Speed is the most critical variable in putting. It not only controls distance, it also influences the break on your ball. So if you don’t hit the putt at the right speed, both your distance control AND your directional control suffer.
The drill below helps you develop speed control and distance control as well as feel when putting.
Find a fairly flat, straight putt on the practice green. Put a golf glove or golf towel in the hole. Then drop back about 10 feet or so and putt from there.
Keep your eyes closed while putting. Before opening them, mentally guess how close you came to the hole. Then open your eyes to see how accurate your guess was.
You’ll get more accurate with your guesses as you practice more. The drill helps develop two key skills for great speed control—a better sense for the target and a feel for the right stroke.
What a simple but really effective tip.