Dist. Control Drill: The Tempo Trainer
Introduction: Synchronizing your putting stroke
Distance control in putting isn’t just about strength—it’s about rhythm. This drill helps you find and engrain a consistent tempo using a metronome, while simultaneously training the size of your backswing and follow-through. When these elements are synchronized, you gain precision in your roll and eliminate erratic misses. This is a must-do exercise for any golfer who struggles with inconsistent putting distances.
Benefits of This Training
Builds a consistent putting tempo
Trains control over stroke length
Increases repeatability in putt distance
Reduces three-putts and distance misjudgments
Helps you stay calm and focused under pressure
What You Need:
4 tees
5 golf balls
A metronome (Free app available for smartphones)
Setup & Instructions:
Place one central tee where the ball will go.
Place two additional tees—one behind the ball and one in front—each one grip-length away. These mark the limits of your backswing and follow-through. (Right-handers: backswing to the right, follow-through to the left. Adjust for left-handers accordingly.)
Optionally, add a second tee farther ahead if you prefer a slightly longer follow-through.
Set your metronome to a beat between 65–75 bpm. Choose a rhythm that feels natural and stick with it.
Putt 5 balls, making sure your stroke stays within the tee markers while matching the tempo of the metronome.
If done correctly, all balls should finish tightly grouped together.
What Does This Drill Improve?
This drill significantly improves distance control by helping you maintain a consistent tempo and stroke length. By pairing your movement with a metronome, you train your muscle memory to deliver repeatable speed and touch, especially when your contact is centered on the face. Irregular rhythm or inconsistent stroke length makes speed control extremely difficult—this drill solves both.
Tips:
Breathe deeply and stay relaxed.
Listen closely to the metronome and move in sync with its beat.
Feel the flow—become one with the rhythm and your motion.
Use the same tempo on the course for consistency under pressure.
Difficulty Levels:
Level 1: Slow greens, flat break
Level 2: Medium greens, light break
Pro Level: Fast greens, steep break
Conclusion
When tempo and stroke size work together, distance control becomes automatic. The Tempo Trainer drill brings structure and feel into one powerful routine, helping you develop a repeatable stroke that holds up in any situation. Lock in your rhythm here—and take it confidently onto the course.