This article was machine-translated from the Korean original. Read the Korean original
Good aiming at the putter face is a great help, especially for beginners. Today, I will explain how to aim well step by step.
The primary reason for poor aiming is most likely that you haven't clearly defined the target from which to launch the ball. After all, to make a shot, you need a reference target first. This connects to green reading. Reading is, ultimately, the process of determining the target you need to hit.
01Green Reading — Slope, Uphill/Downhill, Green Speed, Speed Strategy
The first step in green reading is determining whether the left or right side is higher on the path extending from the ball to the hole. There is the traditional method of crouching back and visually checking, as well as a method of stepping on the ground to feel the terrain.
If you have confirmed that the left side is higher, the ball will start from the left and curve toward the lower right. The next thing to decide is how much it will curve. This is influenced by several factors. The steeper the slope, the more it curves; on a downhill slope, it curves more because you hit it softer; and the faster the green speed, the more it curves as you hit it softer and it takes longer to roll. Finally, the speed at which you sink the ball also affects the curve. If you intend to hit the back wall aggressively, it will curve less, while if you try to sink it gently with the perfect speed for the hole, it will curve more.
Once you have taken all these factors into account and established a plan saying, "I will hit at this speed," you can now visualize the curve the ball will trace. Look from behind, use the shaft to adjust the starting direction, and visualize the ball curving at the desired speed and entering the hole when hit in that direction.
02Once the target is set, find a reference point close to that direction.
Once the direction is determined, you can estimate the distance based on a reference point of about one club length or three to four cups from the hole. If you find a noticeable reference point along that line, such as a speck of dust or a patch of grass of a different color near the ball, simply use that as your target and adjust your pace accordingly.
03The three angles to match in aiming — face, loft, and lie angle
Once you have set your target, the first step is to align the putter face with it. There are two ways to do this: aligning the putter face at a 90-degree angle to the target line, or aligning the aiming line on the putter with that direction. You can use whichever option works best for you.
However, it is easy to think that aiming involves aligning the face squarely, but there are actually two more angles to consider: loft and lie angle. A putter's loft is typically 3 degrees, but about 2 degrees is appropriate for actual impact. Therefore, you need to tilt the grip slightly forward at address. As for the lie angle, the club should be aligned flat toward the target direction without lifting the toe or heel.
To summarize, aiming is trying to align the face, loft, and lie angle with the target. Once all three are correct, stand with your body aligned with the shape of the club and execute a stroke of the amount you have anticipated.
If your leading and speed are correct, your chances of landing increase. Please check each step in the order I explained today, and if the direction keeps going off, please also review the aiming and alignment sequence I will explain next time.
