Golf Tips » November 2000 – Putting, Part 1: Alignment

Having been a mediocre putter my whole life (and that being the reason I’m not on tour), I recently decided to attend a "Putting School". I was amazed at the insight imparted to me by the two gentleman, Steve Kaluzne and Tony Piparo, who run the school. Therefore, this month and for the next two thereafter I will share with you the instruction that has turned my putting around. 

Dr. Steve Kaluzne is an optometrist and approaches putting from the eyes out. He discovered very quickly that I had an alignment problem. He suggested I do the following drill to improve this.

Take the ball and draw a line half way around the equator, making sure not to cover-up the printing. The reason you want to do this is to have something to look at while you are putting. Research has shown that keeping your eyes still while you putt make a difference to the consistency of your putting. By staring at the logo or writing on the ball you eyes stay "quiet", helping your putting stroke to be the same each time!

Once you have established the correct path to putt, place the ball down with the line along this target.

Place your putter behind the ball with the line on the putter and the line on the ball all on the same straight line.

Now that you are aligned correctly, go ahead and putt the ball. If the stroke is good, you should see the line on the ball rolling end over end. If this is not happening, place a board on the outside of your putter to help you keep the putter-head moving in a straight line to the target.

Next Month – Putting, Part 2: Posture

For more information on the 1 Putt Golf School, or to order their book, click on their logo at left.