Video:Putting Tips for Starting on Line
with Todd KolbStarting on line is an important part of putting, and can make a big different in the outcome of your putt. Here are some putting tips for starting on line.
Transcript:Putting Tips for Starting on Line
Hi golfers, this is Todd Kolb with About.com. Getting the ball started on line is a key component to making a lot of putts so there's a couple things I want to share with you here today that will help you with that.
Practice Starting on Line Before You Hit the Golf Course
First of all, is when you practice, try to practice on a putt that's nice and straight. So I've gone to the putting green here and I've found a putt that is straight. I've also grabbed a string so I have what we call an elevated straight line, so that when I practice my putting, I can visualize that ball just rolling straight down the string line.
Use Markings on the Golf Ball to Start on Line When Putting
Now, when I get on the golf course, obviously I don't have the string available to me, but I do have something else that's available, and that is on any golf ball, they are either going to have the company name or some other phrase or something on the ball.
So for example, this type of golf ball here is a Pro V1X and it has an arrow or a line on it. So what I can do is I can take that line, I can point it to the center of the cup, assuming the putt is straight. I might vary that a little bit if the putt is breaking.
Aim Putter Perpendicular to Line to Start on Line
I now have basically replicated the string line that I was using to practice with. I can get my putter aimed so it is perpendicular to the line there and I now have created a nice straight line so that hopefully I can now get the ball started on line.
So a key to good putting is getting the ball started on line. Make sure you practice correctly and use the golf ball to your advantage when you're out playing a round of golf.
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