When your putting is good, you can easily lower your golf score and win the match or even the tournament.
But for this, you need to work on your putting shots.
If you want to do the same, you should get the putting aids as they are specially made to improve your putting shots.
In this blog, we will discuss everything about putting aids. Let’s start.
What is Putting in Golf?
Putting is to get the ball into the hole from the green area by striking it using a putter.
These shots are smooth and always aim to finish a hole. Unlike other shots, putting shots are played on the green area.
Putting shots are also different from other shots. In these shots, you should always roll the ball without making it fly through the air.
What are Putting Aids?
When golfers want to work on their putting skills, they use putting aids.
They assist the players with different aspects of putting, such as consistency of strokes, alignment, distance control, and accuracy.
These aids include many tools, from simple tools like alignment sticks and mirrors to more advanced devices.
Here, we will discuss the same tools in more detail.
Types of Putting Aids
1) Alignment Aids
They help golfers understand proper positioning and stroke path.
They also come with visual guides, like alignment sticks, strings, or laser systems.
These tools help golfers line up correctly and precisely strike the ball.
If you have been playing golf for a long time and have recognized that you are weak at putting shots because of alignment problems, you must practice with these aids.
2) Putting Mats
Putting mats are portable surfaces that allow you to practice indoors or outdoors.
You can find these mats in various lengths and speeds which offers you different challenges to improve accuracy and distance control.
Some mats come with markers or target holes to improve your shot’s precision.
3) Laser Training Devices
Laser training devices project a laser beam. With this laser, you can visualize the correct putting line.
If you make your shot in such a way that a ball rolls in that line, you can practice your putting shots.
4) Pressure Putting Aids
Pressure-putting aids are made to replicate high-pressure situations so golfers can learn to practice under stress.
These aids include tools like hole reducers or challenge-based systems. These make the target smaller or increase the difficulty of the putt.
5) Putting Gates
Putting gates are small markers that work as narrow passageways from which the ball passes.
Golfers can improve their accuracy and consistency by practicing with these gates.
These aids are especially useful for improving the starting line and keeping the ball on the desired path that leads to the hole.
6) Putting Mirrors
With putting mirrors, players can check their alignment and posture while playing the shot.
These aids are good for building muscle memory so you can keep a consistent posture during every putting shot you play.
Most people use such tools to keep their eyes and shoulders and put clubs in the correct position for each shot.
7) Putting Arc
You can use a putting arc to make the ball follow a natural stroke path.
This tool helps prevent the common mistake of using a straight-back-and-through motion.
How does Putting Aids can improve your game?
1. They improve your alignment & posture
When you use tools like alignment aids or mirrors, you can properly place them over the ball.
When you develop yourself to keep a consistent posture during putting shots, you can reduce the number of missed shots.
2. They improve your stroke consistency
Tools such as putting arcs or rail systems train players to develop a smooth and repeatable stroke.
When you practice with these tools, you can work on your muscle memory so you won’t have to remember your posture every time you play.
3. Better Distance Control
Putting mats and pressure putting aids let golfers practice distance control by simulating different green speeds and conditions.
Learning how to manage distance effectively helps in lag putting.
4. More Focus on Accuracy
Tools like putting gates and target holes improve accuracy by making the target smaller or driving the ball along a specific path.
This focus on accuracy sharpens your ability to aim and hit the ball precisely.
5. Boost in Confidence
By regularly practicing with putting aids, you build confidence in your technique.
Whether you are working on alignment, stroke, or accuracy, the progress you see in practice translates into better performance under pressure during actual rounds.
6. Visualization and Mental Game
Laser training devices and putting strings help golfers visualize the perfect putting line to play the perfect shot.
The ability to visualize successful putts leads to better execution and a stronger mental approach to putting.
How to Choose the Right Putting Aids for You?
1. Identify Your Weaknesses
1) For example, if you face alignment issues, you can choose aids like alignment mirrors or laser training devices.
2) If your strokes are inconsistent, aids like putting arcs or rail systems can help you roll the golf ball in the desired path which aims at the hole.
3) If you have trouble judging distance, putting mats and pressure putting aids simulate different green speeds and help you develop better control over your putts.
4) To improve accuracy and aim, consider putting gates or target holes, which encourage precision.
2. Consider Your Practice Environment
If you practice mostly indoors, portable putting mats or laser alignment systems are good, as they let you recreate a realistic green surface.
For outdoor practice, aids like alignment sticks or putting string can be used to visualize the line.
3. Evaluate Skill Level
If you are new to putting, start with simple aids like alignment mirrors and putting mats that offer clear feedback on your stance and stroke.
For more experienced golfers, advanced tools like laser training devices and pressure-putting aids can be more helpful.
4. Focus on Specific Goals
If you want to improve your consistency, go for aids like putting arcs or rail systems that train muscle memory.
You can use putting strings or laser systems to sharpen your mental game and visualization.
5. Choose Multi-Function Aids
Some aids, like putting mats, can target multiple areas like distance control and stroke consistency.
Putting Drill Using Putting Aids
Step 1: Set Up Alignment with a Putting Mirror
Place the putting mirror on the mat.
Position the ball in the center of the mirror, ensuring that your eyes, shoulders, and the putter face are aligned correctly.
Take a few practice strokes while observing your alignment in the mirror.
Focus on maintaining a square face and consistent posture.
Step 2: Stroke Consistency with the Putting Arc
Place the putting arc around the ball.
Practice swinging your putter along the arc, ensuring a natural, slightly curved stroke.
Perform this step without striking the ball at first to get comfortable with the motion.
Step 3: Improve Accuracy with Putting Gates
Position a putting gate (two small markers) a few feet in front of the ball. The gate should be just wide enough for the ball to pass through.
Take your putt, focusing on hitting the ball straight through the gate. This helps you work on your accuracy and precision.
Step 4: Distance Control with Target Hole
Set up a target hole or a small marker at different distances on the putting mat.
Use different ball speeds and stroke lengths to control the ball’s distance.
Start with short putts and gradually increase the distance as you get comfortable.
Step 5: Combine for a Full Routine
Begin by aligning your shot using the putting mirror.
Follow the putting arc for a smooth stroke.
Aim through the putting gate for accuracy.
Practice distance control by adjusting your power to reach the target hole at different distances.