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Most poor putters I see also struggle to aim correctly. The problem here is what they believe to be lined up correctly actually is nowhere near the correct line. As a result, they must make some type of cut across or pull motion during the stroke to compensate for the original poor aim. I have a couple of ideas for you that will correct the visual problems you may have.
I want you to do two things. First, find a straight line, for example use the grout line on tile in your house. Place an object such as a coin or even a golf ball on the line. Next get your putter and move about 2 feet from the object on the tile, take your putting posture and place the sight line or leading edge of your putter SQUARE to the line. When you look at the target, does it feel like you are aiming your putter correctly? Use the line between your putter and object as reference. If it looks good, then your visuals are fine. Back up another 3 feet and see if it still looks okay when you are over the putter. Continue this technique up to about twenty feet if you have room.
Another putting alignment aide I like to use is a chalk line. These can be purchased for under $10 at your local hardware store. Find the straighest putt you can on the putting green and pop a chalk line from the cup (use a golf tee to hold the line down on the back of the cup) about 10-15 feet back. You should do the same as what was done on the other line mentioned above, but this time you will be actually hitting a golf ball towards the hole. Before you hit the putt make certain your putter is square to the chalk line. When putts are struck on this line you will get instant feedback about your visuals. Another positive of this drill is it will also allow you to see if the golf ball stays on the line after it is struck. This will indicate to you how square your putter was upon impact with the golf ball. Stroke flaws can then be identified and adjustments can be made.
Don’t overlook the absolute importance of aiming the putter ! I feel once you become a better aimer of the golf ball you will certainly hole more putts.
