Putting is often considered one of the trickiest and most intimidating parts of golf. Even after improving touch and distance control, many golfers struggle with putting alignment. In a recent episode of the GOLF.com series Shaving Strokes, golf instruction editor Nick Dimengo teamed up with Jackson Koert, a renowned golf teacher specializing in the short game, to work on a drill that helps identify proper putting aim. This drill is intended to improve fundamentals, consistency, green-reading, putting aim, ball position, alignment, and putting speed.
To set up the drill, find a straight putt from about 6 feet, ideally flat or uphill. For right-handed golfers, place one alignment stick on the ground pointing directly at the right edge of the hole, representing the target line. Place a second alignment stick perpendicular to the target line stick as the ball-position stick, creating a “T” shape with enough space for the putter head to lie between. Position the golf ball between the two sticks, aligning the back of the ball with the ball position stick. Finally, set up two tees on the ground to create a gate for the ball to roll through.
To address the ball properly, align the line on your putter with the target line stick and check the angle of the face with the perpendicular stick. Ensure the putter is perfectly aligned to the middle of the hole for a sense of proper aim. Use your eyes to verify proper alignment and settle into your posture at address. By matching the line on the putter head with the angle on the alignment stick, you can perfect your putting aim and ensure consistent ball positioning.
When ready to hit shots, place the ball in the middle of your stance and aim to roll it through the gate created by the two tees. Consistently rolling the ball through the tees indicates improved mechanics and start line alignment. Observing the start line and improving stroke length can lead to better performance with the putter. By focusing on proper setup, improving putting aim, and practicing consistency from 6 feet, you can enhance your skills with the flatstick and become a better putter overall.
For golfers looking to further enhance their putting stroke, the Perfect Roll Mirror is a highly recommended training aid. This compact and low-profile putting mirror helps improve stroke mechanics and setup consistency. Features like tee holes for securing to the putting green, stroke guides for smaller putter heads, and feedback lines for stroke path and putter face squareness make it a valuable tool for practice sessions. The Perfect Roll Mirror is designed to help golfers develop a consistent putting stroke, improve stroke path, ensure square contact with the ball, reduce common putting mistakes, and boost confidence on the green.
