The Gate: This drill tests everything in your putting

To hole lots of putts, you need to be able to do three things well. You need to be able to read the greens, start your ball on line, and accurately judge speed.

Working on these things can be hard, so if you can find a drill that tests you on all three at the same time, you’re going to benefit a lot.

That’s why this gate drill is one of my favourites to do on the putting green. Here’s how to do it.

How to do the gate putting drill

On the putting green, you want to find a putt with plenty of break. Don’t pick something that is going sideways, but something with a noticeable, but manageable swing.

Then, As you stand behind the putt, focus on reading the green and visualise where the putt will begin to break.

Place two tees in the ground on the line where you think the ball will be highest up the slope, just wider than the width of the ball to create a gate. Once you set up to the ball, don’t worry about the hole, trust your read and aim to get the ball though the gate and let it hold its line.

When you break the putt down like this, you have more chance of hitting it close or holing it. Plus, it’s a great way to work on reading greens and focus on getting the ball to the hole more effectively.

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If you don’t read the putt correctly, your ball might still go through the tees, but will miss the hole, likely on the low side.

If you miss judge the speed, you’ll again see the ball go through the tee gate, but you’re probably going to see your ball go past the hole.

If you don’t hit the line of your putt, then you’ll miss the gate altogether.

If you’re someone who feels like they don’t hole their share of mid-range putts, then it’s well worth trying this drill out on the putting green.

Ailsa Murphy is a PGA Professional at Peebles. You can book a virtual lesson with her through Skillest and follow her on TikTok.