Putts between 4 and 6 feet are ones that we expect to make most of the time. But research tells us that touring pros make only about 50-percent of their 6-foot putts, so the average golfer should not get too frustrated when their percentage is lower. However, with intelligent practice, we can do something to increase our success rate on this length of putt.

How to Practice

Take 10 balls and line up a straight putt of about 4 feet as I am here in picture No. 1:

It is important to practice a straight putt, because then you need only focus on the stroke and not on the break. Obviously, if you miss a straight putt you will know that you made a bad stroke; if you miss a breaking putt, you might have made a good stroke but just had the wrong speed. So it's important to pick a straight putt for this drill.

Now, start putting these putts with two objectives:

1. Make sure the putter head is going straight back as in picture No. 2 ...

... and straight through as in picture No. 3.

2. Make sure your putter face is square to your line at all times (also noted in picture No. 3). This is the most common fault with poor putters and takes the most work and concentration, but will pay off huge if you have the determination to get it right.

Set yourself a goal for the number of putts that you can hole in a row. Gradually increase this goal until you can get up to 50. Remember, if you miss one you have to start at one again!

This teaches you how to putt under pressure, because as you reach 45, 46, 47, 48 - you don't want to start at one again - so you must make a good stroke.

The secondary benefit of this practice method is to your subconscious. As you hole putt after putt at this distance, your confidence escalates and you have less and less fear of these putts.

If you don't have time to go to the course, remember - you can practice this at home on the carpet. This drill is a great way to work on your putting stroke.

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