NEXT time you are on the putting green before you go out to play, have a go at my simple drill to help you control your distance when putting.

Firstly, take six golf balls and stand 15 paces from the fringe of the green and hit your first putt as close to the edge of the green as you can. Try not to go onto the fringe.

With the next ball I would like you to hit the ball one pace short of your previous putt.

Then, with the third ball I would like you to putt the ball one pace short of that putt and so on.

This simple drill will help you achieve an idea of the pace of the green and how to control the distance your ball goes.

Once you have practiced this a couple of times start aiming at some holes.

Try not to aim at the same hole twice and try and make your practice as random as possible.

Hit putts at different lengths, different slopes and in different directions.

This type of practice will get you ready for the putts you will encounter out on the golf course.

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