Golf tip: When it comes to good putting, the eyes have it
There are many theories regarding the placement of the eyes in relation to the ball while putting. One thing we all seem to agree on is that good putters don't have their eyes past the ball. In my teaching, I have come to settle on positioning the eyes over the inside edge of the ball as the best way to go, while setting them just inside the ball is acceptable too.
Some other ways to think about this is when you throw darts or shoot pool. When throwing darts, the eyes are in alignment to the bull's-eye. Similarly, when shooting pool, the eyes are over the top of the cue. Common sense follows that you should set your eyes as close to the line as you can in all precise-alignment sports - and putting is certainly one.
A very easy way to see where your eyes align in relation to the ball is to set up where you think your eyes are aligned over or to the inside edge of the ball and drop another ball down from your trail eye. When you observe where the dropped ball hits the ground, you will be able to see exactly where your eyes are in relation to the ball you are about to putt. You may be surprised where your eyes actually are.
What is equally important to me is not just that a player's eyes are positioned correctly over the ball, but how they get there. When you observe the way the best putters position their eyes over the ball, you will see they tilt forward from the hip joint. This is crucial because it not only sets the eyes in the correct position to the ball, but it leaves room for the hands and arms to swing the putter underneath the body.
One way to position yourself this way is to line yourself up for a putt and place the shaft of your putter on your hip joint. Once the putter shaft is on your hip joint, tilt your chest forward from the hips toward the ground. With this setup, your eyes are in the best position to align the putter while the arms and shoulders are left clear to move the putter back and forth during the stroke. Not only will you be able to see and align the putter head, but you will be able to move the putter back and forth under your body while staying still.
Try these tips the next time you practice, and you should see improvement in your putting.
• Todd Sones is a PGA professional, Top 100 Golf magazine teacher, the 2019 Horton Smith Award Winner and owns the Impact Golf/Scoring Zone Golf Schools at White Deer Run Golf Club in Vernon Hills. His new book "In The Zone" is available on Amazon. Reach him at info@toddsones.com or visit toddsones.com.