The Open: Tiger Woods’ signature putting drill stands the test of time

Holing out. It’s a key part of the game and down the years, it’s been something Tiger Woods has excelled at. A large part of that success is down to a putting drill that he’s relied on for decades.

After playing nine holes at Royal Troon on Wednesday morning, the three-time Open champion headed to the putting green beside the clubhouse, where he got to work on the tried and tested drill.

If you ever get the chance to watch Woods on the putting green in the days before a tournament, it’s almost a given that he’ll do this drill.

The best part is that it’s so simple, some amateur golfers might think it’s beneath them. But, Woods’s dedication to it should prove that it isn’t.

It’s a simple drill, but that’s what makes it so effective for the 48-year-old.

Tiger Woods tee gate putting drill explained

Here’s how Woods worked on his putting stroke on the eve of the 152nd Open.

First, he finds a dead straight four foot putt. In this case, it was on the side of the putting green that’s closest to the 18th green at Troon.

Then, he sets out a gate of tees, with the gate slightly wider than the blade of his putter.

A drill that has served @TigerWoods well over the years. https://t.co/hDf0SuiWZC@HSBC_UK | #LiveAtTheRange pic.twitter.com/pSnIvmjWlx

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 17, 2024

Woods takes six golf balls, and places them just in front of the tees, one at a time. The aim is to hole the putt without his putter hitting the tee pegs.

What makes this interesting, is that Woods alternates between using his right hand, his left hand, and both hands.

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He’s said in the past that it allows him to get a feel for where the face of his putter is, and to ensure that his stroke path is where it needs to be. If he can get the putter square with just one hand on the grip, it should be a given that he can do it with both hands.

If he hits a tee peg, he’ll know that he’s not striking the ball from the middle of the blade. If he misses the hole, he’ll know he’s not got his putter square to the target.

In this particular practice session, Woods stood for half an hour without leaving his station.

He didn’t miss a single putt.

Whether or not Woods can compete at this Open is a question that will rely on much more than his short putting, but if his preparation is anything to go by, that won’t be an issue.

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Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor