Stop three-putting: build a putting speed routine with AI

The problem

Three-putts usually come from the first putt finishing well short or well past the hole, not from missing the line. Most golfers warm up by hitting a few putts at the cup instead of practicing distance.

Why AI helps

A short, repeatable routine is easier to stick to than general advice. AI can build one around your miss (long or short) and the time you actually have, and adapt it for the living room on days you can't get to the course.

Using Projects: Projects are folders that remember your instructions. Per the official help pages (checked October 13, 2026): ChatGPT Projects are available to signed-in users and free accounts can add up to 5 files per project; Claude Projects are available on free accounts, which can create up to 5 projects. In Claude, chats in a project don't share context unless the information is in the project knowledge. See how to set one up.

Step by step

1. Open your Golf Coach Project (see the setup guide) or a new chat in ChatGPT or Claude.
2. Before you paste, think about your last few rounds: do your long putts mostly finish short or long, and from about how far?
3. Paste the Putting Speed Coach prompt, fill in the brackets and tap the arrow to send.
4. Ask for the home version, then write the routine on a card for your bag.
5. After your next round, count your putts and tell the chat how it went so it can adjust the drills.

Copy-paste prompts

Replace anything in [square brackets] with your own details. AI answers vary from person to person, so we don't show a "typical" answer here; try it and see what you get.

I three-putt too often, mostly because my first putt is [too long/too short] from [distance]. Give me 3 putting drills focused on speed control that I can do in 15 minutes before a round. Explain each in plain steps.

Give me one of these I can do on the carpet at home.

I'm not good at reading greens. Explain, like you would to a beginner, how to tell which way a putt will break and how much. Give me a simple routine I can do in under 30 seconds so I don't slow down play.

Limits and safety

• The AI can't see your stroke. If speed stays a problem, a PGA pro can check your setup in minutes.
• Carpet runs differently from real greens. Use home drills for rhythm, and the practice green for real speed.
• Bend from the hips and take breaks if your back complains during long putting sessions.

Sources

• Prompts adapted from the AI Starter Pack newsletter and the AI for Golfers prompt pack by Austin Christensen.

Related uses

• Break 90 (or 100) with an AI game plan
• Build a golf practice plan with AI