Make this one simple change in your putting practice to be more intentional

You’re going out to practice your putting. How many balls do you use? If you’re like a lot of average golfers, you’re probably grabbing three. And for no reason other than that’s how many balls happen to come in a sleeve. Tiffany Joh, former LPGA Tour pro and current assistant coach for the U.S. National Development Program, says you need to stop doing that. It’s leading to unintentional, unfocused practice.

“Take one ball and finish it out and play 18 holes on the putting green,” Joh says.

To do this, grab one ball and choose one hole at a time to putt to. Finishing the hole in two putts is a par, one putt is a birdie, and three putts is a bogey. Create variety in the putts you’re choosing: Make some short, some long, add in uphill and downhill.

“So even if you're not out on the golf course, you’re trying to make every practice as competitive as possible,” Joh says.

Instead of dropping three balls on the green and putting aimlessly around, try playing this game. You’ll find your focus is sharper because you have a clear goal. And your practice has just become far more productive.