Golf is a game of precision, patience, and technique. While most of the long drives and bunker saves steal the spotlight, it's on the green where most golfers find their ultimate challenge. Indeed, a great round could be reduced to naught by a poor putting performance, which is why investing in the right tools-for example, a putting ball-makes a huge difference. In this blog post, we show you why putting balls are a game-changer and dive into putting drills for alignment to show you how they can help you make a two putt or less on every green consistently.

Putting Importance in Golf

Accounting for nearly half of the strokes in a normal round of golf, the art of putting, whether by the weekend warrior or striving professional, depends on more than just mastery. From a combination standpoint, technique and tools play their respective parts, with the latter including what's known as the "flat golf ball," a truly revolutionary training tool providing immediate feedback on one's alignment and stroke.

What is a putting ball?

Not like all the other balls, a putting ball is actually designed to pinpoint flaws in your stroke and alignment, thus enabling the correction and refinement of those. Another common variation you may encounter is the so-called flat golf ball. A ball of this particular shape minimizes unevenness in every putting motion you make and will go straight if the strike was correct. But with a poor stroke or alignment, the ball wobbles or veers off course, offering instant visual feedback.

Benefits of Using Putting Balls

1. Improves Alignment

Alignment is what good putting is founded upon. Putting drills for alignment work to give you a clear idea of the pathway from the face of your putter through to the hole. A flat golf ball further enhances that process, as you instantly can see if you are misaligned.

2. Sharpens Focus 

A putting ball will train your eyes and mind to pay attention to the subtlety of your stroke-from how the putter face meets the ball to the roll of the ball itself. This immediately transfers to better performance on the course.

3. Builds Confidence

This is where, with the help of tools like a flat golf ball, you practice and confidently know that you can make consistent, accurate putts. That confidence carries on to live games, and you do not experience the dreaded three-putts as often, increasing the chances of a two putt or less.

4. Improves Distance Control

Distance control saves you from many costly mistakes on the green. Putting ball drills help you develop a better feel for the strength you put to make it to the hole with no over-shooting or short falls.

5. Builds Muscle Memory

Consistency in putting with the ball helps ingrain the right motions into your muscle memory. And that's one very valuable thing, even under pressure in some competitive rounds.

Must-Do Drills with Putting Balls

Following are some of the best drills to get the most out of your putting ball, helping to sharpen up your technique:

1. Straight Path Drill

• First of all, align yourself properly, with a straight stroke.
• How to Do It: Place two alignment rods on either side of the ball, so it creates a narrow "path." Practice putting the ball down the center without touching the rods. Using a flat golf ball will amplify any deviations that help you adjust your alignment.

2. Two Putt Challenge

• Objective: Replicate real-game pressure.
• How to Do It: Take your putting ball from 3, 6, and 9 feet away from the hole. Ideally, you want it to go in or leave a sure two putt. Continue until you have repeatedly achieved this.

3. Gate Drill

• Purpose: To develop accuracy with precision.
• How to Perform: Place two tees close together, creating a "gate" slightly wider than your putter. Practice stroking the ball through the gate. This drill ensures your putter face stays square and encourages smooth, controlled strokes. 

4. Clock Drill 

• Objective: Master putts from multiple angles.
• How to Execute: Set up balls in a circle around the hole, equidistant apart, as on a clock face. Start at three feet and work your way out. This drill will help your feel for different angles of slope and how to read greens.

5. Alignment Feedback Drill

• Objective: To get instant feedback on your stroke.
• How to Execute: Practice short putts using a flat golf ball. Observe wobbles, which are indicative of misalignment or an off-center strike. Adjust your stroke accordingly until the ball rolls smoothly. 

Putting Balls: How to Use Them to Your Advantage

Whether you’re practicing at home, on a putting green, or during pre-round warm-ups, putting balls can seamlessly integrate into your routine. Start with short putts to build confidence and gradually increase the distance as your alignment and stroke improve. Pair these practice sessions with a structured plan, such as a putting drills for alignment guide or a golf putting drills PDF, to track your progress.

Why Achieving a Two Putt Matters

Often, it is your putting performance that makes the difference between a good round and a great round. Assuring yourself of reducing three-putts to two or fewer is guaranteed to drop your score. The putting ball will help you develop both technique and mental focus to put you confidently on the greens.

Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of Your Putting Practice 

1. Practice Regularly 

Consistency is key. Aim to practice your putting drills at least three times a week to see measurable improvement.

2. Use the Right Equipment

Investing in tools like flat golf balls can make a great deal of difference in your practice efficiency and results.

3. Set Realistic Goals

Break your practice sessions up into manageable milestones, like consistently making a two-putt from different lengths.

4. Keep Track of Your Progress

Keep a log of your practice sessions so you will know how you are improving over time. This will give you the opportunity to work out your strengths and weaknesses. 

5. Focus on Your Technique

Never rush through the drills, take your time with your alignment, stroke mechanics, and speed control.

Conclusion

From aligning the face of the putter with putting drills for alignment to mastering the pace of the greens, there are so many benefits one will see that simply cannot be matched for all types of players. Whether trying to make that consistent two putt or simply improve your overall game, practice combined with discipline and the right equipment will provide a path to success.

Begin the journey of better putting today. With flat golf balls and an actual plan of attack in hand, scores will begin to drop as this art is mastered.