One Handed Putting — Golf Drill

One-handed putting might sound unconventional, but it's a game-changing technique that golfers at every level are discovering to dramatically improve their stroke mechanics and feel. Drawing from expert instruction by WhyGolf and Golf Secrets, this focused training method isolates the critical elements that make or break your putting performance. WhyGolf's systematic approach of practicing 20 putts with your right hand only develops proper release mechanics, while their lead-hand-only routine bu

How to practise it

  1. Set up 5-foot straight putts Find a flat putt or use a putting mat. Place 5 balls in a line, each 5 feet from the hole.
  2. Hit 20 putts with right hand only Following WhyGolf's method, focus purely on releasing the putter correctly through impact. Let your dominant hand teach you the proper feel.
  3. Hit 20 putts with left hand only Switch to your lead hand to develop stability and direction control. Notice how this hand guides the initial path.
  4. Combine both hands for 10 putts Now stroke normally, feeling how each hand contributes its specific role. The integration should feel more controlled and natural.
  5. Test with varying distances Move to 3-foot and 8-foot putts to confirm your improved feel translates across different lengths.

What's the best way to practice one-handed putting to improve my stroke?

Tiger Woods uses a specific routine of hitting 20 putts with your right hand only, focusing on proper release, followed by 20 putts with your lead hand only. This drill helps you understand how each hand contributes to the putting stroke and develops better feel and control.

Should I practice one-handed putting with my dominant hand or lead hand first?

Start with your right hand (for right-handed golfers) to focus on the release motion, then switch to your lead hand. Tiger Woods's routine demonstrates that practicing with the right hand first helps establish proper feel before adding the guidance of the lead hand.

How far should I practice one-handed putting from?

Begin with straight 5-foot putts to master the fundamentals before moving to longer distances. Tiger Woods's routine emphasizes starting close to build confidence and proper mechanics before progressing to more challenging putts.

How each of them teaches it

Coaches who demonstrate the one handed putting drill, 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 3:43). Stroke putts using only your right or left hand while maintaining arm-to-chest connection to eliminate face manipulation at impact.
  2. Golf Secrets: Can You Break 80 with John Daly's Golf Tips? | John Daly Drops Massive Amount of Golf Wisdom(PART 2) (from 12:50). Practicing putts with the lead hand only to ensure a full follow-through, using the weight of the putter head to maintain the line.
  3. We play golf: Best First Putting Lesson for Beginners (from 1:45). Putt with only your dominant hand while looking at the hole to isolate the feeling of the putter head's weight and impact.
  4. WhyGolf: Tiger Woods's daily putting routine (from 0:07). Hitting putts with only the right hand followed by only the lead hand to feel the release and face control.
  5. Golf Secrets: John Daly Drops Massive Amount of Golf Wisdom That'll Quickly LOWER YOUR SCORE! (from 11:39). Practicing putts with the right hand only to feel the weight of the putter and ensure a complete follow-through.

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