Putting - Aim

An article by: Bobby Eldridge on 12-17-2007
This article has been read 1388 times.

Putting - Aim and Direction

I began my professional career on March 25, 1975 in St. Louis, MO. and believe it or not I have never had an amateur ask me if they are AIMING the putter where they want the ball to go.

Can you believe that? I have seen amateur golfers miss at least 1 million putts and not once has one of them asked me if they were aiming incorrectly.

I have heard every possible answer why they missed a putt. Bad read, hit it too hard, hit it too soft, pulled it, pushed it, toed it, heeled it, looked up, too nervous, you name it I have heard it EXCEPT "I did not aim it correctly".

Reading the Green Wrong or Aiming Wrong

This opens up a big can of worms. Did you misread the putt or did you not aim it correctly? It is a very difficult question to answer. You have to stand to the side of the golf ball and you do not have the pleasure to look straight at the line. I have often said for the past 32 years that I think hunters should stand to the sides of their rifles. Anyone can shoot a deer if you stand behind the barrel. OK just kidding.

Seriously it is so difficult to know if you misread the putt, mishit the putt or misaimed it. When you are struggling you have to start from ground zero. You have to get a straight edge and head off to a three foot straight putt. If you can stand and aim the putter straight from three feet you get to eliminate that mistake. The next thing you want to eliminate is whether or not you mishit the putt. You already know the putt is straight so you can eliminate the misread.

Work on Putting Aim First

The next thing you have to do is back away to 10 feet and see if you can do the same thing. You are trying to find out if you struggle with your aim or with your stroke. The best friend you could ever have is a straight edge to help you aim towards your target.

Once you can aim correctly you are on your way. Of course I have to end this with some unfortunate news. Because we stand to the side of the golf ball and our eye sights are all different you do not necessarily aim where you want the golf ball to go. Standing to the side of a golf ball and aiming it anywhere from 10 feet to 200 yards can have its illusions.

I have personally struggled with aiming RIGHT for many years. For some unknown reason I have a tendency to place the face down right of my target forever. I do it with my full swing as well as my 3 footers.

Nothing like carrying a straight edge around with you AT ALL TIMES...