To be a dead-eye putter there are several things that must
happen during the stroke. But to have the best chance of the ball
going in the cup, the set-up is very important.
To be a dead-eye putter there are several things that must happen during the stroke. But to have the best chance of the ball going in the cup, the set-up is very important.
The one key factor in the set-up is to make sure your eyes are over the ball or directly behind the ball on the line of the putt. This ensures that you are looking right down on top of the putter where the ball meets the face. It is here that you can see where the putter is aiming and you can make adjustments if you need to. Also, from this set-up, when your eyes move down the line to the hole and back again to the ball, your eyes are quite simply tracking down the target line or intended line of your putt. This is like drawing a line in your mind where the ball should travel.
This is much like a target shooter looking down the barrel of a rifle at his target. The eye is directly behind the sight in a straight line down the barrel of the gun, continuing out to the target. Similarly, your eye should be directly over the putter so you can see the aim of your putter and the line the ball will travel on at the same time.
So take your time the next time you practice and test yourself to see if your eyes are over the ball. To do this, just drop another ball from the bridge of your nose. If it hits the ball on the green, you’re right on the money. If it doesn’t, adjust your posture so it does.
