You don't need a golf course to improve your short game. A few minutes a day at home, putting on a carpet, chipping into a basket or rehearsing your stroke in a mirror, can make a real difference. Home practice is convenient, free and easy to fit around work and family. Here's how to set up and use it well.
Putting at home
What you need
- A putting mat or carpet: a smooth, flat surface.
- Targets: cups, coins, tees or a practice hole.
- Training aids: a mirror or gate, if you have them. Read putting training aids.
Drills
- Gate drill: two books or tees just wider than the putter head. Stroke through without touching them.
- Coin drill: putt to a coin; try to stop the ball on it.
- Start-line drill: putt along a straight line, such as a floorboard edge.
- One-handed putting: lead hand only, then trail hand only, to improve control.
- Eyes-closed putting: builds feel for distance.
Chipping at home
Chipping indoors requires care. Use foam balls or soft practice balls, and check there's nothing breakable nearby.
- Chip into a basket, laundry basket or bucket.
- Use a chipping net in the garden.
- Land on a towel to practise landing spots.
- Use a practice mat to protect floors and lawns.
If you have a garden, real balls are possible into a net, but always be aware of neighbours, windows and people. Read golf nets and hitting mats.
Mirror and video work
- Mirror: check posture, ball position, eye position and alignment. Read how to aim your putter.
- Video: film your putting stroke and chip from face-on and down-the-line. Read golf swing video analysis.
A 15-minute daily routine
| Minutes | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0–3 | Mirror: setup and eye position |
| 3–8 | Gate drill: 20 putts |
| 8–11 | Coin drill: distance control |
| 11–15 | Chipping into a basket with foam balls |
Do this four or five days a week, and add longer sessions on real greens once or twice a week. Read short-game practice plan.
Making home practice fun
- Games with family: putting competitions on the carpet.
- Garden putting course: cups, obstacles and scorecards. Read golf-themed parties.
- Challenges: hole ten putts in a row before dinner.
Limitations of home practice
Home surfaces are usually flat and may be faster or slower than greens. Use home practice for technique, start line and routine, and practise speed and green reading on real greens. Read golf practice at home.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really improve my putting at home?
Yes. Home practice is ideal for start line, stroke and routine.
Is it safe to chip indoors?
With foam or soft balls and a clear space, generally yes. Avoid real balls indoors.
What's the best home putting mat?
One that rolls smoothly and is long enough for distance practice. Check reviews and the length you have space for.
The bottom line
A little home practice goes a long way. Set up a putting surface, use simple drills and targets, chip safely into a basket or net and check your setup in a mirror. Combine it with practice on real greens and you'll see results. For more home practice ideas, read golf practice at home.