Getting better at putting is something every golfer wants. And if you’re looking to improve your game on the greens, you’ve probably heard about Brad Faxon. He’s known for his smooth stroke and great results. We’re going to look at some brad faxon putting drills that can help anyone, no matter your skill level. These simple exercises focus on the things that really matter when you’re on the course. Let’s get your putter working better.

Key Takeaways

  • Focus on feeling the speed and roll of the ball with drills like the Clock Drill.
  • Practice aiming straight with drills such as the Gate Drill to improve alignment.
  • Build confidence on short putts by repeating makes, like in the ‘Make ‘Em All’ challenge.
  • Develop precision on longer putts by working on speed and reading the green’s break.
  • Make brad faxon putting drills a regular part of your practice to see real improvement.

Unlock Your Putting Potential With Brad Faxon Drills

A man kneeling down to put a golf ball in the hole

Ready to stop three-putting and start sinking more putts? We’re diving into the world of Brad Faxon’s putting philosophy, and trust me, it’s a game-changer. Faxon, known for his smooth stroke and incredible touch on the greens, has a way of simplifying what can feel like a really complicated part of golf. His drills aren’t about fancy gadgets or complicated theories; they’re about building a solid, repeatable motion that works for you.

Why Brad Faxon’s Approach Works Wonders

So, what makes Faxon’s drills so effective? It boils down to a few key ideas. He focuses on feel, rhythm, and a consistent setup. Instead of just hitting putts, you’re learning to feel the speed and the roll of the ball. This connection between your body and the putter is what separates good putters from great ones. It’s about making the stroke feel natural, not forced.

Building a Solid Foundation for Success

Before we get into specific drills, let’s talk about the basics. A good putting stroke starts with a good setup. This means:

  • Consistent Ball Position: Finding the right spot for the ball relative to your stance.
  • Proper Eye Line: Making sure your eyes are directly over the ball or slightly inside.
  • Stable Lower Body: Keeping your head and lower body still throughout the stroke.

Think of it like building a house – you need a strong foundation. If your setup is shaky, your stroke will be too. A simple exercise to help with this is placing a coin on your forehead to check your balance and eye position. It can help with alignment.

The Power of Consistent Practice

No drill in the world will work if you don’t practice it. The real magic happens when you make these exercises a regular part of your routine. It’s not about spending hours on the putting green, but about making your practice time count. Even 15-20 minutes a few times a week can make a huge difference. Consistency is key, and with Faxon’s drills, you’ll start to see those improvements add up.

Mastering Distance Control

Distance control is one of those things that separates good putters from great ones. It’s not just about hitting the ball hard enough; it’s about having a feel for how far the ball will roll on different slopes and speeds of greens. Brad Faxon’s approach really hones in on this.

The Clock Drill for Perfect Pace

This drill is fantastic for developing a consistent stroke length, which directly impacts distance. Imagine a clock face on the floor in front of you. Place the ball at the 6 o’clock position. Your backstroke should go back to 8 o’clock, and your follow-through should go to 4 o’clock. Then, you can adjust the ‘o’clock’ numbers to control the distance. For example, for shorter putts, you might go from 7 to 5 and back to 7. The key is to make the backstroke and follow-through the same length. This creates a balanced, repeatable motion.

Feeling the Green’s Roll

This is where you start to develop that intuitive sense of distance. Grab a few balls and head to the practice green. Hit putts of varying lengths, but instead of just focusing on making them, focus on how the ball rolls. Pay attention to how much speed it carries and when it starts to slow down. Try to get a feel for the texture of the green and how it affects the ball’s roll. It’s like learning a new language – the more you listen, the better you understand.

Developing a Rhythmic Stroke

Your putting stroke should have a nice, smooth rhythm. Think of it like a pendulum. The backswing and the forward swing should feel connected and flow naturally. Avoid any jerky movements or sudden acceleration. A good way to practice this is to hum a tune or count a steady beat as you putt. This helps keep your tempo consistent.

A lot of golfers get caught up in the mechanics of their stroke, but sometimes, it’s more about the feel and the rhythm. If you can get those two things right, the distance control will naturally start to improve. It’s about building trust in your stroke.

Improving Your Aim and Alignment

Alright, let’s talk about getting the ball rolling straight and true. Aiming and alignment might sound simple, but it’s where a lot of us lose strokes. If your putter isn’t aimed correctly, even the best stroke in the world won’t find the hole. We need to get this sorted!

The Gate Drill for Straight Putts

This is a classic for a reason. It forces you to think about the path the ball needs to take right off the face. Grab two tees and place them just outside the width of your putter head, a few inches in front of the ball. The goal is to putt the ball through this "gate" without touching either tee. It’s a simple visual and physical check.

Here’s how to make it work for you:

  1. Set up your gate: Make sure the tees are spaced just right – not too wide, not too narrow. You want it to be a challenge, but not impossible.
  2. Focus on the start: Don’t just swing. Really concentrate on the putter face meeting the ball and sending it through the gate.
  3. Repeat: Do this for several putts. The more you groove that feeling of hitting it straight through the gate, the better.

Visualizing the Perfect Line

Before you even set up, take a moment to really see the ball rolling into the cup. Imagine the path it will take. Some people like to pick a spot on the green just a few inches in front of the ball and aim for that. It breaks down the longer putt into a smaller, more manageable target. This visualization is key to building confidence. Think about the ball rolling smoothly, following the contours of the green, and dropping into the hole. It’s like painting a picture in your mind before you make the stroke. Brad Faxon himself talks about being a creative putter, and visualization is a big part of that. See Brad Faxon’s insights.

Finding Your Ideal Setup

Your setup is the foundation for good aim. It’s not just about where your feet are, but how your eyes, shoulders, and putter face are positioned.

  • Eye position: Most golfers do best with their eyes directly over the ball or slightly inside. You want to see the line clearly without straining.
  • Shoulder alignment: Your shoulders should be square to your target line, just like they would be on a full swing. This helps keep your stroke on plane.
  • Putter face: Make sure the putter face is square to your intended line at address. A simple way to check this is to place your putter flat on the ground behind the ball, aiming at your target, and then set up to it.

Getting your setup dialed in before you even think about the stroke makes everything else so much easier. It’s like building a house – you need a solid foundation.

Experiment with these elements to find what feels most natural and repeatable for your game. A consistent setup means a more consistent stroke, and that’s what we’re after!

Conquering Short Putts

Short putts. They can be the difference between a great round and one you’d rather forget. We’ve all been there, standing over a three-footer, feeling the pressure build. But with the right approach, these makeable putts can become your strength. Brad Faxon’s drills focus on building that unshakeable confidence from close range.

The ‘Make ‘Em All’ Challenge

This isn’t just about making putts; it’s about building a habit of success. Grab a handful of tees and place them around the hole, say, six feet away. Your goal is simple: make ten putts in a row from different spots. If you miss, you start over. It sounds tough, but the repetition builds muscle memory and mental toughness. You’ll start to feel the rhythm and see the ball going in more often.

Building Confidence from Inside Six Feet

Confidence is key here. It’s not about hoping you make it; it’s knowing you will. Faxon emphasizes a repeatable stroke, one that feels the same every time, no matter the pressure. Focus on your setup and a smooth tempo. Think about the feel of the putter head moving through the ball, not the outcome.

Focusing on the Stroke, Not the Outcome

This is where many golfers go wrong. They stare at the hole, worrying about missing. Instead, concentrate on the process: your grip, your stance, your tempo, and a clean stroke.

When you’re over a short putt, try to think about the stroke itself. Imagine the putter head moving back and through in a consistent arc. Don’t let your eyes jump to the hole. Keep your head still and trust the stroke you’ve practiced.

It’s about trusting the work you’ve put in. When you focus on the stroke, the outcome usually takes care of itself. You’ll find yourself making more of those crucial short putts, turning potential bogeys into pars and pars into birdies.

Tackling Longer Putts with Precision

golf ball on golf course

Longer putts can feel like a different game altogether, right? It’s all about getting that pace just right so you’re not leaving yourself a tricky comeback putt. Brad Faxon has some great ways to help you nail these.

The Ladder Drill for Speed and Direction

This drill is fantastic for building confidence on those longer putts. You’ll set up a series of balls at increasing distances from the hole, like rungs on a ladder. Start with a ball about 10 feet away, then move back another 5 feet, and so on, maybe going out to 30 or 40 feet. The goal isn’t just to make them, but to get a feel for how much firmer or softer you need to hit the ball to get it to the hole. Focus on a smooth, consistent stroke. You want to feel the difference in your takeaway and follow-through for each distance.

Reading the Break Like a Pro

Reading the break on longer putts is super important. You need to see the slope and how it’ll affect the ball’s path. Faxon often talks about looking at the putt from behind the ball, behind the hole, and even from the side. This gives you a better picture of the contours. Try to visualize the ball rolling along the intended line and how it will curve. It’s about seeing the entire journey of the ball.

Staying Committed to Your Line

Once you’ve picked your line and feel the right speed, you’ve got to stick with it. Doubt can creep in on longer putts, making you second-guess your read or stroke. Faxon’s approach encourages a pre-putt routine that helps you commit. This might involve:

  • Taking a few practice strokes, feeling the length of your swing.
  • Taking one last look at your target line.
  • Stepping up to the ball and making a confident stroke.

The key here is trust. Trust your read, trust your stroke, and trust that you’ve practiced enough to make it happen. Don’t let the distance intimidate you; treat it like a series of smaller putts that all add up.

Integrating Brad Faxon Putting Drills Into Your Routine

So, you’ve been working on these Brad Faxon drills, and they’re really starting to click. That’s awesome! Now, the big question is how to actually make them a regular part of your golf life without it feeling like a chore. It’s all about making practice feel less like work and more like, well, fun. Think about it: if you’re dreading your practice sessions, you’re probably not going to stick with them. We want to build a habit that actually helps your game.

Making Practice Fun and Effective

Let’s be real, staring at a practice green for hours can get old fast. The trick is to mix things up and keep your mind engaged. Try turning some of the drills into friendly competitions, either against yourself or with a buddy. Who can make five putts in a row from 10 feet? Or maybe see who can get the furthest on the ladder drill before missing.

  • Gamify your drills: Turn them into challenges with clear goals.
  • Vary your locations: Don’t always practice on the same part of the green.
  • Focus on quality over quantity: A few focused, intense sessions are better than a long, distracted one.

The goal isn’t just to hit putts, it’s to build a better feel and a more reliable stroke. When practice feels good, you’ll naturally want to do more of it.

Tracking Your Progress

How do you know if all this practice is actually paying off? You’ve got to keep tabs on it. Grab a notebook or use a simple app on your phone. Jot down how many putts you make in a row during a drill, or how many three-putts you avoid in a practice round. Seeing that progress, even small wins, is super motivating.

  • Record your starting and ending stats for each session.
  • Note any specific feelings or adjustments you made.
  • Compare your performance over time.

Adapting Drills for Your Game

These drills are fantastic starting points, but your game is unique. Don’t be afraid to tweak them to fit your needs. If the clock drill feels too easy, try it with longer putts or add a slope. If you’re struggling with a specific length, spend a little extra time on that range. The most effective practice is the practice that directly addresses your weaknesses. It’s about being smart with your time on the green, not just going through the motions. Find what works for you and build from there. Happy putting!

Keep Rolling!

So there you have it – some solid ways to work on your putting, straight from Brad Faxon. Remember, getting better on the greens isn’t some big mystery. It’s about putting in the time and doing the right stuff. Try these drills out, see what feels good, and don’t get discouraged if it’s not perfect right away. Little by little, you’ll start seeing those putts drop more often. Just keep at it, and you’ll be amazed at how much your short game can improve. Happy putting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Brad Faxon’s putting tips so effective?

Brad Faxon’s putting advice is great because he really focuses on making your stroke smooth and repeatable. He believes that if you have a good, steady stroke, you’ll putt more consistently. It’s all about feeling the rhythm and trusting your swing, not overthinking it.

How does the ‘Clock Drill’ help with putting distance?

Yes, absolutely! The ‘Clock Drill’ helps you get a feel for different distances. You set up putts at different lengths around the hole, like numbers on a clock. This makes you practice hitting the ball the right speed, which is super important for longer putts and getting close on those tricky ones.

What’s the purpose of the ‘Gate Drill’?

The ‘Gate Drill’ is fantastic for making sure you hit the ball straight. You set up two tees just a little wider than your putter head, right on your target line. If you can hit the ball through the gate, you know your putter face was square at impact. It’s a simple way to check your aim.

How can I get better at making short putts?

For short putts, the key is confidence. Faxon’s ‘Make ‘Em All’ challenge is designed to build that. You try to make a certain number of short putts in a row. This helps you focus on your stroke and not worry about missing. It’s about building trust in your ability to sink those crucial short ones.

What does ‘reading the green’ mean, and how does it help?

Reading the green means figuring out how the ball will curve. Faxon suggests really looking at the slope and how the grass is growing. Thinking about the line and committing to it, even on longer putts, helps you hit it with the right speed and direction to make it go where you want.

How can I make my putting practice more enjoyable and effective?

To make practice useful, try to make it fun! Mix up the drills, maybe try a new one each week. Keep track of how many putts you make in each drill. This way, you can see yourself getting better over time, which is a great motivator. Don’t be afraid to change things up to keep it interesting.