Putting is an art for every golfer on the way to making scores and conquering greens. How to develop a good putting game lies in just one word: alignment. Even with the greatest putting stroke, if it is not aligned properly, there will be missed opportunities. In this guide, we look at some reasons why putting alignment is important, along with some drills and techniques that can get you professional levels of precision. Incorporating into your practice some specialized putting balls can amplify your progress by building your confidence in consistently nailing those two-putt greens.

 

Why Putting Alignment Matters

Alignment is the very backbone of any decent putting stroke. Without proper alignment, putts go off target and add extra strokes to your score. Whether with conventionally putting golf balls or flat putting balls designed, alignment practice will go a long way.

Alignment isn't just about aiming your putter at the hole but in positioning the body, aligning your eyes over the ball, and seeing some sort of visualization of the intended line. With proper alignment, you are allowed to pay attention to making a smooth stroke and will greatly improve the accuracy with which you make putts.

 

Putting Alignment Enhancers

Specialized training aids can elevate the effectiveness and even the enjoyment of alignment drills. Flat putting balls have completely changed the game. Instant feedback on your stroke is provided by these balls by showing irregularities in both alignment and speed. When combined with targeted putting tips and putting drills, they can achieve marked improvement in your putting game.

 

Alignment Putting Drills

Below are some effective alignment and putting technique-enhancing drills that will stand the test of time and demands.

 

1. The Gate Drill

This is a classic drill to help you improve your alignment and stroke consistency.

• Set up: Place two tees slightly wider than the width of your putter head, creating a "gate" between your ball and the hole.
• Execution: Practice hitting the ball through the gate without touching the tees. This drill will make you keep proper alignment and control throughout your stroke.
• Pro Tip: Use flat putting balls for great feel. If the ball wobbles or is pulled off target, an adjustment in either alignment and/or stroke is needed.

 

2. The String Line Drill

This is another drill to help you see your target line. 

• Setup by setting a length of string between two stakes parallel to your intended target line. Place your putting ball under the string.
• Execution: Align the face and body of your putter to the string, stroke the ball down the line. The string will then guide you, focusing your attention on maintaining alignment.
• Pro Tip: Gradually increase the distance of your putt to further challenge yourself on how to align up.

 

 3. The Clock Drill

This is great for working on both alignment and distance control, with a real on-course scenario.

• Setup: Set up six balls in a circle around the hole, each at distances of 3, 6, and 9 feet.
• Execute: Make the first at the shortest distance, then work around the circle making each ball consecutively.
• Pro Tip: Introduce two-putt situations to introduce the stress of putting into live action. Flat putting balls will add more feedback to your stroke.

 

4. Eye Line Check Drill

This drill focuses on ensuring your eyes are correctly positioned over the ball.

• Setup: Place a mirror on the ground or use a reflective training aid. Position your putting ball on the mirror’s alignment line.
• Execution: Check that your eyes are directly over the ball before stroking. Adjust your stance and posture if needed.
• Pro Tip: Practicing this drill regularly helps eliminate alignment errors caused by poor posture.

 

5. Target Zone Drill

This drill enhances your ability to visualize and align to a target area.

• Setup: Set up a target-a small piece of tape or a coin-on the putting line a few feet ahead of your ball.
• Execution: Align your putter to the target, ensuring your stroke sends the ball over it. Gradually increase the distance of the target as your alignment improves.
• Pro Tip: This drill builds the muscle memory needed for consistent alignment on the course.

 

Putting Tips to Elevate Your Game

1. Focus on Pre-Shot Routine: Developing a consistent routine before every putt helps reinforce proper alignment and calms your nerves.
2. Visualize the Line: Imagine a straight line from your ball to the hole, and align your putter face accordingly.
3. Keep Your Head Steady: Never lift your head too early. Stay down and watch the putter strike the ball.
4. Flat Putting Balls: Special balls designed to provide instant feedback on the stroke to help a golfer make the right adjustments in alignment.

Two-Putt Strategy for Building Confidence

While sinking every putt might be the ultimate goal, mastering the art of the two-putt is a realistic and effective strategy for lowering your scores. Proper alignment ensures that your first putt positions the ball close to the hole, making the second putt a stress-free tap-in. By combining the alignment drills mentioned above with consistent practice, you’ll build the skills needed to reduce three-putts and improve your overall performance.

 

How to Stay Consistent

Consistency in putting requires regular practice and a focused mindset. Incorporating golf putting drills into your routine is essential. Set aside time each week to work on alignment, distance control, and stroke mechanics. Utilize tools like putting golf balls and flat putting balls to track your progress and refine your technique.

You can also access online tutorials, putting tips, and training programs to expand your knowledge. Most programs give steps and professional views that help to achieve better alignment in putting and stroke precision.

 

Conclusion

Perfect putting alignment is not an art but a process that requires commitment and the right equipment. These putting drills for alignment, when combined with practice and flat putting balls, will unlock professional levels of precision on the green. Work on consistent alignment, refine your stroke, and master the two-putt approach to reduce your scores and further your enjoyment of the game.

Start putting these tips and drills into practice today and watch your putting game transform. With practice and persistence, you will be not only improving your alignment but also building up enough confidence to conquer any green that comes your way.