Equipment Needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Choose a straight, flat putt of around 3 to 5 feet from the hole. This should be a distance you expect to make the majority of the time, but where a lapse in concentration could cause a miss.
Set a goal number of consecutive putts to make – traditionally, Tiger Woods would famously choose 100 in a row from 3 feet. If 100 is too many at first, you might start with 25 or 50 and build up.
Begin putting and count each successful make. Use your full routine on each putt (don't rapid-fire; treat each as a real putt, aligning and setting up properly).
If at any point you miss a putt, the count resets to zero and you start over, no matter how many you've made. This is where the pressure comes: when you get into the high count (say 20, 30, etc.), each putt will start to feel like a must-make, simulating competitive nerves.
Continue until you reach the goal number in a row. The drill can become time-consuming, but it is unparalleled for building mental toughness and a solid short-putt stroke. Over time, you might increase the target number as your skill improves.
Professional Endorsement
Tiger Woods popularized this drill by often doing 100 straight 3-footers in practice. He wouldn't leave until he completed it, which speaks to the mental discipline it instills. Other pros have adopted similar versions (Rory McIlroy has mentioned doing 50 in a row). It's a testament to how important short putts are at the highest level.