Start-Line Gate Drill

Set two tees just wider than the ball in front of your setup to test if putts start cleanly on line.

Set-up: Two tees pushed into the green a little in front of the ball on the target line, just wider than the ball; the putt has to roll through the gap.

The protocol

How to practise it

This setup uses two tees pushed into the green just ahead of the ball to form a narrow gate along your target line.

1. Position two tees ahead of the ball Place two tees pushed into the green up to a foot in front of the ball, creating a gate just wider than the ball.
2. Check alignment with an alignment rod Lay an alignment rod down to ensure both tees sit equal distances from the target line for straight or breaking putts.
3. Roll putts cleanly through the gate Hit putts using a single ball, focusing on rolling the ball directly through the center of the tees without making contact.

Common mistakes

What goes wrong

• Clipping the tees on breaking putts Pay close attention when the ball strikes a tee, as it provides instant feedback that your start line differed from your intended read.
• Setting tees unevenly across the target line Ensure both tees are spaced equally from your target line so the gate remains completely neutral.

5 coaches

The coaches who teach this version

Each linked at the second they start.

1. Golf with Coach Carolin: How to Drop 5 Strokes in 5 Minutes (Without Changing Your Swing) (from 0:59). Place two tees about a foot in front of the ball to form a narrow gate, ensuring the ball starts cleanly on your intended line.
2. Peter Knight Golf: Optical illusion Causing You Hundreds of Missed Putts — One Visual Mistake Destroys Your Putting (from 5:42). Position two tees equally spaced on either side of your target line to create a gate, ensuring your putter face is square and balls start on line.
3. Golf At Why Not Go Pro?: Instant feedback from the gate ✅ #golf #golflife #golftips #golfcourse #golfswings (from 0:02). Using a physical gate on the putting green to provide instant feedback on whether the ball is starting on the correct line with the proper speed.
4. WhyGolf: The secret to clutch putting.... (from 0:10). Rolling putts through small gates built into the training aid to ensure ball starts on the intended target line.
5. AlexElliottGolf: To Hit Driver Straight Always Do This Before Every Swing (from 4:58). Setting up a physical or visual gate to ensure the ball starts on the intended straight line.

How far ahead of the ball should I place the tees?

Coach Carolin recommends placing the tees about a foot, or slightly less than a foot, in front of the ball. This narrow gap provides immediate feedback on whether your stroke starts the ball on line.

Does this drill work for breaking putts?

Yes, Peter Knight explains that the gate can be aligned for both straight and breaking putts. Golf At Why Not Go Pro? adds that using a gate on breaking putts helps isolate whether a miss was due to start line or incorrect speed and line reading.

Can I practice this drill indoors?

Coach Carolin highlights that this drill can easily be set up indoors on a putting mat or carpet, making it useful for staying sharp during the off-season or when travelling.