Putting · Drill
Roll Putts Down a Ruler
Part of our putting programs for start line. Build a program with it
Many short misses happen because the ball never starts where you think. A ruler tells you the truth. Lay a ruler or yardstick on the green, pointing at the hole. Put the ball at your end. Roll putts down the ruler. If the face is even a little open or shut, the ball falls off early. Keep at it until the ball rides all the way down. It trains face control, start line and solid contact.
The drill
- Point a ruler at the hole.
- Set the ball at your end.
- Roll it down the ruler.
- Note where it falls off.
- Work until it stays on.
Why it works
The ball starts mostly in the direction the putter face points at impact. A ruler gives you a narrow track, so any face error shows up right away as the ball leaves the edge. Because the ball must also be struck near the center of the face to roll true, the drill trains contact along with the face angle.
Common mistakes
- You aim the ruler at the hole by eye and it is off line.Stand behind the ruler and sight down it to the hole, then adjust it before you start.
- You steer the ball with your hands to keep it on the ruler.Keep your wrists quiet and let the shoulders swing the putter back and through.
- You lift your head to watch the ball fall off.Keep your eyes down until the ball has left, then look up and note where it came off.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball stays on the ruler for its full length on most strokes.
- When it does fall off, it leaves on the same side each time, and that tells you which way the face is pointing.
- The strike feels centered, and the ball rolls end over end without hopping or wobbling.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Use a wider guide, such as two clubs laid side by side, and roll the ball from a shorter distance.
Harder: Move the ball farther from the ruler's start, or putt from a longer distance so the ball must stay on the ruler over more of its roll.
Common questions
Why do I pull my putts?
A pull usually means the face points left of your target at impact, for a right-hander. It can also come from an aim that sits left or a path that cuts across the ball.
How long should I do a putting ruler drill?
About 10 minutes is enough. Stop sooner if your focus fades, because careless reps teach little.
