Putting is where games are either won or lost, and great attention to alignment will completely revolutionize your game on the green. Bad alignment generally causes frustration, missed opportunities, and higher scores. If you're aiming for consistent and confident putting, mastering alignment is not an option-it's a must. In this guide, we will cover some putting alignment drills and key putting stroke tips to assist you in getting that elusive two putt each and every time. 

Why Alignment Matters in Putting

Alignment is the foundation of every successful putt. It is all about aligning your body, eyes, putter, and ball together to send the ball on its way. If you are out of alignment, you will pull or push your putts even when your stroke mechanics are good. With putting alignment drills, you will achieve better putting stroke consistency, precision, and confidence.

How to Improve Putting Stroke with Alignment Drills

Improvement in the putting stroke should always start with a proper setup and alignment routine. Following are some tips and techniques to remember before getting into the drills:

1.  Setting Your Eyes Over the Ball: The eyes should be directly over the ball to perceive the line to the hole accurately.
2. Set Your Shoulders: Your shoulders must be square to the target line to avoid cutting across or pulling your stroke.
3. Light, Even Grip: A light, even grip encourages a smooth, controlled stroke.

Now that you have learned the basic principles, let's progress to some effective drills. 

Top Putting Alignment Drills to Try

1. The Alignment Stick Drill

This classic drill is one most pros are fond of, and great for perfecting your putting stroke.

How to Do It: 

• Place an alignment stick or golf shaft on the ground, pointing toward your target.
• Position your ball just behind the stick and align your putter face square to the stick.
• Practice stroking the ball along the stick to ensure a straight path.

What It Improves:

• Putter face alignment
• Straight putting strokes
• Confidence in your aim 

2. The Two Putt Challenge

If you want to make every green a two putt, this drill will focus on precision and speed control.

How to Do It:

• Place a target ball on the green and practice putting from varying distances.
• The objective is to get your ball within easy distance for a second putt-or even better, drain the first.
• Keep count of how often you do so, striving to raise the total in future tries.

What It Improves:

• Distance control
• Decision-making on the green
• Consistency in reaching two putts

3. The Gate Drill

This will make sure that your putting stroke is on the right path and that your alignment is perfect.

How to Do It:

• Place two tees or small objects in a parallel position on either side of your putter head, creating a "gate."
• Place a ball in the middle of the tees and work on stroking through the gate without touching the tees.

What It Improves: 

• Stroke precision
• Putter face alignment
• Muscle memory for a clean stroke

4. The Mirror Drill

The putting mirror can be a real game-changer in determining how far off your setup alignment is from the target.

How to Do It:

• Place a putting mirror on either the green or your practice mat.
• Place the ball on the designated spot and align your eyes, shoulders, and putter face through the guide lines on the mirror.
• Hit putts while working on proper alignment.

What It Improves:

• Alignment issues
• Eye position over the ball
• Setup consistency

5. The Pro Alignment Drill

Inspired by the Align Drills Pro, this advanced drill incorporates all elements of alignment for a comprehensive practice session.

How to Do It:

• Mark a straight line from your ball to the target with a chalk line or alignment string.
• Place flat alignment discs or markers along the line to guide your setup.
• Stroke the ball along the marked path, ensuring it stays on line.

What It Improves: 

• Comprehensive alignment skills
• Stroke accuracy
• Confidence under pressure

Putting Stroke Tips for Better Results

1. Develop a Consistent Routine

A consistent pre-putt routine reduces stress and builds muscle memory. Practice aligning your putter, taking a practice stroke, and committing to the shot.

2. Focus on Your Stroke Tempo

A smooth, pendulum-like tempo is the key to consistent putting. Avoid jerky motions and let your shoulders drive the stroke.

3. Keep Your Lower Body Still

Any extra movement in the hips or knees can throw your alignment off. During the stroke, hold the lower body stable.

The Role of Flat Golf Balls in Alignment Practice 

Flat golf balls are one of the most innovative tools for better alignment and more accuracy. Special balls will provide instantaneous feedback on your stroke to help you recognize misalignments and make adjustments in real time. Add flat golf balls to the drills above to further advance your progress.

Two Putt Goal: Why It Matters

The ultimate objective of the alignment practice is to master your putting game and make two putts or less on every green. The "two putt" benchmark is the identity of a great golfer, reflecting good distance control, perfect alignment, and clarity of mind.

Advanced Tips for Putting Alignment Success

Visualize Your Line

Every time you get ready to make a putt, vividly see a clear path from where that ball is resting all the way into the hole. It sharpens your focus and gives you a commitment to the stroke.

Alignment Aids

Invest in an aligning mirror, a few alignment sticks, or any training mat to complement practice sessions.

Practice Under Pressure

Make practice sessions somewhat game-like by creating challenges or setting goals for yourself during practice. For instance, try making five consecutive putts from 10 feet.

Closing Thoughts: Align to Shine

Mastering putting alignment is a journey, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By incorporating the putting drills and stroke tips outlined in this guide, you’ll see measurable improvements in your putting game. Whether you’re working toward consistent two putts or aiming to sink every putt, alignment drills are the cornerstone of putting success.

Take your skills to the next level with tools like flat golf balls and structured practice sessions. Start now, and see the change in your confidence on the green!