Ditch The Three-ball Routine and Do This Instead
Why Using Three Golf Balls on the Putting Green is a Waste of Time - Try This Instead!
Before a round of golf, I used to be like many of you: I'd grab three golf balls, find a hole on the practice green, and just keep putting them to the same target. I thought I was getting a feel for the greens, but I've come to realize that this common practice is actually a huge waste of time. It doesn't truly prepare you for the pressure and demands of a real round.
The Problem with the "Three-Ball" Method
When I hit three balls to the same hole, only the first putt is truly valuable. That's the one where I'm actually reading the green, planning my shot, and executing it cold. The second and third putts? Those are essentially cheating. I've already gained information from that first attempt – I know the break, the speed, and where I went wrong (or right). On the actual golf course, I only get one chance per spot. Practicing with multiple balls to the same hole doesn't replicate on-course conditions and offers limited value beyond the first putt. [00:59]
My More Effective Putting Practice Routine
So, what do I do instead? I've adopted a practice method that simulates real course conditions, forcing me to engage my brain and truly prepare for the round ahead.
Use One Ball: This is crucial. It forces me to go through my full routine for every single putt, just like I would on the course. [01:45]
Read the Green: Before each putt, I take my time to analyze the green. I look for slopes, subtle breaks, and how the ball will likely roll. [01:22]
Plan My Shot: Once I've read the green, I determine my aim and the necessary swing force. This is where I commit to my decision. [01:36]
Putt to Nine Different Holes: This is the game-changer. After my first putt, I don't pick up the ball and go back to the same spot. Instead, I putt out from wherever the ball finishes. This creates a mini-game with scoring and rules, just like a real round. [01:54]
Review Each Shot: This process helps me build a system of reading, planning, executing, and reviewing. I learn from every putt, whether it goes in or not. [01:59]
The Benefits of This Approach
This method does more than just get a feel for the greens. It helps train my brain to perform under pressure and simulates the consequences of missed putts, making the practice much more meaningful. [00:27] By practicing this way, I arrive at the first tee with a much better feel for the greens and a mind prepared for the challenges of the course. [02:48]
So, next time you're on the practice green, ditch the three-ball method and try this instead. You'll not only improve your putting but also your mental game, setting you up for a much more successful round.
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