A solid putting game is the foundation of low scores in golf. Although distance off the tee and accuracy from the irons are significant, your success on the green actually dictates your score. Proper alignment is key to making more putts, lowering three-putts, and making a two putt or better on a regular basis. In this guide, we’ll cover proven putting drills for alignment, how to use putting golf balls effectively, and why align drill pro techniques will take your putting game to the next level.
Why Putting Alignment Matters
Putting alignment is about more than just standing in the right position—it’s about training your eyes, hands, and body to consistently deliver a square stroke. Poor alignment leads to misread putts, off-center strikes, and inconsistent speed control. If you’ve ever hit a putt that felt perfect but missed by inches, improper alignment was likely the culprit.
By incorporating putting alignment tips and structured drills in your practice, you'll create muscle memory that ensures you start each putt on the correct line.
Best Drills to Improve Putting Alignment
Now that you've learned why alignment matters, let's proceed to some of the best putting drills for alignment to improve your accuracy. These drills are meant to condition your eyes and stroke to follow your target line.
1. The Straight Line Drill
Goal: Improve stroke line and alignment of the ball.
How to Do It:
• Spot a straight 4-6 foot putt.
• Use two alignment sticks (or golf clubs) held parallel to each other, just wider than your putter head.
• Place a putting golf ball between the sticks and strike the putt with the putter maintained within the alignment path.
• The purpose is to train your stroke to stay square and not move from side to side.
By repeating this drill, again and again, you will have a consistent and accurate stroke, which will help you to be two putt consistent on all greens.
2. Gate Drill for Putter Face Control
Purpose: Ensures your putter face remains square at impact.
How to Do It:
• Position two tee pegs slightly wider than your putter head.
• Put a flat putting golf ball in front of the gate.
• Hit the putt without letting the putter touch the tees as it goes through the gate.
• If your putter face is open or closed at impact, you will hit the tees, giving you immediate feedback.
A flat putting golf ball improves this drill because it exaggerates alignment issues, forcing you to strike the ball correctly.
3. The Two-Putt Drill for Distance and Accuracy
Purpose: Aids in the development of alignment and speed control.
How to Do It:
• Choose a 15-20 foot putt with break.
• Your goal is to two putt every time—place the first one in a 3-foot circle, then sink the next one.
• Practice align drill pro techniques by creating a target line with an alignment stick before each shot.
• Keep at it until you are two putting or better consistently.
This practice forces you to align your putt correctly by also considering distance, a key in avoiding unnecessary strokes on the course.
4. Mirror Drill for Eye Positioning
Purpose: Helps align eyes properly over the ball.
How to Do It:
• Place a small putting mirror on the ground in front of you to reflect your ball and your eyes.
• Set up your stance and have your eyes precisely over the target line of the ball.
• Utilize an alignment aid golf ball (or mark a line on your ball) to check your alignment.
• Strike putts with good eye alignment.
This practice removes misalignment caused by bad head positioning, so every putt starts off in the right direction.
5. The Coin Drill for Stroke Accuracy
Purpose: Teaches accurate contact with the center of the putter face.
How to Do It:
• Place a coin approximately 2 feet ahead of your ball on your line of target.
• Place the ball just over the coin with a smooth stroke.
• When putting to the left or right, align putting practice tips more effectively by adjusting the stroke.
The above practice will make accuracy play a larger part in putting line practice, assisting in control both of line and speed.
How Flat Putting Golf Balls Can Increase Alignment Training
Including flat putting golf balls in your practice regimen can significantly affect your alignment and consistency. The balls provide instant feedback by wobbling or rolling improperly when hit with a non-square putter face.
Why Use Flat Putting Balls?
• Instant Stroke Feedback: If your putter is not square at impact, the ball will wobble.
• Better Alignment Practice: Makes you start putts on the correct line.
• Ideal for Home Practice: No green required—practice your stroke indoors.
Adding these balls to your putting alignment drills will accelerate improvement and help you make more putts on a regular basis.
Key Takeaways: The Path to Putting Mastery
Mastering the putter requires effort, structured putting drills, and a desire to sharpen your skill. To refine your accuracy and control:
✔️ Use alignment aids like sticks or tees for visual reference.
✔️ Practice with flat putting golf balls for instant feedback.
✔️ Do two-putt practice to improve alignment as well as speed control.
✔️ Incorporate mirror drills to learn proper eye position.
✔️ Establish putting drill routines—regular repetition is key to long-term success.
By incorporating these putting alignment drills and align drill pro techniques into your training routine, you’ll develop the precision needed to drain more putts and lower your scores. Whether you’re a weekend golfer or aspiring tour player, alignment is the key to putting like a pro.
Ready to improve your putting game? Start practicing these drills today and watch your accuracy soar!
Final Thoughts
Working on your putting alignment takes time, but with the right drills and equipment, you can greatly improve your accuracy. Two putts should be your best score on any green, and you can eliminate three-putts from your game by practicing correctly.
If you’re serious about refining your stroke, consider using flat putting golf balls in your training. These tools provide real-time feedback and accelerate learning. Sharpen your putting accuracy today and start rolling your putts like a pro!
Need help improving your putting alignment? Check out our special training set featuring flat putting golf balls and alignment drills to fast-track your success!