Rail and Stroke Length Drill

Set the pathpal at a 70-degree angle and rest the putter against the rod, letting it slide along the rail during your stroke. The rail keeps your putter traveling down the line — preventing it from getting too far inside or outside on the backswing and follow-through. Cody Carter uses this as a foundational putting path drill at Druid Hills Golf Club, and it works equally well indoors or on a practice green.

Most instructors teach an equal back, equal through pendulum stroke — but Cody disagrees. He describes the putting stroke as more like a Newton's Cradle: you bring the putter back a deliberate distance, let it fall into the ball with gravity and momentum rather than active acceleration, and allow the putter to naturally slow after impact as energy transfers to the ball. The result is a follow-through that's slightly shorter than the backswing — not because you're decelerating, but because energy has left the putter. This produces a more controlled, consistent roll than an actively accelerated stroke.

Distance control in putting is primarily a function of backswing length, not how hard you hit the ball. Cody uses the hash marks on the pathpal to calibrate exactly how far back to bring the putter for different distance putts, then lets the putter coast through rather than forcing acceleration. By practicing specific backswing lengths tied to specific distances, you build a measurable, repeatable reference system — instead of guessing at feel under pressure.

Not according to Cody Carter. He specifically says he dislikes seeing a "crazy amount of acceleration" in the follow-through. When you let the putter fall into the ball and allow momentum to do the work, the follow-through will naturally be slightly shorter than the backswing — because energy has transferred to the ball and the putter is slowing. Golfers who force a long follow-through are typically adding unwanted acceleration that creates inconsistent distance control.

Absolutely — and it's one of the best indoor putting drills available. The pathpal sits flat on any surface, the rail function works on carpet or a putting mat, and the hash marks for stroke length calibration don't require a hole or specific green conditions. Cody specifically describes this as a "very versatile tool you can use for anything," and the combination of path feedback and stroke length calibration makes it a complete putting practice session in a single setup.