Marathon runners often say the real race begins at mile 20. Despite running for hours, it’s the final 10% that separates champions from participants. In golf, it’s putting. Your putting represents that final stretch—the difference between posting your personal best or just another round. Your putting game requires targeted practice to shave strokes off your scorecard. Ask Rory McIlroy; he’ll confirm. We’re sure that missed putt at Pinehurst still haunts him.

Statistics don’t lie when it comes to the importance of putting. With approximately 40-50% of all shots in a typical round taking place on the green, mastering this critical skill can dramatically lower your handicap. Tiger Woods, arguably the greatest putter under pressure in the modern era, emphasizes strike quality above all else. According to multiple golf instructors who’ve studied his technique, his simple yet effective practice routine involves using gate drills to ensure consistent center-face contact that produces a reliable roll.

Distance control putting drills: The key to fewer three-putts

We’ve all been there—you hit a great approach shot, only to watch in horror as your first putt rockets past the hole or dies pathetically short. Suddenly, that par opportunity becomes a struggle for bogey. It’s like hitting the wall at mile 23 when you thought you had plenty left in the tank.

This is where Phil Mickelson‘s famous 40-50-60 drill comes in handy. Think of it as interval training for your putting. You place three balls at 40 feet, three at 50 feet, and three at 60 feet. Your challenge? Get all nine putts to finish within three feet of the hole. Miss just one, and you start over—tough love, but that’s how champions are made. By mastering this drill, you’re essentially conditioning yourself to maintain control even when exhausted, just like marathon runners who practice negative splits for the final stretch.

But distance control is only part of the equation—you also need to consistently start your ball on the intended line to take advantage of your perfect read.

Strike quality putting drills: The foundation of directional control

Even the perfect read won’t help if you can’t deliver the putter face square to the ball. It’s like having the perfect race strategy but stumbling with poor form when fatigue sets in. The simple “Gate Drill” used by countless pros is your technique trainer here. Just set up two tees slightly wider than your putter head and practice hitting putts without touching either tee.

Jordan Spieth takes this so seriously that he starts every practice session with 20 straight putts using alignment aids. He’s essentially warming up properly before the big race, making sure his fundamentals are solid before tackling the more challenging aspects of putting. By doing this consistently, you’re building muscle memory that holds up even when pressure mounts—exactly what you need for that final push toward the finish line.

Once you’ve dialed in your technique with these drills, let’s make sure you’re not sabotaging your progress with equipment that’s working against you.

Equipment considerations: Finding your perfect match

Imagine showing up for a marathon in shoes two sizes too big. That’s what using an ill-fitted putter is like. Surprisingly, many golfers use putters that are too long, causing all sorts of technical issues with their strokes. It’s like running with poor equipment—you might finish, but you’re fighting an uphill battle the whole way.

When choosing between blade and mallet putters, think about your natural tendencies. Blade putters are like minimalist running shoes—less forgiving but offering great feedback for those with a consistent technique. Mallet putters, on the other hand, are more like cushioned stability shoes—offering extra support when your form breaks down under pressure. The right choice gives you confidence during those crucial final putts, just like proper footwear prevents blisters in the final miles.

Common mistakes: What’s holding you back?

Ever notice how many amateur putts miss on the low side? That’s because we tend to underestimate breaks, especially on longer putts. It’s like misjudging the difficulty of the final hill on your race route. Next time you’re reading a green, try seeing more breaks than you initially think—you’ll be surprised how often this leads to better results.

And let’s talk about grip pressure—the silent scorecard killer. Squeezing the life out of your putter is like tensing your entire body during the final sprint. You waste energy and lose fluidity when you need it most. Try holding your putter like you would a small bird—firm enough that it doesn’t fly away, but gentle enough that you don’t hurt it. This relaxed grip promotes the smooth, pendulum-like motion that characterizes all great putters.

Remember, just like marathon success comes down to how you handle those final miles, great golf rounds often hinge on how well you putt. The champions in both sports know that crossing the finish line strong requires specific preparation for the final push. Which putting drill will you try first? Let us know in the comments section below!