Master Your Putting Stroke with this Major Champion-Approved Training Aid
Staff Writer

As the Instruction Editor at GOLF, we have the privilege of testing out various training aids to help improve our game, including swing trainers, golf tech, and putting aids. However, our goal is not just personal improvement but also to provide honest reviews of the most effective training aids for golfers of all skill levels. One training aid that we believe every golfer should have in their bag to dial in their stroke on the practice greens is a Putting Alignment Mirror.
It’s one thing to receive a suggestion for a putting mirror from a 15-handicap golfer like ourselves. However, it holds more weight when it comes recommended by a major champion like Brian Harman, who uses it himself to enhance his stroke with the flat stick. Harman, known for his dominant performance on the greens at Royal Liverpool during last year’s Open Championship, where he made an impressive 58 of 59 putts from within 10 feet, attests to the effectiveness of the putting mirror. Such precision is truly remarkable.
In an interview before his major victory, Harman revealed that the putting mirror was his secret weapon for putting excellence. Having the endorsement of a player of his caliber adds credibility to the effectiveness of this training aid.
So, how exactly does a putting mirror work, and why is it crucial to have one for practice? To shed more light on this, we reached out to golf instructor and putting guru Ralph Bauer for insights.
Mirrors are invaluable tools for improving alignment and providing feedback to ensure consistent starting positions. We highly recommend starting practice sessions with a mirror for straight putts, as it helps establish a baseline for the day. Position the putting mirror about six feet away from the hole, aiming it towards the middle of the hole.
When setting up, it is important to ensure that your eyes are slightly inside the middle of the golf ball. While the ideal scenario is to have the eyes directly over the middle of the ball, even a slight mistake of having the eyes on the outside part of the ball can greatly affect the view of the target. The putting mirror helps maintain consistency in eye alignment with the target.
Incorporating a putting mirror also helps in achieving more consistent and correct distances from the golf ball. By using the mirror, it becomes easier to gauge the appropriate distance between your toes and the center of the golf ball. As a general rule, having your toes positioned 8-10 inches from the center of the ball (taking into account your height and comfort level at address) promotes good posture and allows for better control of the stroke through the shoulders.
Lastly, the putting mirror aids in correct ball position, ensuring that it is located in the middle of your stance. Hitting the putt on the upswing is desirable, and having the ball positioned one inch forward from the middle of your stance eliminates the need for any in-stroke adjustments.
If your goal is to improve your scorecard by reducing strokes, enhanced putting is key. Taking Harman’s recommendation and incorporating the use of a putting mirror, such as the one offered by Fairway Jockey, could greatly contribute to refining your stroke and sinking more putts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is a putting mirror?
A putting mirror is a training aid designed to improve alignment and provide feedback for consistent starting positions during putting strokes.
How does a putting mirror help with putting?
A putting mirror helps golfers establish a baseline for their putting strokes by ensuring consistent alignment and eye position. It also aids in maintaining the correct distance from the ball and proper ball position.
Why is a putting mirror recommended by Brian Harman?
Brian Harman, a major champion known for his exceptional putting performance, has endorsed the use of a putting mirror as his secret weapon for putting excellence. This endorsement adds credibility to the effectiveness of the training aid.
Where can I get a putting mirror?
Fairway Jockey offers a putting alignment mirror that is similar to the one used by Brian Harman. A putting mirror is a training aid that helps improve alignment and provide feedback for consistent starting positions during putting strokes. It is recommended by major champion Brian Harman and can be found at Fairway Jockey. The mirror assists with maintaining consistent eye alignment, correct distance from the ball, and proper ball position.
Updated April 8, 2024