Start Line Gate — Golf Drill

Mastering your putting stroke's start line is the difference between confident, consistent putting and frustrating three-putts that derail your scorecard. The start-line-gate drill teaches you to control exactly where your ball begins its journey to the hole, but proper execution starts long before you make your stroke. Peter Knight Golf reveals that most golfers struggle with this fundamental because they grip the putter incorrectly, positioning their palms facing each other rather than slightl

How to practise it

  1. Create your alignment gate with two tees or alignment sticks Place markers 18 inches apart, positioned 2 feet in front of your ball. The gate should point directly at your target line.
  2. Practice slow motion strokes without a ball Focus on swinging the putter head straight through the gate. Watch for any deviation left or right of your intended path.
  3. Hit balls through the gate from 4 feet Start with comfortable distance putts. The ball must travel cleanly between your markers without touching either side.
  4. Move back to 8 feet and repeat Longer putts reveal stroke inconsistencies more clearly. Maintain the same tempo and gate focus from the shorter distance.
  5. Remove the gate and putt normally Hit several putts without the visual aid. You should feel the straight-back, straight-through motion ingrained from the gate work.

What is the best way to improve my start-line-gate?

Consistent practice with proper fundamentals is key. Watch our expert videos to learn proven techniques from professional instructors.

How long does it take to see improvement in start-line-gate?

Most golfers see noticeable improvement within 2-4 weeks of focused practice. The key is quality practice with proper technique.

How each of them teaches it

Coaches who demonstrate the start line gate drill, each linked at the second they start.

  1. Josh Oddy: How My New Coach Helped Fix My Swing Through an Online Lesson (from 30:19). Using a station or gate no wider than the ball to ensure the ball starts on the intended line through a narrow opening.
  2. Golf Sidekick: This Pro Ignored My Swing and Fixed My Brain Instead (from 3:39). Placing alignment sticks a few yards in front of the ball to create a narrow 'gate' that defines the true target line, correcting the golfer's visual perception of the target.

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