By Mareli Joubert – Hong Kong Golf and Tennis Academy
The first question that any golf coach will most likely ask a player is, “where are you aiming or what is your target?”. As in any golf shot, putting with good (and accurate) aiming is crucial to not only start the ball on the intended target line but to ultimately hole the putt.
It is important to note when aiming, in putting, that the putter might not be aiming at the hole due to the break of the putt. Effective green reading is essentially part of aiming. Once a player decides how much break they want to allow for a specific putt, they then need to commit to the read. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take a big margin of degrees to miss the hole on a relatively short distance.
As highlighted in my video (WATCH IT HERE), key points that are discussed:
Different putters will have different sightlines, markings or aiming tools on the putter head. It is important to find what works best for you. Having a reference point of what a square (photo 1), open (photo 2), and closed (photo 3) face looks like. Understanding the correct putter position in terms of the lie of the putter. Toe-up or toe down, can be less than ideal if you are not aware of this (photo 4 and 5).
Accurate aiming is definitely aided by having a consistent routine on the putting green. When watching a good player on the putting green, there are notable differences. Reading the putt from more than one angle, lining the ball up and having a reference point, whether it is a line on the ball, an intermediate target or both.
Also, practising aiming will be hugely beneficial for your putting confidence! Read them, roll them, hole them! Feel free to contact me if you have questions about aiming in putting!