Putting is often seen as a key part of golf, where being precise can really change your score. Getting your alignment right is important, and using specific drills can help improve this skill. In this piece, we’ll look at some useful putting alignment drills with flat golf balls, which are a unique training tool for boosting your putting accuracy.
What are Flat Golf Balls?
Flat golf balls are different from regular ones. Their flat shape gives you quick feedback on how well you’re putting. If you hit it right, the ball rolls straight. But if you’re off, it will wobble or go off course. This instant feedback helps you notice and fix any problems in your putting.
Key Putting Alignment Drills
1. The Straight Roll Drill
Goal: Make sure your putting stroke is straight.
How to Set It Up:
- Put a flat golf ball on your practice area.
- Aim your putter face directly at your target line.
How to Do It:
- Hit the ball, trying for a smooth and straight roll.
- Watch how the ball moves; if it wobbles, your stroke might be misaligned.
Benefits:
- Helps you be more consistent.
- Gives you quick feedback on your alignment.
2. The Gate Drill
Goal: Improve your stroke path and keep the putter face square when you hit.
How to Set It Up:
- Put two tees or sticks in the ground to make a gate that’s just wider than your putter head.
- Set a flat golf ball between the tees.
How to Do It:
- Get into your normal putting stance and hit the ball, making sure the putter goes between the tees without touching them.
- If you pass cleanly, you have a straight stroke; hitting the tees means you need to adjust.
Benefits:
- Helps with proper putting mechanics.
- Builds muscle memory for accurate putting.
3. The Coin Drill
Goal: Make sure you start the ball on the right line.
How to Set It Up:
- Place a coin or small marker a few feet in front of your ball, right on your target line.
How to Do It:
- Try to roll the ball over the coin each time you putt.
- Adjust your alignment and stroke to consistently hit the coin.
Benefits:
- Focuses on the starting line.
- Gives instant feedback on your alignment and stroke direction.
Using Flat Golf Balls in Your Practice
Adding flat golf balls to your practice can really help your putting alignment. The unique design makes you pay close attention to your stroke mechanics, so you can quickly spot and fix any issues. By regularly practicing with these balls, you’ll develop a more reliable putting stroke.
In Summary
Getting good at putting alignment is important for lowering your scores, and using drills with flat golf balls can speed up your progress. These training tools give you quick feedback, helping you tweak your stroke and build confidence on the green. Spend some time on these drills, and you’ll see improvements in your accuracy and consistency, leading to better play on the course.
