Putting alignment

[Snoman]

I have a question about aligning putts. Lately Ive been using the alignment line on the ball when Im within 10ft. Outside of that, I just tend to turn the ball so no logo is visible and try and hit a good lag. I guess my question is for those who use the alignment line. If the put has alot of break, do you align the line towards a spot you are putting to? I know this sounds like a pretty dumb question but it stems from when I watch pro events. I know that Tiger uses a line but when he sets his ball down after marking, he does it so quickly. For me it takes at least 30sec for me to really line up the line at the hole or spot etc. Any thoughts?

[goshawk]

When I teach breaking putts, I try to get the student to understand that even though you may be playing a 5 foot break, you need to understand that, on sidehill putts, the ball is going to start breaking sooner than you may think. Try to visualize the exact track of the ball going to the hole at the speed you're going to strike it. Once you've visualized this track, try to determine a specific spot on the green (old ball mark, yesterday's hole, little brown spot, etc.) that's aligned with where the ball is going to "start" rolling. Use the line on the ball to align with that spot.

[landlord]

For me it takes at least 30sec for me to really line up the line at the hole or spot etc. Any thoughts?
Yeah. You're really slow. :$

I don't use this method, but it seems to me the whole idea is pointless (not to mention confusing) unless you aim the line on the ball at the furthest point of the break. IOW, using a L-R putt as an example, you aim your line at the spot where the putt will be at its furthest to the left. That might be halfway to the hole or it might be right near the ball. Visualize the perfect putt then aim at the spot over which the ball will have to pass.

I'd also humbly suggest that Tiger is a little better at reading putts than anyone around here. Not only that, but he knows you have to commit to the shot for it to happen as visualized. So, whether he's sure or not, he commits to one thing or the other.

The real putt-killer is that lingering piece of doubt as you stand over the ball.

[torontodude]

I don't do it and I don't quite get it. To me it's an extra variable that could cause you to question your line or alignment. I need less things to think about when putting not more.

[Snoman]

Ya I'm pretty slow sometimes but I just find that I have a tendency to aim a little too much right at times. Using the alignment aid on short puts really seems to help. If there is alot of break I will generally just go on feel. I agree Tiger is much better at alignment it just seems that there is no way he is pointing that line exactly where he is aiming. Not just Tiger, any pro. It seems more likely they are aimed approx, then commiting like you said. Id have to say that putting is prob my strong suit. I rarely 3 putt. Lag putting and speed judgement is good. Even breaking putts. I just would like to drain a few more of those 8-10s. I would have a hell of alot more birdies on the card. Wouldn't we all though!

[MannyR]

Mark my ball.
Look at what I believe is the "line" to the hole. Some days you can easlily visualize the "line", some days its a struggle.
Set ball down with alignment line pointing to the perceived "line" of the putt.
Set putter behind ball ensuring putter head is square to the line on the ball. Stroke ball.
On a straight putt, line on ball will tumble over itself and you get instant feedback if ball was stroked squarely.

[Snoman]

Mark my ball.
Look at what I believe is the "line" to the hole. Some days you can easlily visualize the "line", some days its a struggle.
Set ball down with alignment line pointing to the perceived "line" of the putt.
Set putter behind ball ensuring putter head is square to the line on the ball. Stroke ball.
On a straight putt, line on ball will tumble over itself and you get instant feedback if ball was stroked squarely.

Yup my thoughts exactly. Sometimes though I set the ball down, take a couple of steps back and say "what the.....?" Line is off. Must be my eyes. I think for me when I percieve the line while crouched over the ball vs standing a few feet back it changes so when I walk up to my mark and place the ball after reading the putt, Ive gotta step back then readjust the alignment line. Do you ever step back and maybe think the line is a little off but adjust your putter/stance to compensate instead?

[goshawk]

Do you ever step back and maybe think the line is a little off but adjust your putter/stance to compensate instead?
Very good question. For me, almost every time I've done this, I've missed the putt on the very side that I've made that adjustment in my putter alignment. If you're not really committed to that line, don't putt until you are.

[Snoman]

If you're not really committed to that line, don't putt until you are.

I guess this really is the key.

[MannyR]

Yup my thoughts exactly. Sometimes though I set the ball down, take a couple of steps back and say "what the.....?" Line is off. Must be my eyes. I think for me when I percieve the line while crouched over the ball vs standing a few feet back it changes so when I walk up to my mark and place the ball after reading the putt, Ive gotta step back then readjust the alignment line. Do you ever step back and maybe think the line is a little off but adjust your putter/stance to compensate instead?
Yes, sometimes I don't trust my line and adjust putter head...usually miss those. As Goshawk said...you have to trust your line.

[hogannut]

I use the alignment line for all my putts, and now can't imagine putting without a line.