Putting Practice: The Clock Putting Drill
The Clock Putting Drill
The Clock Putting Drill is one of our favorite drills. It is an excellent routine for improving your precision and consistency on short-range putts. This drill simulates different putt lengths by imagining the hole as the center of a clock face. Golfers then putt to specific "hours" on the clock to develop a feel for various distances. The goal is to improve both the length and precision of your putting strokes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform the Clock Putting Drill:
Steps to Perform the Clock Putting Drill:
Choose a Flat Surface: Find a relatively flat section on the putting green where you can set up the imaginary clock.
Imagine the Clock Face: Picture the hole as the center of a clock face. The area around the hole represents the numbers on the clock.
Set Up Tees: Place tees at specific distances to represent 3, 6, 9 and 12 on the clock. For example, at 3 o’clock place one tee at 3 feet, another at 5 feet, another at 7 feet, and one more at 9 feet. Do this for each 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock interval.
Start at 12 O'Clock: Begin at the 12 o'clock position, which is directly above the hole. Putt a ball from this position, focusing on a smooth and controlled stroke. The goal is to make the putt from the closest range.
Move to the Next Position: After putting from 12 o'clock, move to other positions on the clock. Putt from 3 o'clock, then 6 o'clock, and so on, until you've made the putt from each. If you miss from one of the phases then restart the process over again.
Move to Next Distance: Once you’ve consecutively made the 3 foot putt from 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, move back to the 5 footers and follow the 2 steps above. Again, if you miss a putt from this distance go back to the 3 foot putt and start over again.
Maintain Consistency: Pay attention to the consistency of your stroke. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm and pace, regardless of the distance you're putting.
Challenge Yourself: Increase the difficulty of the drill by increasing the distances at each time interval, or incorporating breaks in the green that mimic slopes.
Benefits of the Clock Putting Drill:
Distance Control: The drill enhances your ability to judge and control putt distances, a crucial skill for reducing the number of three-putts.
Consistency: Practicing putts from various distances promotes a consistent putting stroke, helping you develop muscle memory.
Visualization: Imagining the clock face helps you visualize the putt lengths and improves your ability to read and adapt to different distances.
Adaptability: By putting from different clock positions, you learn to adapt your stroke to various angles and lengths, mimicking the diversity of putts you may encounter on the course.
Pressure Simulation: As you move around the clock, you create pressure situations by challenging yourself to sink putts consecutively.
Tips for Putting Practice Success:
Start Close: Begin with shorter putts to warm up and focus on the fundamentals of your stroke.
Experiment with Breaks: If possible, choose a putting green with breaks to simulate real-game scenarios.
Stay Relaxed: Keep your grip and body relaxed to encourage a smooth putting motion.
Use Visualization: Envision the clock face and the ball traveling along the desired path to improve your visualization skills.
Final Thoughts:
You may feel that starting over after a missed putt may seem too extreme, but by conquering the short-range putts it allows you to feel more confident on the longer-range lag putts. If you know you’re close to automatic within 3 to 5 feet you’ll feel a lot more comfortable hitting that 25 foot putt knowing you’ve just got to get it within 5 feet to ensure you don’t run into that pesky 3 putt.
The Clock Putting Drill is a versatile and adaptable exercise that golfers of all levels can incorporate into their putting practice routine. Whether you're a beginner working on the basics or an experienced player looking to refine your distance control, this drill provides a structured and effective way to elevate your putting game.