Practicing to break 100 is something that causes most weekend golfers tremendous anxiety.  Many believe that they have to practice for hours on the range perfecting a near impossible swing, when really all they want to do is play golf and have fun.  The goal of breaking 100 is the first major milestone in most golfing careers.  To accomplish this amazing feat, one will have to practice and focused practicing will save the most strokes. And the focused practicing area that will result in the best results is within 9 feet of the hole.

The Grateful Golfer believes that putts under 9 feet is where most high handicap players will save the most strokes and take their first step towards breaking 100.  If you have never practiced putts within a 9 foot circle of the hole, you don’t know what your are missing!

An inexpensive way to practice this sure fire way of lower your score is to take 12 tees; stand beside the hole and take one step; place a tee.  Take another step; place a tee. Finally, take a third step; place a tee.  Now repeat this process three times at 90 degrees from the previous line. This will use up all 12 of the tees.

Star Putting Drill above places tees at 3,4,and 5 feet. The Grateful Golfer recommends same formation but with tees place at 3,6,and 9 feet.

Next take three balls.  Putt all thee balls from the 12 o’clock position, from 3 feet, until you sink three.  Then move to the 3 o’clock position and sink three; repeat at the 6 and 9 o’clock position.  Now, move back to the 6 foot position.  Instead of 3 balls sunk before moving, sink only two.  Repeat for all four cardinal positions.  Finally, move back to the 9 foot position.  Sink one and move on until you have sunk a ball from all four positions.  This process will likely take about 10-15 minutes max and that includes set up.

As your putting skill improves, increase the number of balls sunk from the 6 and 9 foot positions.  Next, sink the balls consecutively before moving; thus increasing the difficulty of the drill.  If a player can practice this easy drill once or twice a week they will be amazed on how many strokes they will save.  Additionally, this skill will greatly improve their confidence, gain the awe of their friends and eliminate the dreaded 3-putt!

There are many variations of this drill.  However, I have found this one to be the fastest and easiest drill to set up and perform.  I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!