Coming up with consistent putting is believed to be the most difficult of all in golf, but it is one surefire quick method to knock several strokes off a score. One needs alignment; otherwise, the best of strokes can be driven astray. Luckily, some specific putting drills can help in placing you correctly and with just the right kind of tooling for perfecting. Whether trying to make that elusive two putt or trying not to make the dreaded three putt, alignment is key.
Why Alignment Matters in Putting
Alignment is key to any successful putt. Proper alignment ensures your putting stroke sends the ball along the intended path, setting you up for the best chance to make the putt. Without alignment, a properly struck ball can veer off target and leave you with extra strokes to complete the hole. Tools such as flat putting golf balls and alignment aids are important for finding and correcting these common mistakes.
The Role of Flat Putting Golf Balls
Flat putting golf balls are designed to provide instant feedback on your stroke. Unlike traditional putting golf balls, their specialized shape and design reveal whether your stroke is straight and your alignment is correct. By practicing with these tools, you’ll develop a more consistent stroke and improve your ability to aim accurately.
Flat putting golf balls are also priceless in building confidence. Repetitive practice will go a long way in solidifying good habits and thus improving performance on the course. Let's look at some of the best putting drills for alignment that will enable a golfer to get the most out of them.
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Gate Drill for Alignment Mastery
The Gate Drill probably is the most basic yet very effective putting drill relating to alignment. This makes you focus on your stroke, all the time ensuring the face of your putter is square to your target line.
How to Do the Gate Drill:
- To set up the drill, first arrange two tees slightly farther apart than the width of your putter head to create a "gate."
- Place a flat putting golf ball on the target line behind the gate.
- Align to a target, be it a hole or marker.
- Work the ball through the gate without any of the tees being touched.
Benefits:
- This will improve your accuracy on the putting stroke.
- This will develop muscle memory for alignment.
- Teaches you how to square your putter face through the impact zone.
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The String Line Drill
This is probably the most popular drill amongst pros and amateurs alike. It is great for aligning a putt and producing a straight stroke.
How to Perform the String Line Drill:
- Take a piece of string and tie it taut between two stakes or tees, leaving it 12-18 inches off the ground.
- Place the string over where your putting line should be from ball to target.
- Place your putting golf ball directly underneath the string.
- Practice putting along the line, making sure the ball rolls directly under the string.
Myths and Benefits:
- It gives a very good indication of proper alignment.
- It promotes a smooth, straight stroke.
- It helps in developing confidence in aiming and reading greens.
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Two Putt Challenge Drill
The Two Putt Challenge Drill will help you with your alignment and distance control and ultimately achieve the ultimate aim of taking only two putts per green.
How to Execute the Two Putt Challenge Drill:
- Mark two points on the green: one as your starting position and the other as your target hole.
- Place flat putting golf balls at the starting point.
- Attempt to make the first putt or leave it close enough for a simple second putt.
- count your score and work toward being able to complete drill with a two putt every time.
Benefits:
- Combines alignment practice with distance control.
- Mimics real-game situations.
- BUILDS CONFIDENCE TO HANDLE PRESSURE ON GREENS.
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Clock Face Drill for Alignment
This drill will work on alignment from various angles and distances around the hole with the Clock Face Drill.
How to Execute the Clock Face Drill:
- Align 8-12 balls around the hole in a "clock face."
- Start with shorter putts, say about 3 feet from the hole.
- Progressively go into longer putts as you build confidence.
- Align every putt so that it rolls in a straight line to the hole.
Benefits:
- This aligns you from different angles.
- Consistency under differing conditions.
- Improves your handling of putts from all distances.
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The Alignment Stick Drill
Using alignment sticks is one of the oldest but best putting alignment drills there is. Simple yet highly effective, here is how to do it.
- Place two alignment sticks parallel to each other creating a track towards your target.
- Place your flat putting golf ball between the sticks.
- Align the putter face with the sticks and keep your stroke along the created track.
- Practice rolling the ball down the track without veering off course.
Benefits:
- Strong visual for alignment
- Consistent stroke path
- Muscle memory for alignment
Putting Alignment - Mental
While the physical drills are essential, one should not forget the mental side of alignment. The level of confidence and focus greatly influences your ability to align properly and perform a smooth stroke. It is just as important to visualize your target line, be cool under pressure, and commit to your shot as it is to practice the drills.
Putting flat can also make you mentally resilient; they do indeed teach you how to accept errors and make immediate corrections, yet be focused on getting better.
Alignment Putting Drills: Key to Success
This takes dedication, but your reward will be well worth the effort. Not only do these drills sharpen accuracy but also confidence on the greens. Be it with a flat putting golf ball or other traditional putting tools, alignment drills add the quickest value to your game in practice.
By mastering these techniques, you’ll be well on your way to achieving that coveted two putt on every green. So grab your putter, set up your drills, and start aligning like a pro today. With consistent practice and the right tools, you’ll see your scores drop and your putting game transform.
