Welcome to Play Smarta regular GOLF.com game improvement column that will help you play smarter and better golf.
WEST CALDWELL, NJ – I’ve been on the field at two professional golf events over the past five days. First, I hit the Cadillac Championship in Doral and today, I’m taking practice rounds at Mountain Ridge Country Club before the LPGA’s Mizuho Americas Open. It’s not much, but it’s honest work.
When I’m at these types of high-level events, I like to spend my time studying the pros. Specifically, how they practice. These are the best of the best in their field, so watching them hone their craft is priceless.
Although during my last foray into these events, I noticed something that almost every professional does the same thing when they practice putting – and it’s all focused on the simplest basics.
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All professionals do this in green practice
Every golfer has their own unique approach to how they practice, but if you pay attention you will notice some trends. One is how much attention they pay to targeting and scope.
At both Cadillac and Mizuho, ​​I spent considerable time on the practice putting green. And in both countries, almost every professional began their exercise practice the same way: setting up some sort of station to practice their aim and alignment.
Some professionals use training aids (mirrors or gates) to work on these basics, while others use stretchers or stretch sticks. In the end, the goal remains constant: controlling the variables. If you can set up the same way before each putt, you’ll be able to put much more predictable spin on the ball—and hopefully make more shots.
“When I have to make an important putt, I try to keep it that simple. I really focus on getting the shot right.” Rory McIlroy said earlier this year. “I think half the battle is just making sure you’re aiming in the right place with the shooter.”
If it works for McIlroy (and a host of other pros), it should work for you. So the next time you go to the green to practice putting, take some time to work on your aim and alignment. If you do, you’re sure to hit more shots when it counts.
