Failing to master the art of putting is going to add a significant number of shots onto any round. How often have you found yourself 3-putting from practically over the hole and then getting that familiar feeling of frustration building inside? Well, this is one of those cases where practice does indeed make perfect, and to help, we are going to look at the best putting training aids around.
Not many people can find the courage to go to a putting green and practice DILLIGENTLY for more than half an hour. These putting aids will make practice more fun AND will make practice more effective. They are a win-win.
Being able to read the green and understanding the power behind the putt is something that takes time. Trying to master this can be frustrating, demoralizing and be enough to put some people off from continuing with the game.
This is where putting training aids come into their own. Through them, you can learn more about pace, lining up the putt, and even then come to a better understanding of putting in general. If you are either new to golf, or currently struggling with your putting game and have no idea what’s gone wrong, then these aids could make a significant difference.
Sorry for the long introduction. I don’t normally do that.
The Puttout Pressure Putt Trainer
This device is seriously cool, and it also works as an added bonus. Designed in the UK, the aim is to help you in hitting the middle of the cup. It comes with a special parabolic shape, and that’s going to tell you everything you need to know about your putt. If it’s a good putt, then it rolls the ball back. If it’s perfect, then it holds the ball in the small hole (VERY hard to do). It makes putting practice fun and challenging, as it requires perfection.
I’ve found that, after using the PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer, the hole feels much bigger on an actual putting green. This tool requires perfection, while a normal golf hole allows some margin for error. It’s always nice going to the course and feeling confident that even an imperfect putt will still fall at times.
So, yes, it helps your alignment and making sure you are starting the ball on the right line. Sure. But THIS is where it’s cool. A successful putt from a direction perspective doesn’t mean you got the power right. Even if you have the PERFECT line while practicing, hitting with just a little too much power behind the ball will still make the ball miss. It requires perfection from a direction and speed perspective for the ball to fall.
I really like the fact that this tool is so small and can be used at home or at the putting green. Oh. And safe to say it is very addicting to see the ball stop right in the hole.
Eyeline Putting Alignment Mirror
Ever looked a putt from behind and then looked at a putt from over the ball and gotten confused?
The biggest problem with many golfers when putting is simply alignment. They may start the ball exactly where they wanted to, but they were simply aimed far left or right from the start.
This mirror by Eyeline is designed to provide you with perfect alignment while on the green and its main intention is actually to boost your confidence in your putt. After all, if you feel you have the correct line then a lot of those nerves will melt away.
Another huge advantage of this mirror is the fact it’s lightweight and can be carried around. For us, this is the perfect tool when you find that you are constantly off line with your putts. In an instant, this simple device can get you back on track.
The Putting Arc
The Putting Arc is a putting training aid that you’ll find lots of top level golfers using. That’s because they know the value in a slight arc stroke. Swinging the putter Straight-Back, Straight-Thru (SBST) sounds easy, but is actually impractical and awkward. A very slight arc is more reliable and more natural.
Take a few minutes and research some of the best putters of all time. What sort of stroke did they have? More often than not, a STRONG arc. History doesn’t lie folks, and you most likely aren’t an exception to the rule. Get the Putting Arc, spends hours and hours on it practicing, and let me know how it goes.
Putt-A-Bout Grassroots Putting Green
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Practice really does make perfect when it comes to putting. The more you putt, the better you will be. If you can practice at home, you’ll become a better putter faster. It’s as simple as that.
I’ve owned lots of different putting greens over time. Birdie Ball is the best one, but the Putt-A-Bout Grassroots Putting Green is my favorite one on a budget. It has three holes for you alternative with and it offers plenty of room for different lengths up to 8 feet (where you need to be making more putts than missing!).
Also, it’s nice that the holes are all elevated. That means that when you make a putt, the ball actually drops. I’ve always hated putting greens that weren’t elevated, as it felt so different than normal putting.
Who are They For?
These putting aids are for everyone as any golfer can start having a nightmare with their putting game at any point. We all need some help to get us back on track even if we feel we have previously mastered the art of putting.
However, the items we have mentioned above do come at various price ranges, so there should be something available for any budget as well as level of golfer.
Better Value Alternative
Finally, we usually like to offer a better value alternative, but the items we have mentioned do cover a wide range of prices.
That being said, if you are in a tight spot financially, you might consider buying the off brand versions of these training aids. If you can afford it, I highly recommend buying the name brand versions. They were the originals, and they were knocked off by cheaper Chinese versions that took their ideas. However, if you are on a tight budget, it’s not a huge deal, and the savings could be pretty significant.
Also, if possible, we would recommend looking for models from previous years if you want to save some cash. There really should be very little difference between the 2020 models and similar items from say 2018. They still help you with putting. t.
So, if you want to save some cash, then still stick with the items mentioned above but go back in time (and consider off brand versions if you are tight on cash) and you should still be fine.
Overall Verdict
We love putting training aids as we know they can make a significant difference to your putting game and cut down on those wasted shots in every round. We have covered a number of training aids above, and we feel any one of them is capable of helping you out. Of course, think about your budget because our alternatives are also designed to make a difference.
So, tell us what your thoughts are on putting training aids. Do you believe in them? Do you prefer to simply learn on the course and put up with the high scores until you master it? Let us know below.
