Start Line & Rise Angle Putting Drill

Control Your Putter Face and Achieve Optimal Rise Angle for Consistent Putts

Config: Split
Focus: Putting

Drill Objective

This drill uses the pathpal to provide immediate feedback on both your putter face at impact (controlling start line) and your rise angle through the ball, promoting a slight upward strike for better roll.

Set-Up

  1. Position the pathpal: Place the pathpal flat on the putting green, directly on your target line.
  2. Create the Gap: Position the pathpal so that there's just enough of a small gap between its front edge and your golf ball for the ball to fit through comfortably. The pathpal should be approximately 6-7 inches in front of the ball.
  3. Assume Address: Take your normal putting address position over the ball, with the pathpal directly in front, acting as a gate.

Instructions

  1. Start Line Focus: As you make your putting stroke, concentrate on striking the ball with a square club face.The goal is to have the ball pass cleanly through the gap
  2. Rise Angle Focus: Simultaneously, as you stroke through the ball, aim to feel a slight upward "rise angle.". The putter head should pass just above the pathpal on the follow-through. If you hit the pathpal, it indicates you're hitting down on the ball or "punching" it too much
  3. Begin with relatively short putting strokes, focusing intensely on both the start line and the sensation of the putter rising slightly over the pathpal.

Benefits

Squares club face
Optimizes rise angle
Improves start line
Consistent chipping
David Potts
David Potts
Director of Player Development and Instruction
Country Club of the South
  • 2024-2025: Golf Digest "Best Teachers"
  • 2007, 2008: Golf Digest "Best Teachers in Georgia"
  • 2011: Georgia PGA Assistant Professional of the Year

""Dude this device is absolutely amazing""

Efrim Moore
Efrim Moore Assistant Coach, Moorehouse College

""The reason I like [the pathpal] is because it's super versatile""

Cody Carter
Cody Carter Head of Player Development, Druid Hills Golf Club

""Countless how many applications you can use for it""

Jake Reeves
Jake Reeves Director of Instruction, Fox Den Country club