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Putting Drill - Use a gate to Isolate the starting angle variable

This week we’re starting a series of putting drills that we’ll feature every month. These drills are designed to help you use the Bloodline technology to get the most out of your practice time.

Today, Larry Bischmann, Bloodline Co-Founder, takes us through a gate drill that will help you isolate the starting angle variable of your putting stroke.

This is a very simple putting drill that you may have seen on tour. You don’t even need a hole so you can practice this outdoors on a putting green or indoors with a putting mat. All you need is 4 tees and a Bloodline putter.

Start by setting up 2 tees in a line about 3 feet apart. One will be behind your putter, and one will be the target. Position 2 more tees in a gate format about 10 – 12 inches before your target as indicated in the photo. If you’re using a putting mat, just place the tees upside down or use coins.

Now, set up like you’re going to putt the ball between the gates to hit the target. Using the stand-up feature of the Bloodline putter, step away, walk behind the putter and make sure that you’re pointing at the target.

Then, step back into the address position, make the stroke and hit the ball through the gate. This requires that you bring the putter face back to square at impact.

Easy Drill
Start out with the target tees about 3 feet apart and make it through the gates at least 10 times in a row.

Challenging Drill
Move the target tees about 5 feet apart and make it through the gates at least 10 times in a row. Continue moving the target tees 2 feet further apart and each time, hit the ball through the gates at least 10 times in a row before you increase to the next distance.

Using a Bloodline putter allows you to make sure you’re aligned with your target when you start the putt and forces you to bring the putter face back to square at impact.

If you use a putter that does not have the ability to stand up, you could get the ball between he gates by starting with a closed face and opening the putter face during the stroke. While you’re getting the desired end result, you’re actually grooving an imperfect stroke. Who wants to do that?

Let us know if there is a specific area that you’d like to practice to help improve your putting.