The same applies for dynamic loft at impact – research into the ideal launch angle of the golf ball using the Quintic Ball Roll system has found that the dynamic loft of the putter at impact ideally needs to be around 1.5º – 2º. So why start at impact with 4º of effective loft and hope to consistently de-loft the putter by 2º at address. These unwanted compensations are very difficult to repeat, especially under pressure.
| Distance | Horizontal Start Direction of the Ball | Range of Ball Start Direction (±8%) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 feet | 2.80° | 2.58° – 3.02° |
| 4 feet | 2.20° | 2.02° – 2.38° |
| 5 feet | 1.90° | 1.75° – 2.05° |
| 6 feet | 1.60° | 1.47° – 1.73° |
| 7 feet | 1.40° | 1.29° – 1.51° |
| 8 feet | 1.20° | 1.10° – 1.30° |
| 9 feet | 1.00° | 0.92°- 1.08° |
| 10 feet | 0.90° | 0.83° – 0.97° |
| 12 feet | 0.75° | 0.69° – 0.81° |
| 15 feet | 0.60° | 0.55° – 0.65° |
There are a number of drills that can be performed using the PH Aim Board (these are explained below in more detail). The key purpose is to provide accurate, instant feedback to the golfer before they hit a putt. The golfer should always say to themselves, am I aiming correctly? Do I have the right amount of effective loft at address? If the answer is yes (the reflection of the laser is in the red box) then start the putting stroke. The aim is to return the putter to the same position at impact. If the ball misses right, for example, but had a good face aim at address, you know the putter has opened somewhere during the stroke. You can then start to address this issue and narrow down the possibilities of the ball missing right.
“95% of top amateurs and PGA professional golfers I have analysed to date display fundamental flaws in their alignment that demand some sort of compensation during the putting stroke. As humans we react to what we think we are seeing! Is it correct?”
Dr Paul Hurrion
Each putt you hit needs a purpose or a consequence… if not, you are wasting your time. Factors such as alignment of the putter face, path of the putter, launch angle, speed, impact location, grip pressure, forward or backwards rotation, hook or cut spin, grain, spike marks, slope and even wind can play a significant part. The question I ask my players is simple – do you know the difference between and a good putt and a poor putt? Without feedback on the putter face aim (±8% range for the start direction), and the launch conditions of each putt, it becomes very difficult to answer this question. Without a shadow of a doubt consistency is key. Focus on a square face at address, impact, strike with your (fitted) putter along an actual straight target line (red laser) and you can start to learn when you’ve hit a good one.
Player’s Focus:To ensure the putter is aiming square is simple! If you think you hole putts by constantly aiming incorrectly, then good luck. The first task is to set up the laser pointing at the golf ball. Once you are happy with your alignment, ask a friend to remove the golf ball. Where is the reflection aiming? Inside or outside the edge of the hole? What about the height of the reflection, remember from 8ft we are looking for the reflection from the mirror to be approx 10cm in the air…
What are your cues to alignment? leading edge, lines, intermediate target? Once you have established good alignment, you can progress onto the horseshoe shaped mirror, which enables you to hit the putt whilst the mirror is still attached. You can’t pull the trigger until the putter is aligned square. We are trying to reduce the number of possibilities for why a golf ball might miss the hole. Putter face alignment must not be allowed to be one of those reasons. Practice, practice, practice…. Can you align the putter based on feel or with your eyes closed? Try it, you might be pleasantly surprised.
What the coach needs to look out for: Consistency at set-up! What does the player use as cues to align the putter? The leading edge, a line on the putter, a dot on the putter? How does the shape of the putter and hozel effect the visual perspective of the player? Why would you use a putter that you can’t align correctly? Check eye position, posture, spine angle, head tilt… is it correct for that player. Remember ±8% of the balls start direction is as a result of the putter face at impact.
Items included with the PH Aim Board:
* Top and bottom sections of the Aim Board – these are connected using the two metal plates.
* Two legs which slot into the bottom half of the Aim Board.
* Ghost Hole to be placed 42cm (16.5 inches) in front of the Aim Board.
* Red line laser (only suitable for indoor use)
* Three types of Mirror; rectangular aim mirror, easier putting mirror with a larger gap on the face, and a putting mirror with a smaller gap on the face (Advanced Level – making sure you are still finding the middle of the putter. i.e.; no toe or heel strikes).
* Adhesive strips to attach the mirrors to the putter face.
PH Aim Board Set-up Instructions
