Error in deserializing body of reply message for operation 'Translate'. The maximum string content length quota (8192) has been exceeded while reading XML data. This quota may be increased by changing the MaxStringContentLength property on the XmlDictionaryReaderQuotas object used when creating the XML reader. Line 1, position 8946.
Pat O'Brien Putting: Putting AlignmentPat O'Brien PuttingTour-Proven Golf LessonsHomeDVDAboutArchivesSubscribe� Want to putt like Zach Johnson? Here�s how - www.golfweek.com |Main| Pics and Videos from Pebble �June 22, 2010Putting Alignment
This is an article I wrote for a Korean magazine called Golf Guide.�
�Understanding Alignment in Putting
This is the third article in a series on putting.� This month�s topic covers how to aim your putter properly.� It is very difficult to have a quiet mind and putt with confidence if that little voice in your head is questioning your alignment.� I want to present to you a clear cut way to know where you are aiming, so you can make a free stroke.There has been much discussion about eye dominance in putting and how it relates to aim.� It has been my experience that there simply is not a direct correlation between the two.� I have seen right eye dominant people misalign both to the left and right, as well as left eye dominant people.� It may make for an interesting topic of conversation, but it does not factor into my teaching.� What I focus on is eyeline and how to look at your target properly.In this first picture, I want you to notice how unbalanced my body looks.���There is more weight on my right leg, my shoulders are tilted too much and my nose is behind my sternum.� In this position, my eyeline is pointed to the right of my intended target line.�
�In these next two pictures, notice how symmetrical my body looks.� My weight is evenly balanced and my spine is level, not tilted to the right.� Because of this, my nose is right over my sternum.
��My eyeline is now parallel to my aiming line, as well as my body lines.
��� As an added bonus, my body is in a calm state because I am centered.� Try this:� close your eyes and tilt your spine to the right.� You will feel tension in your body.� Now get centered and level.� Notice how the tension goes away.� It is very difficult to make a free motion from an unbalanced state.When your eyes are parallel to your target line, it is much easier to look at your target correctly.� One of my favorite training aids is a chalk line.� If you do not have access to one, you can use a string or a line on the floor in your home.� When you aim too far to the right, you must look across your body to find your target.
��� Conversely, when you aim too far left, you must look away from your body to convince yourself that you are aligned correctly.�
���With a straight line as a reference point, you can now see and feel what it is like to look down your line correctly.
To aim properly on the golf course, I want my students to look properly at their target first, and then place the putter square to their eyes.�
��I believe this is more effective than placing the putter down first, then figuring out where it is aimed and possibly making adjustments.� The more efficient the process, the more free the body and mind can be.Finally, a note on putter designs.� I advocate a shaft with no offset, and an aiming line on top of the putter.�
���It is much easier to get your nose down the shaft and have your eyes be square.� When a putter has offset, with the aiming line on the back flange,�
��you are more likely to have your nose and eyes drift to the right in order to use the aiming line.� This is not an absolute, but if you must use an offset putter, please be aware that this is a strong tendency.� Know your aim and putt your best!
This is only a preview. Your comment has not yet been posted.
Your comment could not be posted. Error type: Your comment has been posted. Post another comment The letters and numbers you entered did not match the image. Please try again. As a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below. This prevents automated programs from posting comments.
Having trouble reading this image? View an alternate.
Your Information
(Name and email address are required. Email address will not be displayed with the comment.)
Name is required to post a comment
Please enter a valid email address
Invalid URL
Pat O'Brien is the putting coach of two of the PGA Tour�s best putters, 2007 Masters Champion Zach Johnson and Ryder Cupper Vaughn Taylor.This blog will share Pat�s advice, expertise and drills for superior short game performance based on his coaching with renowned tour pros, accomplished amateurs and everyday golfers.Contact me: pat@patobriengolf.comTel: 214.316.5303
Enter your email address:
Delivered by FeedBurner
�Subscribe in a reader
check out the Swicki Community swicki at eurekster.com� SeeMore m7 Putter Review - www.putterzone.com |Main| 2010 Rice Planters Amateur - Mt. Pleasant, SC (Snee Farm Country Club) �Jun 23, 2010 Putting Alignment www.patobriengolf.com (6/22/10)
#flickr_badge_source_txt {padding:0; font: 11px Arial, Helvetica, Sans serif; color:#666666;}#flickr_badge_icon {display:block !important; margin:0 !important; border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0) !important;}#flickr_icon_td {padding:0 5px 0 0 !important;}.flickr_badge_image {text-align:center !important;}.flickr_badge_image img {border: 1px solid black !important;}#flickr_www {display:block; padding:0 10px 0 10px !important; font: 11px Arial, Helvetica, Sans serif !important; color:#3993ff !important;}#flickr_badge_uber_wrapper a:hover,#flickr_badge_uber_wrapper a:link,#flickr_badge_uber_wrapper a:active,#flickr_badge_uber_wrapper a:visited {text-decoration:none !important; background:inherit !important;color:#3993ff;}#flickr_badge_wrapper {background-color:#ffffff;}#flickr_badge_source {padding:0 !important; font: 11px Arial, Helvetica, Sans serif !important; color:#666666 !important;}www.flickr.com 
if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('36155988-31d5-4620-948c-a35cbe01a046');