I’m not the best putter out there. In fact, last weekend I missed two birdie putts under 6 feet. Damn! Gotta take advantage of those birdie putts. So what can I do? Well I’ve started trying something you may have seen some of the pros do: draw a line on the ball to help with alignment.
Here’s an example of one: http://www.golftrainingaidreview.com/putting-trainers/sklz-spot-liner/
I’ve tried to use the preprinted logo on the ball for alignment and that was semi-successful. It definitely helped me align myself to the target. But one problem was lining it up with my target. There logo on the ball is pretty small and it can be tough to line up without getting into the ‘spider position’ like Camillo Villegas. Then when I check it, I’m always off just a little bit. I can’t exactly take ten minutes just to line up each put when the municipal course is backed up on a Saturday afternoon. As a result, I just make my best guess and hit the ball.
Recently, I decided to try a marking tool. There are a few tools out there that attach onto the ball and have a stencil that draws the line over half the ball. I tried it out last weekend in Myrtle Beach and it was definitely helpful and easier to use than the little ball label. It was easier to line up straight and saved me time. Plus, it helped me identify my ball in the, uh, rough.
The horrible part is that I still missed those short birdie putts, but it’s still a work in progress. And hey, I’ll take a tap in par any day.