Proper alignment in putting makes all the difference to hitting consistently with the stroke, hence bringing down the score. Poor alignment would lead to wasted putts, which might be extraneous even to the game of the best golfers. This guide will take you through important putting tips and drills that help sharpen your alignment skills and assure you of hitting the target each time.
Why Alignment Matters in Putting
In this great game of golf, alignment refers to how a player aligns his or her body and the putter with his target. It is the sole reason why a player would either make or miss that putt. Proper alignment would let one strike a consistent, repeatable stroke every time. With perfect alignment, one automatically raises the chances of making that so-called "two-putt.".
Currently, most golfers take much interest in the flat putting of the golf balls with alignment tools since this helps achieve improved putting accuracy due to getting fast feedback on stroke and alignment. Now let's have a view of some critical drills and tools which will completely alter your putting game.
Tips for Better Alignment - The Basic
Here are a few basic tips that would actually pave the way for better alignments before proceeding with the drills.
- Repeatable Routine: Any routine that a golfing professional follows before a putt is placed needs to be standardized. First, align your putter face and then position yourself parallel to the line of target.
- Target Line Key: At address, one could imagine a straight line from the ball to the target.
- Use the Ball's Alignment Mark: Most golf balls have some sort of line or dot alignment aid printed on the ball. Align the ball so that this mark points to the hole and you're able to see the path the putt is going to take.
Putting Drills You Have to Try for Better Alignment
Below are a host of drills that will provide you with better putting alignment. Each one of these is relevant, straightforward to set up, and can be made on or off the green.
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The Gate Drill
Objective: This drill helps in achieving better alignment and builds a straight putting stroke.
Setup: Place two tees in the ground so that they barely fit your putter. Take a flat putting golf ball and place it 6 inches beyond the tees.
What to Do: Clip the ball and putt it through the gate. What you're trying to do is get out of hitting the tees as you stroke. This drill encourages a straight path, and you can tell if your putter face is open or closed at impact.
Pro Tip: A flat putting golf ball will immediately let you know if your stroke is off. The ball will not roll true unless it's struck correctly, so align accordingly.
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Chalk Line Drill
This drill will give you a consistent putting line to work on for better alignment.
Setup: Draw a straight line on the green or your putting mat, should you practice indoors, by using chalk. Now take the ball and place directly on the line, again aiming directly at the target.
How to Do It: In your stroke practice, always make sure that you hold the putter straight at the chalk line. Now focus on alignment and maintain the putter head square to the chalk line throughout your stroke.
Pro Tip: The optimal performance for this drill will be when you have a flat putting golf ball; the direct ball reaction will let you know whether an improper aiming is going to occur through veering off course.
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Mirror Drill
Objective: To realign your eyes, shoulders, and putter so each stroke impacts with consistency.
Preparation: A small mirror needs to be placed on grass, and the line marks need to be drawn to achieve a right position of alignment among the eyes, shoulders, and the putter. It will place a golf putting ball at eye-level before the mirror.
How to Do It: Set up in alignment with the guide lines on the mirror. Place your shoulders and putter face square. This practice instills good alignment. Every time you do it you see what right is.
Pro Tip: Mirrors are excellent for creating alignment habits. As you set up this way you can become comfortable with how you set up.
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The Putting Gate Drill with Alignment Sticks
Purpose: This helps you produce a consistent, on-target stroke path.
Setup: On the green, lay two alignment sticks parallel to each other, 6 inches apart, creating a "gate" aligned at your target. Place your putting ball inside the gate.
How to Do It: Make a putt through the gate without the ball or putter touching the sticks. This drill helps develop a straight stroke to allow for proper face alignment at impact.
Pro Tip: As you get better, and your alignment improves, take the gate in by closing the sticks, which will make the drill a little bit more challenging.
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Flat Putting Golf Ball Alignment Drill
Objective: To perfect your alignment and give you instantaneous feedback that will make you accurate.
Setup: Create a flat placing golf ball on the green or putting mat. Align to the target and flip the "flat" side up so that you know at once whether or not the ball will go in the hole.
How To Do It: Observe what happens at the time of putting. In case the wobble starts to come, that depicts the alignment is distorted. Here, you should focus more on adjustment aspects for easy rolling into the target.
Pro Tip: Flat putting balls are very effective in getting you to fine tune your alignment since any flaw in stroke shows instantly.
Putting Alignment Practice Hints for On-Track Application
While the practice will have you working on your alignment, it is when you get out on the course that it is really challenged. Here are a few ways to take your practice onto the green.
- Check Your Setup Consistently: Take a little time before each putt to check that your shoulders, feet, and putter are all properly aligned.
- Align with a Small Target Directly Behind the Hole: Find a small target directly behind the hole. This will give you something to focus on and allow you to dial in on your target with a much more on-target putting stroke.
- Slow Down for Short Putts: For short putts, alignment is of essence, as even a fraction of misalignment will send your ball miles away. Be keen on the line of alignment, even when you are only putting within five feet.
Common Alignment Errors to Avoid
As you go about feeling like a pro on this issue of alignment, remember the following common mistakes that you should avoid to keep you from being derailed with your putting.
- Wrong Eye Position: Place your eyes above the ball straight so you will not misalign from your putter to the hole.
- Open or Closed Stance: You must make sure that your feet run parallel to the target line. For open and closed stance, you will misalign yourself on your stroke.
- Do Not Miss Your Routine: A routine before putting will always ensure consistency.
Conclusion
This one of those things has the propensity of changing everything in regard to performance out on the green, and mastering putting alignment means you add a firm base on top of better alignment and much more consistent stroke which gives your way to lowered scores. Either being an utter newb or a seasoned golfer, alignment always tends to need attention, but the best part is worth every effort.
Putting drills with alignment using sticks, mirrors, and even flat-lying putting golf balls make putting a breeze.
With these real-life putting tips and putting drills, you are going to improve your alignment, no doubt. And it is putting where scores are made or broken; start now with these exercises and ensure every putt counts.