples: I practice mechanics and pace on a 13 foot Wellputt mat. Mostly, 3, 6, and 10 footers. For longer, putts the Exputt RG comes in handy. On that one, I can take putts in 5 yard increments up to 50 feet. For me, the PuttOUT putting mat works exclusively for accuracy training from 3 feet and 6 feet.
At the course, I like to spend a couple hours a week putting. I start out with block or accuracy practice and then move on to random practice on breaking putts.
On alternate days, I set up stations for block practice on lag putting from 3 feet to 30 feet. It’s not a bad idea to set up stations at 40, 50 and 60 feet as well.
Outside, I usually practice what I’m having trouble with the most.
Pre-round practice: I like to spend 20-30 minutes judging the speed of the greens. Starting with edge to edge putts. That is from one side of the green to the other rolling longer putts. I spend quite a bit of time on uphill, downhill and breaking putts. To finish, I putt 10 footers, 6 footers and finish by making a bunch of 3 footers.
Why finish that way? I know how far back to take the club on all three of the lengths. So it’s measuring speed. Also, those are the putts I’m going to need to make. Finishing with a bunch of made 3 footers builds confidence.
How long to practice?
This depends on the individual, your available time and your goals.
On average, putting is about 43 percent of your score. Of those putts, half are from close range.
So, divide your time up for random and block practice.
At home, I probably practice at least a half hour total a day. It’s not unusual to roll 80-100 putts in a day.
On the practice green, I like to spend a couple hours a week. Sometimes that might be a two hour practice.
Before a round, I like to spend at least 20 – 30 minutes warming up.
If there is a range, I like to hit balls, chip and pitch, and then finish putting.
Most of the time, I putt for 20 minutes and head to the first tee. I feel that’s a mistake, but it depends on how much time I have.
On a good day, prior to a round I stretch for 10-15 minutes, hit a small bucket of balls, and then putt.
Conclusion
Challenge yourself and measure what you are doing.
Practice putts and keep track of how many putts you make for each skill.
Overtime work on improving those skills.
Use your playing routine and practice with purpose.
Practice putting should be all about creating confidence to take to the golf course.
“What is it going to take to become a great putter? There is only one correct answer and that is you have to make more putts.” – Mike Shannon, PGA Professional, Instructor TPC Sawgrass.
Putting Drills – Includes printable drills