Tommy Fleetwood, a professional golfer, uses a modified gate drill to perfect his putting stroke. Pro golfers focus on perfecting start line and stroke path in order to make consistent putts. These two skills are crucial for success on the greens, as a misaligned stroke path can make it difficult to start putts on the intended line. Fleetwood, like many Tour pros, prioritizes working on these skills when he practices on the putting green. He uses a modified version of the traditional gate drill, setting up tees in a specific way to ensure his stroke remains on the correct line throughout the entirety of his putting motion.
In the modified gate drill that Fleetwood uses, he places one tee on the outside of his putterhead near the ball, and the other inside the putterhead a few inches behind the ball. This setup forces him to maintain a consistent stroke path from start to finish. Unlike the traditional gate drill where the putterhead can stray off line but still pass through the gates if corrected before impact, Fleetwood’s modified version requires precision throughout the entire stroke. This drill helps Fleetwood avoid swinging too far in-to-out during his putting stroke, ensuring a smoother and more accurate path for the ball.
If you struggle to maintain a consistent path with your putterhead when putting, giving Fleetwood’s modified gate drill a try could help improve your stroke. By focusing on keeping your stroke on the intended line throughout the entire motion, you can develop a more reliable putting technique that leads to making more putts. While Fleetwood’s specific setup may work for him, you can adjust the positions of the tees to address any specific issues you may have with your stroke path. Experimenting with different setups and drills can help you find what works best for your game.
When approaching the practice green, many Tour pros, including Fleetwood, begin their routine by working on start line and stroke path. These fundamental skills are essential for putting success, as they directly impact a golfer’s ability to sink putts consistently. Whether using a putting mirror or a gate system, players like Fleetwood place a high emphasis on perfecting these foundational aspects of their putting game. By focusing on these key areas and incorporating drills like the modified gate drill into your practice routine, you can improve your putting performance and lower your scores on the course.
Experimenting with different putting drills and techniques, such as the modified gate drill that Fleetwood uses, can enhance your overall putting game. By consistently practicing and refining your stroke path and start line, you can develop a more reliable and accurate putting stroke. Incorporating drills that target these specific skills, like the modified gate drill, can help you identify and correct any issues in your technique. With dedication and focus on these fundamental aspects of putting, you can see improvements in your performance on the greens and ultimately score better on the golf course. Fleetwood’s approach to perfecting his putting stroke serves as a valuable example for golfers looking to improve their skills and elevate their game.
