Putting Tip
Putting Tip
Alignment
Years ago it wasn't well known for golfers to be custom fit for a putter. Twenty and thirty years ago it wasn't widely promoted by Pro Shops and manufacturers to customize the features of loft, lie, length and swing weight to each individual's style of play. Back then it was more the rage to have a putter with innovative features; Ping Anser heel-toe balance or Ram Zebra face-balance. Sometimes these putters would have a sticker on them with the putter's length, but nothing to compare with the potential offering of today's custom fitting systems offered by many of the manufacturers and promoted widely in Pro Shops.
One priority of custom fitting is getting the right length and lie so the putter is exactly below your eye line as you set up to the ball. This allows you to sight down the target line much the same way you would sight down a rifle barrel to aim the gun. Optically it is much easier to align a putt looking exactly down the target line than from either side of it.
As I look in senior bags I see lots of old putters that have been used for many years. Many times these old putters are not a proper fit for the player and his/her eyes are either inside or outside the target line thus inhibiting proper alignment. Many of these players are completely unaware that they are optically challenged and unable to adequately align the putter.
You can check to see if your eye line is exactly over the target line by simply dropping a golf ball from your eyes while in your setup position. Instantly, you will be assured you are lining up each putt properly which will also bring more confidence and success to your putting.
If the ball drops on either side of the target line you are creating alignment difficulty for yourself. Now rather than run out and purchase a new custom fit putter or even alter your existing putter, hang on to that old friend a while longer and try this tip first.
1. Before each round draw a one inch straight line with permanent magic marker along the equator of all your golf balls.
2. During the round always mark your ball once on the putting green and after each putt.
3. Read your putts before replacing the ball back on the green.
4. Replace your ball by lining up the straight line in the direction you want your putt to begin.
5. Place your putter blade perpendicular to the line and stroke.
Happy putting.