Best golf putting aids for consistency

Putting is the great equalizer in golf. It’s where amateurs can compete with pros, and where championships are won or lost.

I’ve seen countless rounds unravel on the greens, and I’ve experienced the thrill of sinking clutch putts to save par or clinch a victory.

The secret? Consistency.

Understanding the Importance of Putting Consistency

Putting accounts for nearly half of all strokes in a typical round of golf. Think about that for a second.

You could be striping drives down the fairway and sticking approach shots, but if you’re three-putting, your scorecard won’t reflect your overall skill.

Consistency in putting involves three key elements:

1. Repeating the same stroke mechanics
2. Maintaining proper alignment
3. Developing a feel for distance control

When you nail these aspects, you’ll see your scores drop dramatically. I’ve worked with golfers who’ve shaved 5-6 strokes off their handicap just by improving their putting consistency.

It’s that powerful.

Types of Putting Aids

Alignment Aids

Alignment is the foundation of a good putt. You’d be surprised how many golfers, even at high levels, struggle with this basic aspect.

Here are some tools that can help:

Putting Mirrors

These flat, reflective surfaces are game-changers. They help you check your eye position over the ball and confirm your putter face is square at address.

I use one in my practice routine religiously, and it’s made a world of difference.

To use a putting mirror effectively:

1. Place it on the ground and align it with your target.
2. Position your putter behind the ball, using the mirror’s guidelines.
3. Check that your eyes are directly over the ball.
4. Ensure your putter face is square to the target line.

Practice this setup repeatedly, and you’ll develop muscle memory for proper alignment.

Putting Gates

These small plastic or metal gates are set up on your target line. The goal is simple: roll your ball through the gate.

It sounds easy, but it’s a fantastic way to groove a straight putting stroke.

Here’s a drill I love:

1. Set up a gate about 3 feet from your ball.
2. Place another gate just in front of the hole.
3. Try to putt through both gates.

This drill forces you to focus on starting the ball on the correct line and maintaining that line all the way to the hole.

Laser Putting Aids

These high-tech gadgets attach to your putter and project a laser line. They provide immediate visual feedback on your alignment and stroke path.

I find them particularly useful for longer putts where maintaining a straight line is crucial.

To get the most out of a laser aid:

1. Attach it to your putter and align the laser with your target.
2. Make your stroke, watching the laser line.
3. If the line wavers, you know your stroke path is off.

Stroke Path Trainers

A consistent stroke path is crucial for accuracy and distance control. Here are some popular options:

Putting Rails

These guide your putter along an ideal path, helping you develop muscle memory for a straight back-straight through or slight arc stroke. They’re excellent for grooving a repeatable motion.

Try this exercise:

1. Set up the rails to match your preferred stroke path.
2. Make 50 strokes without a ball, focusing on the feel.
3. Introduce a ball and make 50 more strokes.
4. Remove the rails and try to copy the feeling.

Putting Arcs

Some golfers find an arced putting stroke more natural. Putting arcs are curved guides that promote this type of stroke.

They’re particularly useful if you struggle with a straight back-straight through motion.

Digital Putting Analyzers

These high-tech devices use sensors to track your stroke path, providing detailed data on your putting mechanics. They can measure things like face angle at impact, stroke path, and even the speed of your backstroke and forward stroke.

I’ve used these in lessons, and the insights they provide are invaluable. You can identify subtle flaws in your technique that you might never notice otherwise.

Tempo and Rhythm Trainers

A consistent tempo is often overlooked but crucial for distance control and overall putting consistency. Here are some aids to help you groove a smooth, repeatable stroke:

Putting Metronomes

These audio devices help you maintain a consistent rhythm in your stroke. Set the beat to match your preferred tempo, then practice syncing your stroke to the rhythm.

A good drill:

1. Set the metronome to 60 beats per minute.
2. Make your backstroke on one beat and your forward stroke on the next.
3. Practice this for 10 minutes a day for a week.

You’ll be stunned by how quickly your tempo improves.

Pendulum Putters

These training putters have a pendulum-like design that naturally encourages a smooth, consistent tempo. They’re great for developing a feel for the ideal putting motion.

Tempo Apps

Smartphone applications use sound or vibration to guide your putting rhythm. They’re convenient and often come with a variety of drills and challenges to keep your practice engaging.

Implementing Putting Aids in Your Practice Routine

Having all these aids is great, but if you don’t use them effectively, you’re wasting your time and money. Here’s a step-by-step approach to incorporating putting aids into your practice:

1. Baseline Assessment

Before you start using any aids, you need to know where you stand. Here’s what I recommend:

1. Putt 20 balls from 3 feet, 6 feet, and 10 feet.
2. Record your make percentage at each distance.
3. Note any consistent miss patterns (e.g., always missing left on longer putts).

This data will guide your practice and help you measure improvement.

2. Choose Appropriate Aids

Based on your assessment, choose aids that address your specific weaknesses. If you’re struggling with alignment, start with a putting mirror or laser aid.

If your stroke path is inconsistent, focus on rails or arcs.

3. Start with Basics

Begin by using the aids to work on your setup and alignment. Spend time ensuring you can consistently set up square to your target line.

This might seem tedious, but it’s crucial.

I’ve seen golfers transform their putting just by improving their setup.

4. Progress to Stroke Work

Once your setup is consistent, use aids like putting rails or arcs to groove your stroke path. Start with short putts and gradually increase the distance as you become more comfortable.

5. Incorporate Tempo Training

Add tempo training to your routine, using metronomes or pendulum trainers to develop a consistent rhythm. A smooth, repeatable tempo is key to distance control.

6. Gradual Removal of Aids

As you develop consistency, gradually reduce your reliance on the aids. Start by removing them for a few putts, then for longer periods.

The goal is to internalize the feelings and movements you’ve learned.

7. Regular Re-assessment

Periodically reassess your putting performance to track improvements and identify areas that may need further work. I recommend doing this every month or two.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

While putting aids can be incredibly useful, there are some potential pitfalls to be aware of:

Over-reliance

Putting aids are tools for learning, not crutches for performance. Make sure you’re not becoming dependent on them.

Practice without aids regularly to ensure you can transfer your skills to the course.

Ignoring Feel

Some golfers get so focused on the mechanical aspects that they neglect the crucial element of feel. Balance your technical practice with feel-based exercises.

For example, try putting with your eyes closed to heighten your sense of touch and distance control.

Inconsistent Practice

Sporadic use of putting aids won’t yield significant improvements. Consistency in practice is key.

Set aside dedicated time for putting practice, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day.

Choosing the Wrong Aids

Not all aids work for every golfer. Be willing to experiment and find what works best for your stroke and learning style.

Don’t be afraid to try different options until you find what clicks for you.

Neglecting Real-World Practice

While aids are great for developing technique, make sure to practice on actual greens to transfer your skills to real playing conditions. The best putting practice combines structured drills with aids and real-world application on the course.

Adapting Putting Aids to Different Scenarios

Putting aids can be adapted to help you prepare for various on-course situations:

Slope Practice

Use alignment aids on sloped surfaces to practice reading greens and adjusting your aim accordingly. This will help you develop a feel for how much break to play on different slopes.

Distance Control

Set up targets at various distances and use tempo trainers to develop consistent speed control. This is crucial for lag putting and avoiding three-putts.

Pressure Situations

Incorporate competitive elements into your practice with aids. For example, set goals for consecutive putts made through a putting gate.

This simulates the pressure you’ll feel on the course.

Advanced Applications of Putting Aids

As you progress, you can use putting aids in more sophisticated ways:

Stroke Analysis

Use high-tech aids like digital analyzers to fine-tune the minutiae of your stroke, such as face angle at impact or stroke path consistency. This level of detail can help you make micro-adjustments that lead to significant improvements.

Green Reading Integration

Combine alignment aids with green reading techniques to improve your ability to account for slope and grain. For example, use a putting mirror to practice aiming at a spot off to the side of the hole when you need to play break.

Custom Fitting

Use data from putting aids to inform putter fitting decisions. The insights you gain about your stroke can help ensure your equipment matches your natural tendencies.

Exercises to Reinforce Learning

To solidify the skills developed with putting aids, try these exercises:

The Gate Challenge

Set up a putting gate and attempt to make 10 consecutive putts from 3 feet, then 5 feet, then 7 feet. This drill combines accuracy and pressure, forcing you to maintain good technique as the difficulty increases.

The Clock Drill

Place 12 balls in a clock formation around a hole, starting at 3 feet and gradually increasing distance. Use alignment aids to confirm proper setup for each putt.

This drill helps you practice different distances and breaking putts.

Tempo Transfer

Practice with a metronome, then attempt to maintain the same tempo without the audio cue, using only your internal rhythm. This helps internalize the feeling of a consistent stroke.

Blindfolded Putting

Use a rail or arc trainer to groove your stroke, then attempt putts with your eyes closed, focusing on replicating the feel of the aided stroke. This exercise heightens your awareness of the kinesthetic aspects of putting.

People Also Asked

What is the best putting aid for beginners?

For beginners, a putting mirror is often the most beneficial aid. It helps establish proper alignment and eye position, which are basic to good putting.

How often should I practice with putting aids?

Consistency is key. Aim for at least 15-20 minutes of practice with putting aids 3-4 times per week for noticeable improvement.

Can putting aids fix a slice in my putting stroke?

Yes, aids like putting rails or arcs can help correct a sliced putting stroke by guiding your putter on the correct path.

Are digital putting analyzers worth the investment?

For serious golfers looking to fine-tune their stroke, digital analyzers can provide valuable insights. However, they’re not necessary for most recreational players.

How do I choose the right putter length?

Putting aids like mirrors can help you decide if your current putter length allows for proper setup. Generally, your eyes should be directly over the ball at address.

What’s the difference between a straight and arced putting stroke?

A straight stroke moves the putter straight back and straight through, while an arced stroke follows a slight curve. Putting aids can help you decide which feels more natural for you.

How can I improve my distance control in putting?

Tempo trainers and drills focusing on backstroke length can significantly improve distance control. Practice with a metronome to develop a consistent rhythm.

Is it better to practice putting indoors or outdoors?

Both have benefits. Indoor practice with aids can help groove your stroke, while outdoor practice on real greens helps with green reading and adapting to different conditions.

How do I stop pushing my putts to the right?

This is often caused by an open putter face at impact. Alignment aids and stroke path trainers can help ensure you’re squaring the face consistently.

Can putting aids help with reading greens?

While they’re primarily designed for stroke improvement, some aids can be adapted to help with green reading. For example, using alignment aids on slopes can improve your ability to account for break.

Key Takeaways

• Putting aids can significantly improve consistency by addressing alignment, stroke path, and tempo.
• A structured approach to implementing aids in your practice routine is crucial for effective skill development.
• Be aware of potential pitfalls like over-reliance or neglecting feel when using putting aids.
• Adapt putting aids to various scenarios to prepare for real on-course situations.
• As you progress, use advanced applications of putting aids for fine-tuning and custom fitting.
• Regular practice with purposeful exercises is key to transferring skills developed with aids to the golf course.