Putting Drills from PGA Tour Pro J.L. Lewis

Here are some short game tips and putting drills courtesy of PGA Tour Professional J.L. Lewis.

He's now working with Pioneer Golf, a company that specializes in helping the traveling golfer.

The importance of the short game in golf is severely underrated. During a normal round of golf there will be at least ten opportunities to get up and down from inside 100 yards. If you are at the PGA TOUR level, the average conversion rate to get up and down (to hit the ball on the green and make a one-putt) is 60% for the top players in the world playing their best. For an amateur to reach their playing potential, they should look for the answer in the short game.

The best way to prepare the short game for the golf season and keep it sharp during the year is to follow a routine that is proven to produce lower scores. Here are some putting drills to include in your practice routine

Drill #1: Putt 40, 50, and 60-foot putts until you have made two putts or less from those distances 20 times in a row.

Drill #2: Putt eight-footers with the right hand only until you make three in a row. This will improve your ability to get the ball on line.

Drill #3: Putt with the eyes closed from all distances until ten balls are holed. This will develop speed control and build confidence.

Drill #4: Compete on the putting green with other golfers to simulate pressure. Keep score and remember the best way to become a better putter is to spend time with good putters.

These drills are time consuming and I recommend spending no more than 90 minutes per session, two to three times per week. You will be amazed how your scores immediately improve.