Train Like Jon Rahm: How to Simulate Real Pressure on the Putting Green

Key Points

• Purpose-Driven Practice:
  Train with a clear goal and emotional intensity that mirrors tournament pressure. Mindless reps won’t transfer to real performance.

   

• Clock Drill Setup:
  Place five balls in a clock formation around the hole. Do two rounds (10 total putts) with the goal of making as many as possible. This becomes your performance benchmark.

   

• Progressive Challenge:
  Missed putts add pressure. If you make 6 today, try for 7 next time. When you eventually make all 10, increase the distance or use a longer club to up the difficulty.

• Pressure = Realism:
  Knowing you must make a number of putts increases heart rate and tension—replicating tournament conditions far better than casual practice.

   

• Stick to the Routine:
  No matter the result—routine, setup, aim, and stillness of the head must remain consistent, even under pressure.

• Why It Works:
  Eduardo Celles, Jon Rahm’s childhood coach, uses this drill to develop emotional control and putting consistency under pressure—critical for elite players.

• Key Takeaway:
  Train like you play. The more pressure you can simulate in practice, the better you’ll perform when it counts.