Putting is undeniably a crucial aspect of golf. No matter how well you drive, hit irons, or master your short game, if you can’t sink putts on the green, it all becomes futile.
Brands are well aware of this fact, which is why they invest significant resources in designing the best putting aids for players, be it blades, mid-mallets, or mallets. However, in contemporary golf, there is also a growing emphasis on technique, leading to the development of specialized putting aids. And that’s exactly where this guide comes into play.
Best Putting Aids
PuttOUT Devil Balls
PuttOUT Devil Balls
PuttOUT’s Devil balls: Instant feedback, square impact, challenging three-foot putts, three difficulty levels, and alignment aid.
Pros
Offers immediate feedback on the putter face angle
Replicates the feel of a genuine golf ball
Aids in improving ball striking technique
Cons
Primarily effective for short putts of 6ft or less
Let’s take a look at the Devil Balls from PuttOUT, a fantastic putting training aid that provides instant feedback on face angle at impact. With a unique flat-edged impact zone, these balls emphasize the importance of achieving a square putter face at impact, giving golfers a better feel for the correct position.
During our testing, the feedback was impressively clear and immediate, offering a practice experience unlike any other we’ve encountered. It has significantly tightened the tolerance of a normal golf ball, making those three-foot putts doubly challenging.
What makes it even better is the three difficulty levels that gradually reduce the tolerance for face angle, pushing you to improve your accuracy. Additionally, the included alignment marker serves as an excellent training aid to help you hit up on the ball.
For golfers looking to enhance their putting skills and gain a better understanding of face angle, the PuttOUT Devil balls are a must-have.
PuttOUT Putting Mat
PuttOUT Putting Mat
PuttOUT’s excellent mat: Alignment guides, target points, and distance markings on the medium-fast green.
Measures <8ft, stimp 10, portable.
Durable and high-quality.
Pros
Offers a multitude of drills to improve your putting skills
Great tool for perfecting your putting stroke
Cons
Not as effective without investing in the full PuttOut Home Practice Studio.
PuttOUT has been winning us over with its products for quite some time, and one of its finest offerings is undoubtedly this mat. Packed with valuable features, it comes with printed alignment guides, target points, distance markings, and a surface that accurately replicates a medium-to-fast green, providing numerous opportunities for improvement.
Measuring just under eight feet in length and boasting a stamp reading of 10, this mat offers a realistic putting experience. When it’s time to hit the road, you can easily roll it up and carry it in the provided bag, thanks to the convenient strap for effortless transportation. The tacky underside ensures the mat stays securely in position during practice, proving its durability and top-notch quality through our rigorous testing.
For more options in putting mats, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on the best golf mats. You’ll find everything you need to perfect your putting skills with the help of the PuttOut Home Putting Studio mat.
Perfect Practice Perfect Putting Mat
Perfect Practice Perfect Putting Mat
Dustin Johnson’s endorsed 9ft Perfect Practice Putting Mat impressed us in testing.
It’s relatively fast, aiding putting pace in practice.
Clear visual aids and ball return features enhance alignment and convenience.
Pros
Abundance of lines and checkpoints for refining your putting stroke
Constructed with quality materials for durability and performance
Cons
Requires a flat floor with ample space to fully utilize its features.
With Dustin Johnson’s endorsement and widespread advertising, we couldn’t resist testing the 9ft version of the Perfect Practice Perfect Putting Mat, and it certainly lived up to the hype. While there are shorter options available for those with space constraints, we found the 9ft version to deliver exceptional performance.
The mat’s speed is just right – faster than the PuttOut Mat, but not overly speedy. The slight incline towards the hole adds an extra challenge, requiring a firm stroke to improve your putting pace, a crucial skill to master for sinking more putts on the golf course. The mat’s various lines serve as excellent visual aids, enhancing alignment and providing clear guidance on the start line and stroke path.
One of the most convenient features is that once a putt is holed, the ball effortlessly returns down the wooden runner on the right, saving you from constant back-and-forth walks.
If you’re serious about refining your putting skills, the Perfect Practice Perfect Putting Mat is a top-notch choice.
Me and My Golf Stroke Trainer
Me and My Golf Stroke Trainer
Pocket-sized Me And My Golf putting aid with dual sides. Improves pace putting and offers comprehensive stroke feedback.
Includes QR code for instructional videos.
Enhance accuracy with this tool and top golf putters.
Pros
Easily foldable, making it convenient to store
Double-sided with various putting mat designs to keep practice interesting
Cons
Setting it up and pegging it down for practice sessions might become bothersome.
The Me And My Golf putting aid comes in a compact metal case, easily slipping into the pocket of your golf bag for convenience. This double-sided tool offers versatility, with one side featuring a printed golf hole for target practice, and the other designed to aid you in refining your stroke and path.
To work on your pace putting, use the printed golf hole side, aiming to stop the ball in the blue zone past the hole for a well-paced putt—an essential skill for most golfers to master.
The flip side of the aid provides comprehensive feedback on various aspects of your putting technique. It covers width of stance, ball position, putter backswing and follow-through distance, path, and clubface alignment. With these detailed insights, you can tailor your practice and address specific areas of improvement in your putting stroke.
One standout feature is the feedback provided by matching dots for your takeaway and follow-through, shedding light on the actual mechanics of your stroke. Additionally, the Stroke Trainer includes four instructional videos accessible via a QR code, offering valuable insights to enhance your putting skills and keep you engaged in your practice.
For a complete putting improvement package, consider pairing the Stroke Trainer with one of the best golf putters, allowing you to fine-tune your accuracy and become a more confident putter on the greens.
Pure 2 Improve Golf Putting Mat
Pure 2 Improve Golf Putting Mat
Pure 2 Improve’s putting mat offers two large sizes (3 meters and 5 meters) for improved pace control and lag putts.
No golf hole, but the big target area aids practice for longer putts.
Various alignment tools allow versatile stroke practice.
Pros
Abundance of alignment aids to improve putting accuracy
Provides the opportunity to experiment with various drills for skill enhancement
Cons
Lacks a hole at the end, which might not fully simulate a real putting experience.
Another excellent addition to our best putting aids guide is the Pure 2 Improve putting mat. Available in two generous sizes – 3 meters and 5 meters – this mat is perfect for honing your pace control and mastering those challenging lag putts.
While there may not be an actual golf hole at the end of the mat, the large target area offers an ideal setup for practicing longer putts. It’s an excellent way to work on getting the ball within gimmie length, an essential skill for those critical par-saving putts. The mat’s various target areas and alignment tools provide versatility in your practice sessions, allowing you to focus on different aspects of your putting stroke.
Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your lag putts or enhance your overall putting performance, the Pure 2 Improve putting mat is a valuable training aid to have in your arsenal.
PuttOUT Premium Pressure Putt Trainer
PuttOUT Premium Pressure Putt Trainer
PuttOUT premium trainer: Real hole simulation, challenging but rewarding.
Pros
Enhances your understanding of pace control in putting
Demands extensive practice to improve your skills
Cons
Limited versatility, which may not cater to various training needs.
Yet another exceptional PuttOUT product, the premium trainer, takes your putting practice to a whole new level. Meticulously designed to replicate real hole conditions, this trainer ingeniously returns the ball the same distance it would have gone past, mimicking the experience of sinking a putt on an actual green.
Hitting a flawless putt is the ultimate challenge, as the ball stays in the hole up the curved ramp when executed to perfection. While achieving this feat may be rare, the difficulty is a blessing in disguise as it hones your focus on attaining the ideal line and pace for your putts. Undeniably, it can be a bit frustrating at times, but the pursuit of perfection is both rewarding and educational.
Though it doesn’t return your ball all the way back like the Perfect Practice Putting Mat, the premium trainer still excels in rewarding well-executed putts and penalizing those that fall short. This balance ensures that each practice session becomes an opportunity to refine your putting skills and develop a keen sense of precision on the greens.
Breaking Balls Putting Mat by Me and My Golf
Breaking Balls Putting Mat by Me and My Golf
Putting mat with revolutionary breaking balls: Green (slight break), Red (medium break), Blue (heavy break).
The screw inside determines the left or right break.
Enhance putting skills with multidimensional practice.
Pros
Delivers a great roll and includes high-quality balls for superior performance
Comes in brilliant packaging designed to withstand the test of time
Cons
Slightly higher on the price scale, which may not suit budget-conscious buyers.
This innovative putting mat takes your indoor practice to the next level with its three revolutionary breaking balls. Each ball is expertly weighted to simulate different levels of severity in breaks. The green ball offers a slight break, the red ball a medium break, and the blue ball a heavy break. Inside each ball is a strategically placed screw, which determines the direction of the break – left to right if the screw is on the right, and vice versa.
While traditional putting mats usually only allow practice with straight putts, this mat introduces a whole new dimension to your training regimen. Practicing with the breaking balls will prepare you better for those tricky six-footers on the course, where reading and managing breaks can make all the difference.
Anywhere Golf Hole Training Aid
Anywhere Golf Hole Training Aid
Anywhere Golf Hole: Simple silicone aid with a slight incline for perfect speed.
Replicates real hole size, ideal for home practice.
Available in multiple colors.
Practice your putting anywhere with ease.
Pros
Provides the satisfaction of seeing the ball go into the hole
Offers the opportunity to enjoy entertaining putting games
Cons
Might be challenging to obtain or find in stock due to limited availability.
Among the various selections on our best putting aids list, the Anywhere Golf Hole stands out for its straightforward and effective design. If you’re the kind of golfer who revels in watching the ball drop into the hole, then this aid will undoubtedly capture your heart. Available in multiple colors, this silicone wonder features a slight incline, which encourages perfect speed and enables you to practice your putting skills anywhere you please.
Sized just like a real hole, the Anywhere Golf Hole flawlessly replicates the experience of sinking putts on the green. We are huge fans of this aid, especially for its versatility in use. Simply place it on the carpet at home, and you can enjoy the pleasure of rolling a few balls and perfecting your putting stroke in the comfort of your living space. With its simple yet effective approach, this aid is a golfer’s delight for honing their putting prowess.
Pure 2 Improve Putting Mirror 21″
Pure 2 Improve Putting Mirror 21″
Pure 2 Improve’s portable putting mirror aids stroke and alignment improvement. Fits in your bag, perfect for on-the-go practice.
Provides feedback on eye-line, head position, and ball alignment. Consistent alignment leads to more holed putts.
Pros
Assists in improving consistency and alignment in your putting stroke
Facilitates visual learning, making it easier to understand and correct techniques
Cons
May be confusing to use initially, leading to a learning curve for some users.
Sometimes, the best golf aids are the simplest ones. The Pure 2 Improve Putting Alignment Mirror is a perfect example. This compact mirror is designed to fit easily into your golf bag, making it convenient to take with you to the putting green and work on your stroke and alignment.
With this mirror, you get valuable feedback on your eye-line, head position, and ball placement in relation to your stance. Such guidance is crucial because proper alignment leads to improved consistency, which, in turn, translates to more putts holed on the green. So, don’t underestimate the power of this little tool to help you refine your putting skills and elevate your overall performance.
The Wellputt Mat
The Wellputt Mat
Top choice: Wellputt Mat.
Convenient practice, game-like approach.
High-quality, Stimp speeds 10 & 11.5.
Alignment aids, progressive app training.
Improve putting and confidence.
Pros
High-quality mat for a premium putting experience
Dedicated app offering more than 50 included games
Lifetime Guarantee for refunds or exchanges
30-Day Risk-Free Guarantee for worry-free purchase
Cons
Not suitable for practicing breaking putts
The Wellputt Mat earns the top spot on our putting training aid list for a few compelling reasons.
Firstly, having a convenient and dedicated place for putting practice encourages you to engage in more frequent and focused sessions, ultimately improving your putting skills.
Secondly, the Wellputt Mat elevates putting practice by turning it into an enjoyable and competitive putting game. This not only adds fun to your training but also motivates you to spend more time honing your putting prowess.
Moreover, the Wellputt Mat boasts superior quality and offers a wealth of training resources through the Wellputt app. This comprehensive app provides various training programs catering to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. The app also helps you keep track of your progress with scoring features, ensuring you stay on top of your putting game.
Putting on the Wellputt Mat is akin to putting on a perfectly manicured grass putting surface, thanks to its two Stimp speeds: 10 & 11.5. Additionally, the mat is equipped with a plethora of alignment aids for your putter, putting line, and body, enhancing your overall putting technique.
I personally use the Wellputt Mat daily, and I can attest that my putting has improved significantly, boosting my confidence on the greens.
If you’re in the market for a top-notch putting mat and training aid, I highly recommend considering the Wellputt Mat. For more detailed insights, don’t miss my full Wellputt Mat review.
In fact, if you can only invest in one training aid, we wholeheartedly suggest going for the Wellputt Mat due to its exceptional training capabilities and the remarkable results it delivers.
Wellstroke Motion Putting Guide Mat
Wellstroke Motion Putting Guide Mat
Wellstroke: Magic aid transforming putting stroke.
Ideal with a practice mat. Improved setup, alignment, contact, and start line. 12* arc, amplitude lines, putting gates.
Daily use = more holed putts.
Top choice.
Pros
Enables precise distance control and touch in putting
Helps establish a consistent putting stroke
Suitable for both home practice and on-course use
Backed by a Lifetime Guarantee for refunds or exchanges
Includes a 30-Day Risk-Free Guarantee for confident purchasing.
Cons
The Wellstroke is truly a game-changer and has completely transformed my putting stroke. It has become an essential tool for me, especially since I already have a mat to practice on at home. Ever since I started using it around five months ago, my putting skills have improved significantly.
At first, I thought it would simply tighten up my stroke and help me putt better in a general sense. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how it revolutionized my putting technique. My setup has become rock-solid, and the alignment markings have been instrumental in getting my shoulder, foot alignment, and eye line spot-on. Gone are the days of a handsy or wristy stroke. Now, I can’t imagine practicing without the Wellstroke.
There are three standout reasons why the Wellstroke has made such a difference in my putting game:
Firstly, the 12* arc on the mat provides me with an excellent visual for precisely how my putter head should move, making it easy to trace the putter over it.
Secondly, the amplitude lines have been a game-changer. The five lines on either side of the putter alignment line have allowed me to fine-tune my speed control, touch, and overall stroke, giving me a silky-smooth putting action.
And finally, the putting gates have been invaluable. I had to really focus on my fundamentals to avoid hitting the gates with my putter or the tee gates with the ball. The immediate feedback I get has been instrumental in improving my consistency and precision.
I use the Wellstroke every single day, and it has disciplined and trained my putting stroke. Now, I have the confidence to expect hitting my line during my rounds instead of just hoping for it. The result? I’m holing more putts per round and seeing a noticeable improvement in my overall performance on the greens.
The Wellstroke is undoubtedly the top of my list, and I highly recommend it. If you want to read my full review of the Wellstroke, you can find it here.
Note: I also got the Indoor Tees to use as putting gates because I knew I would be practicing more indoors at home than on the course. They provide instant feedback for balls going offline, making them a valuable addition to my practice routine.
The Putting Stick
The Putting Stick
The Putting Stick: Challenging but effective.
Improve your putting game.
If you decide to invest in The Putting Stick, you might find yourself feeling a tad frustrated initially, and yes, you might even hold a hint of resentment towards me. However, I urge you to stick with it, as over time, that resentment will wane, and your appreciation for its benefits will grow.
I’ll admit that even I don’t always enjoy using it, but the truth is, The Putting Stick is a demanding yet effective training tool. Rolling the ball all the way down its length requires a near-perfect stroke, leaving no room for errors. Anything less than perfection won’t cut it.
Personally, I’ve managed to achieve an impressive streak of 5 and 7 consecutive successful putts. The more you work with The Putting Stick, the more intuitive your putting stroke becomes, and you’ll naturally figure out how to roll putts straight and true, reflecting on the greens.
A testament to its efficacy is the endorsement of Nick Faldo, a prominent figure in golf, who frequently features The Putting Stick in “The Faldo Formula.”
This seemingly simple tool is a 1-inch wide, 48-inch long ruler equipped with an alignment mirror and a level, ensuring the ball remains on track with a well-executed stroke.
The Putting Stick is tailored for golfers who are truly dedicated to improving their putting game. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity; master this training aid, and you’ll undoubtedly witness an improvement in your putting skills. So, embrace the challenge, and watch your putting game reach new heights.
Why Do You Need A Putting Aid?
Why invest in one of the best putting aids available? Well, putting is a crucial aspect of the game that can be practiced virtually anywhere, making a reliable putting aid one of the most valuable golf accessories you can consider purchasing.
The range of putting aids available caters to various needs, whether it’s improving feel, stroke, swing path, grip, or building confidence on the greens. A better putter often means a lower handicap, and sinking a well-executed putt is undoubtedly one of the most satisfying moments in golf. So, when exploring putting aids, it’s essential to consider what aspects of your putting game you want to enhance.
If you’re considering a putting mat, you might ask yourself if you prefer a mat with a hole at the end to simulate holing putts or a flat mat to work on your stroke and pace control. Alternatively, a putting mirror can provide valuable insights into your stroke mechanics.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of what we believe are some of the best putting aids available. These aids are not only effective but also conveniently portable, allowing you to practice your putting game anywhere, anytime. With just a spare 10 minutes, you can step out and work on your skills.
For more comprehensive buying guides on putting and practice, be sure to explore our articles on the most forgiving putters and the best golf training aids. Elevate your putting game and watch your overall performance on the greens reach new heights.
Types of Putting Training Aids
Alignment Putting Aids
Investing in a putting alignment aid is crucial for improving your putting game. Being able to aim and align accurately is essential for sinking more putts.
The best alignment putting aids help you consistently strike the center of the putter face and visualize the correct line for your golf ball, leading to a significant improvement in your short game.
Practicing with alignment aids allows you to putt with intention and receive valuable feedback with each stroke.
Arc Putting Aids
Developing the perfect putting arc is essential for keeping the clubface square on impact. Since your feet are fixed on one side of the ball in golf, swinging with a slight arc is more natural and effective.
Arc putting aids help you train your stroke to follow the proper arc, ensuring solid and accurate putts every time you address the ball.
Golf Putting Mats
To improve your putting game, regular practice is vital. While hitting the practice green at your course is ideal, it’s not always feasible. Investing in a quality golf putting mat is a great alternative.
It allows you to practice your putting skills at home with far better results than putting on your carpet. With a putting mat, you can focus on building confidence, saving strokes, and improving your score.
It’s a convenient and effective way to enhance your putting game without leaving the comfort of your home.
How We Test Putting Aids
At …, our testing approach follows a strong ethos of thoroughness and transparency. We believe in providing you with the most accurate and informed insights into the quality of products we review. To achieve this, we diligently use the products in the intended settings, whether it’s on the golf course or practice areas for training and putting aids. This hands-on approach allows us to assess the products’ performance, validate the manufacturers’ claims, and understand how they perform in real-world scenarios.
It’s important to emphasize that our reviews are unbiased and honest. We don’t accept payment from manufacturers for positive reviews. Our team tells it like it is, ensuring you get reliable and authentic assessments to make informed decisions about golf gear and accessories.
Frequently Ask Question
What putting aids do the pros use?
During our time on Tour, we’ve observed professional golfers utilizing a wide range of putting aids. From simple tools like tees and alignment sticks to more sophisticated equipment like putting mirrors and mats, they have a diverse array of tools to enhance their putting skills.
It’s not uncommon to find some pros even setting up practice greens in their homes for dedicated putting practice. The commitment to refining their putting techniques is a testament to the importance they place on this crucial aspect of the game.
How do you practice putting in golf?
In the realm of putting practice, the options are abundant, as different elements of putting demand distinct approaches. The ideal choice depends entirely on your specific goals. For honing your stroke mechanics, a plane device or mirror can be invaluable.
On the other hand, if you aim to refine your feel and performance through engaging games, an aid with a hole will suit your needs.
Furthermore, there are aids tailored to enhance alignment, pace control, posture, and other crucial aspects of putting. Ultimately, the best putting practice aid will align with your individual objectives on the greens.
Which putting mirror is best?
PuttOUT Devil Balls get my top vote without a doubt.
Are putting mirrors worth it?
Absolutely, they’re incredibly helpful for getting your alignment dialed in.
What putting tools do the pros use?
Putting mirrors are a common sight at tour events, and a reliable putting mat is always part of their toolkit. Let’s not overlook the effectiveness of practicing putting under a string or using chalk lines on the green as well. These tools are invaluable for improving a golfer’s putting performance.
What is the perfect putting arc?
The perfect putting arc can vary from person to person, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
For me, I personally prefer the slight 12-degree arc of my Wellstroke, but it may differ for others based on their individual preferences and putting style.
What do putting gates do?
Putting aids like mirrors and training mats are excellent tools as they help you stay focused and putt on your intended line.
By providing visual cues and alignment guides, these aids encourage you to develop better stroke mechanics and improve your accuracy on the greens.
Should I putt with an arc?
Absolutely, it’s completely natural for golfers to putt on a slight arc, even if they try to putt straight back and through. Due to the physics and setup of the golf swing, a slight arc in the putting stroke is inevitable.
Embracing this natural arc and using putting aids that complement it can lead to more consistent and effective putting performance.
Should you putt straight back straight through?
While it’s okay to rely on your feel while putting, it’s essential to remember that it might not reflect the reality of your stroke. Often, when golfers try to manipulate their putting stroke too much, it can lead to inconsistencies.
It’s crucial to understand that the body tends to naturally follow a slight arc when putting, and embracing this natural motion can lead to a more consistent and effective stroke on the greens.
Are putting aids worth it?
Absolutely, using putting aids can significantly improve your putting skills. Whether you’re working on alignment, stroke mechanics, or pace control, these aids provide valuable feedback and help you develop a more reliable and confident putting game.
So, if you’re serious about enhancing your putting performance, incorporating these aids into your practice routine is a smart choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the quest for improving your putting game is a journey well-supported by the array of available putting aids. Whether you’re seeking to refine your stroke, enhance accuracy, or master green reading, the best putting aids can be a game-changer in elevating your performance on the greens.
