Practise your putting at home – 5 products that make a difference
You'll probably never hit drives quite as powerful as Rory McIlroy, have Alex Norén's silky-soft touch around the greens or match Nelly Korda's precision with her irons. But what's really stopping you from putting as well as the world's best players? In theory, nothing. Most golfers play around 40% of their shots with a putter in their hands. So why not spend your practice time where it really counts? The best part is that you don't even need to leave the house. Here are five products that can help take your putting to the next level – all year round.
1. Putting mat
A putting mat is perfect for keeping your putting sharp throughout the winter. The markings on the mat help you practise your alignment, starting line and distance control. Plus, you can easily roll it out at home or in the office whenever you have a spare moment. Leave your putting mat out with a putter and a few balls nearby – you'll find it almost impossible to walk past without rolling a few putts. Those little moments of everyday practice will certainly pay off when you're back out on the course.
2. Putting mirror
How well do you really know your putting set-up? A putting mirror lets you instantly check the position of your eyes, shoulders and putter face in relation to the ball. It's a simple but effective training aid for developing a consistent set-up and improving your aim. One of the keys to great putting is being able to repeat exactly the same movement – time after time. Practising with a putting mirror can help you become a putting machine on the greens.
3. Putting gate
A putting gate helps you check that the ball starts on your intended line. Position the gates in front of the ball and try to roll your putts through without touching either side. You'll get instant feedback on your starting line while developing a more consistent putting stroke. It works just as well on your putting mat at home as it does on the practice green. It's also a training aid you'll regularly see the pros using. Once you've mastered starting the ball on the right line, all that's left is distance control and reading the greens. Easy, right?
4. Putting balance
A clever training aid for anyone looking to develop a smoother, more consistent putting tempo. Simply attach the small balance plate to your putter shaft and place a golf ball in one of the holes. The challenge is to make your putting stroke without letting the ball fall off. It's a fun and effective drill that helps you develop a smoother, more controlled stroke without getting too handsy or swinging the putter too quickly. Smooth and steady does it.
5. Alignment golf balls
Golf balls with clear alignment markings are a simple way to practise both your aim and starting line. Line up the ball towards your target and use the markings to see how it rolls after impact. If the lines roll smoothly without wobbling, it's a good sign that the ball has a stable rotation. Perfect for practising how to start the ball on your intended line.
