I’ve always been a tech geek. So some of the alignment aids I have are lasers, but some are simple string lines.
Starting out years ago, I just took a metal coat hanger, cut it up and formed two pieces to look like tent stakes. Then I used 15 feet of string between them. I kept the setup in my bag all the time. It was my elevated string line. You could do the same thing with two bottles and a string for use at home. The idea is to run the aim line from the ball to an aim point.
Just a note on lasers: Follow the directions that come with the laser. Do not point a laser at yourself or anyone else. Point them at a non-reflective surface or at the ground.
Skil Red Lasers
★
More recently, I wanted to improve my alignment aids for the practice green and indoors. I began by going to the hardware store and purchasing two inexpensive Skil “red” alignment lasers. You set one down and turn it on. Then take the other one, turn it on, and from about 6 feet away point it at the first one.
I keep an electronic ball return close and putt 6 foot putts. I use the lasers for an aim line. If I need a putting gate, I use a pair of tennis shoes heel to heel with a gap in between.
This works pretty well for awhile and then the batteries go dead and red lasers don’t work outside very well.
The Smart Golfer Laser Alignment System
★★★★
Then I took a lesson and the gentleman showed me an alignment laser that fit on my putter. So, I bought The Smart Golfer Laser Alignment System. To use it, I set up a target they supply and aim the putter at the target.
However, swinging the club with the laser on it was an issue for me and the line laser attachment broke as soon as I put it on the device. They shipped me a new one right away.
I wasn’t sure what to do with it. So, I put it away for a year.
Later, I figured out is was great for aiming the putter at address. I don’t use the line laser attachment at all.
The object is turning the laser on with a button up near the putter grip to see if it hit your target or not. I’ve heard some pros have done this for hours.
Now, I leave it installed on my second putter so I can just pick it up and practice aiming the putter face. (Note: the sticky tabs they supply aren’t great. I’ve opted to put rubber bands around the device to hold it on)
I soon realized that aiming the putter and returning it to the same place at impact are two separate things. It’s a good idea to measure where your putter face is at impact. So in addition to the setup alignment aid, I use Blast Motion Golf to measure my putting stats like face angle at impact.
Wright Putting Dynamics Laser Optics V3
★★★★
I was getting sick of just hitting putts for the sake of putting. I needed something better for alignment. That’s when I came across the Wright Putting Dynamics Laser Optics V3. The laser comes with a remote control, tripod, charging cable, rechargeable battery and a nice carrying case.
This is a very bright green laser that projects a line on the putting surface. It works inside and outside. In fact, the laser line will show right over your putter and golf ball all the way to the hole.
You can set it at your aim point and fire it back toward the ball as well.
Sometimes, I keep the remote in my pocket and shut it off before I putt using the line initially for reference.
This fits nicely into my practice bag. The battery life is impressive. It’s a first rate device. Click here for a view of an indoor setup.
Pelz Elevated Aim Line
★★★
For a reasonable price, you can purchase a Pelz Elevated Aim Line. It comes with a case and the string stretches. The initial length is 10 feet. It’s very useful, handy and well made.
However, for my sight line, I prefer the line to be on the ground.
Having said that, I use it on bright sunny days when the laser doesn’t work well.
I use this with my true roller. You put one stake at The Perfect Putter and then line up the aim point end with the laser.
Otherwise, take some putts. Adjust if necessary and move the aim point so that you make putts.
Click here for a similar setup.
