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Rory McIlroy Coin Putting Game: Find Your Line and Pace
Your drill at a glance
Explore more ways to practise in the Golf Practice Made Fun App.
Explore how a change in pace changes the line you need. The Rory McIlroy coin putting game gives you a playful way to practise a breaking putt with two different intentions.
Rory described using coin games with Brad Faxon to explore different putting speeds in this PGA TOUR account. The starting distance, alternating sequence and 18-putt scoring below are our adaptation of that idea.
Step 1. Find a gentle breaking putt
| Action | What to do |
|---|---|
| Pick a manageable putt | Choose a gentle side slope and a starting point roughly six to ten feet from the hole. Shorten the distance if needed. |
| Find your reference | Place a flat coin near the hole, where it can help you compare two routes. Leave enough room for a ball to pass on either side. |
| Read the putt | Stand behind the ball and picture a softer route and a firmer route into the cup. |
Step 2. Try two routes with different pace
| Action | What to do |
|---|---|
| Try the softer route | Allow more break and aim to have the ball arrive gently. |
| Try the firmer route | Use a little more pace and explore a line with less break. |
| Move the coin if needed | Use it as a visual reference between the two routes. The aim is to hole the putt, rather than hit the coin. |
Step 3. Play an 18-putt game
| Action | What to do |
|---|---|
| Alternate the intention | Play one softer putt, then one firmer putt, from the same starting position. |
| Complete two sets of nine | Keep alternating through all eighteen putts. This gives you nine attempts with each intention. |
| Score the outcome | Award one point for each holed putt. After each miss, notice whether the ball passed above or below the cup and how far it continued. |
Our practice format: eighteen attempts in two sets of nine.
| Score | When to award it |
|---|---|
| 1 point | The putt is holed. |
| 0 points | The putt is missed. |
This is a practice-green game. Choose a quiet area, keep the coin out of other golfers’ lines and collect it when you finish. If neither route gives you a realistic chance of holing the putt, adjust the coin or move to a gentler slope.
George’s Practice Tip.
Choose the pace before you step in. After the stroke, watch the ball all the way to the hole. The useful lesson is how the line and speed worked together, even when you miss.
For another short practice task, try the Rory McIlroy Bump and Run Drill.
