Putting Practice: The Gate Drill

The Gate Drill: Improving Your Line

The “gate” putting drill helps develop your putting stroke and swing path. It is designed to help you learn to consistently return the putter to the same position and consistently strike the ball in the center of the clubface.

Steps to Perform the Gate Putting Drill:

Select a Flat Surface: Begin by choosing a flat and straight section of the putting green. This drill is most effective on a relatively straight putt.

Position the Tees: Place two tees into the ground, one on each side of the putter head. These tees will create a “gate” through which the putter must pass.

Position Second Set of Tees: Place two additional tees about 3 feet in front of the first gate. This tees will be just wider than the width of the ball. These tees will be the “gate” through which the ball must pass.

Align the Gate: Ensure that the gate is aligned with your intended putting line toward the target. The goal is to have a clear path for the ball to travel through.

Take Your Stance: Stand behind the ball and align yourself with the target line, focusing on the gate you've created.

Focus on the Starting Line: As you address the golf ball, pay particular attention to the starting line between the tees. This is the path you want the ball to follow during your putting stroke.

Make Your Putting Stroke: Execute your putting stroke while concentrating on starting the ball through the gate. Maintain a smooth and controlled motion.

Observe the Result: After completing the putt, observe whether the putter passed through the first “gate” and whether the golf ball passed through the second “gate”. This provides immediate feedback on the accuracy of your putting stroke.

Repeat the Drill: Retrieve the ball and repeat the drill for several putts. Adjust width of the gates, or the distance of the gates to make this drill easier or harder depending on your skill level. Consider using a different starting point to challenge yourself and work on different aspects of your putting stroke.

Benefits of the Gate Putting Drill:

Improved Stroke: The first “gate” helps you focus on returning your club back to and through its original position improving the accuracy of your putting stroke.

Improved Alignment: The second “gate” helps you align your putter with the intended target line, fostering better accuracy.

Enhanced Focus: The visual reference of the gate encourages heightened concentration on swing path and the starting line of your putt.

Consistency in Stroke: By consistently starting the ball through the gate, you develop a more repeatable and reliable putting stroke.

Feedback Mechanism: The immediate visual feedback of the gates allow you to make real-time adjustments to your technique.

Confidence Building: Successfully completing putts through the gate builds confidence in your stroke and your ability to start the ball on the desired line.

Versatility: The drill can be adapted for putts of varying lengths, making it suitable for both short and long putting practice.

Tips for Putting Practice Success:

Start Close: Begin the drill with short putts to focus on the fundamentals before progressing to longer distances.

Gradual Progression: Gradually increase the difficulty by widening or narrowing the gate, challenging yourself to maintain accuracy.

Stay Relaxed: Avoid tension in your grip and body. A relaxed stroke is crucial for maintaining control.

Combine with Reading Greens: Integrate the gate drill with reading the contours of the green to simulate real-game scenarios.

Final Thoughts

The gate putting drill is a valuable tool for golfers seeking to refine their putting skills. Whether you're a beginner looking to establish a solid foundation or an experienced player aiming to fine-tune your accuracy, incorporating this drill into your practice routine can lead to improved performance on the greens.