Phil Kenyon putting string drill practice is built around one simple idea: if you cannot start the ball on your intended line, it does not matter how good your stroke looks. The ball has to begin on the correct start line before speed control and green reading can matter.
The elevated string drill gives you a visual truth line. You set a string above the ball, aim it at your start point, square the putter face perpendicular to that line, and roll putts directly underneath it. If the ball starts left, right, or wobbles outside the string’s shadow, your face aim, stroke path, contact, or perception is off.
This is why the drill is so valuable for home putting practice and practice-green sessions. It does not require a $200 gadget. It requires a straight reference, a clean setup, and honest feedback. The string tells you whether the ball started where you intended.
If you need the broader buyer guide first, read golf putting alignment string. If you already want product options, use best putting string line kits. This page focuses on the drill system: elevated string, T-square setup, putter-face calibration, gate feedback, and transfer reps.
Quick Verdict: What the Phil Kenyon String Line Drill Fixes
Best for: Golfers who miss short putts, push or pull putts, struggle with start line, or feel like straight putts look crooked at address.
Best drill setup: Use an elevated putting string 6 to 10 inches above the ground, a putter-face T-square reference, and a gate 12 to 18 inches in front of the ball.
Best skill trained: Start-line calibration. The goal is to roll the ball directly under the string without the ball jumping left, right, or wobbling off the line.
Best practice distance: Start with three-foot to six-foot putts before moving to longer straight putts or breaking putts.
Best supporting tool: A putting mirror helps you check eye position and shoulder alignment while the string confirms the target line.
Best warning: Do not become dependent on the string. Every session should finish with normal putts after the string is removed.
Tools for the Phil Kenyon Putting String Drill
| Tool | Best For | Main Benefit | Watch Out For | See Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elevated putting string line kit | True start-line reference | Lets the ball roll directly under the target line | Needs stable stakes and tight string | Amazon |
| Putting mirror | Eye position and shoulder alignment | Shows whether your setup matches the line | Does not replace the elevated target line | Amazon |
| Putting gate | Start-line proof | Confirms whether the ball begins on line | Too narrow too soon can cause steering | Amazon |
| Ball line marker | On-course transfer | Connects string practice to your real pre-putt routine | Only helps if aimed correctly from behind the ball | Amazon |
| Indoor putting mat | Home putting drills | Lets you repeat the drill without visiting a practice green | Mat lines can hide real green-reading issues | Amazon |
| Bright string and small stakes | DIY setup | Cheapest way to test the concept | String sag and weak anchoring reduce feedback | Amazon |
How TopGolfe Evaluates Putting String Drills
When we evaluate a putting string drill, we look at whether it gives clear start-line feedback without making the golfer robotic. A useful drill should show where the ball starts, whether the putter face is square, and whether the golfer can transfer the feeling after the training aid is removed.
The elevated string method is valuable because it separates start line from guesswork. A golfer may feel like the putter is aimed correctly, but the ball either begins under the string or it does not. That immediate feedback makes the drill useful for short putts, indoor practice, and tournament warmups.
This page should work with your existing putting cluster. Use golf putting alignment string for the authority/buyer angle, string line putting drills for additional practice variations, and how to use a putting mirror when the golfer’s eye position is part of the problem.
Best Tools for the Phil Kenyon Putting String Drill
The drill can be done with a simple DIY string, but the right tools make it easier to repeat. Start with an elevated string line. Add a mirror if you need eye-position feedback. Add a gate when you want proof that the ball starts on line. Add a ball line marker when you want the drill to transfer to the course.
1. Elevated Putting String Line Kit
Best for: Golfers who want the cleanest setup for start-line calibration on a practice green or putting mat.
An elevated putting string line kit is the main tool for this drill. The string sits above the ball and creates a straight visual path from the ball to the start point. The golfer rolls the ball underneath the string and watches whether it stays on the intended line.
The best kits have stable rods or stakes, visible string, easy height adjustment, and enough tension that the string does not sag. A loose string creates a false reference. A tight, visible string makes the drill much more useful.
This tool is especially strong for short putts because face angle matters so much. If the face is one degree open or closed at impact, a short putt can miss even when the stroke felt good. The string makes that start-line error easier to see.
Use this as your main practice station. Then add a mirror or gate only when you need more specific feedback. If you want a broader product comparison, use best putting string line kits.
Pros
- Best tool for true start-line feedback.
- Lets the ball roll directly underneath the target line.
- Useful for short putts and face-aim practice.
- Helps reveal push and pull patterns quickly.
- Pairs well with putting mirrors and gates.
- Usually much cheaper than advanced putting technology.
Cons
- Takes more setup than a mirror.
- Can be affected by wind outdoors.
- Weak stakes or loose string reduce accuracy.
- Not ideal if you have no way to anchor it indoors.
- Does not directly show shoulder alignment.
- Needs transfer reps without the string.
Buy it if: You want the most direct tool for practicing start line and rolling the ball under a true visual reference.
Avoid it if: You only practice in tiny indoor spaces where an elevated string cannot be anchored safely.
2. Putting Mirror for Eye Position
Best for: Golfers who need to connect the string line with correct eye position, shoulder alignment, and head setup.
A putting mirror is the best partner for the elevated string drill. The string shows the target line. The mirror shows where your eyes, shoulders, and putter face are relative to that line.
This matters because many golfers blame the stroke when the real issue is setup perception. If your eyes sit too far inside or outside the line, the string can look crooked even when it is straight. The mirror helps you test different eye positions until the line looks more reliable.
Place the mirror under the ball, then set the string above the intended line. Now you can check both pieces: your setup on the mirror and the ball’s start line under the string.
For mirror-specific comparisons, read PuttOut vs EyeLine putting mirror, PuttOut putting mirror review, and EyeLine vs Back 2 Basics vs PuttOut.
Pros
- Excellent for eye-position feedback.
- Helps check shoulders and head alignment.
- Pairs perfectly with a putting string line.
- Works indoors and outdoors.
- Useful for dominant-eye testing.
- Helps diagnose setup problems before blaming the stroke.
Cons
- Does not create the elevated target line by itself.
- Can scratch or glare in bright light.
- May make golfers too setup-focused if overused.
- Needs a flat surface.
- Some mirrors are too small for full feedback.
- Still needs start-line proof from the ball roll.
Buy it if: You want to know whether your eyes and shoulders match the line you are seeing under the string.
Avoid it if: Your setup is already consistent and you only need start-line feedback.
3. Putting Gate for Start-Line Proof
Best for: Golfers who want clear proof that the ball is actually starting on the intended line.
A putting gate turns the string drill into a test. The string shows the line, but the gate confirms whether the ball starts on that line. If the ball clips the gate, the face, path, or contact was not good enough.
Place the gate 12 to 18 inches in front of the ball, directly under the string. Start with a wider gate so the drill builds confidence. As your start line improves, narrow the gate slightly.
Do not make the gate too hard too quickly. A gate that is too narrow can make you steer the putter and lose natural roll. The goal is feedback, not fear.
If you practice on grass, two tees can work as a simple gate. Indoors, a dedicated putting gate is cleaner and easier to repeat.
Pros
- Confirms the ball’s start direction.
- Pairs extremely well with an elevated string.
- Can be adjusted from easy to difficult.
- Works with tee gates outdoors.
- Useful for short-putt pressure practice.
- Reveals face-control errors quickly.
Cons
- Too narrow too soon can cause steering.
- Does not show eye position by itself.
- Indoor use may need a dedicated gate tool.
- Can frustrate beginners if overused.
- Does not teach speed control alone.
- Needs transfer reps without the gate.
Buy it if: You want your string-line drill to show not just where the line is, but whether the ball actually starts there.
Avoid it if: You are still learning basic face aim and need a less demanding drill first.
4. Golf Ball Line Marker for Transfer
Best for: Golfers who want to take the string-line start-line habit onto the course.
The string is a practice aid. A ball line marker is a transfer aid. Once the string teaches you what a true start line looks like, a clean line on the ball helps you recreate that routine during a round.
Use the ball line during the drill by aligning it directly under the string. Then stand behind the ball and check whether the line actually points at the start point. This teaches you to aim the ball from behind instead of adjusting only from address.
The warning is that a ball line only helps if it is aimed correctly. A perfectly drawn line pointed at the wrong target can make you more committed to a bad aim. The string helps calibrate that visual routine.
For more transfer tools, read best golf ball line marker, best golf ball line makers, does line on golf ball help, and how to make Triple Track line.
Pros
- Helps transfer string-line practice to the course.
- Low-cost and easy to keep in the golf bag.
- Works with many pre-putt routines.
- Good for short-putt confidence.
- Pairs well with mirror and gate drills.
- Useful for checking face aim at address.
Cons
- A poorly aimed line can hurt confidence.
- Some golfers find ball lines distracting.
- Thick marker lines can look messy.
- Requires a good marker pen.
- Does not replace green reading.
- Can slow your routine if overdone.
Buy it if: You want to carry the same start-line discipline from practice to real rounds.
Avoid it if: You prefer spot putting with no visible ball line and find alignment marks distracting.
5. Indoor Putting Mat with Alignment Lines
Best for: Golfers who want to practice the elevated string drill at home or repeat start-line drills daily.
An indoor putting mat is not required for the Phil Kenyon-style string drill, but it makes practice more convenient. If you can anchor the string above the mat, you can create a repeatable home putting station for short start-line work.
The advantage is repetition. You can practice three-foot, four-foot, and six-foot start-line putts without going to a practice green. That is valuable because putting improvement usually comes from frequent, focused reps.
The limitation is realism. Indoor mats are usually flatter and more predictable than real greens. A mat can train start line, but it cannot fully replace speed control, grain, slope, and green reading outdoors.
For related home-practice tools, compare SKLZ vs Callaway putting cup, best office golf putting cups, and PuttOut putting plane alignment stick set.
Pros
- Makes daily putting practice easier.
- Useful for home and office reps.
- Can support elevated string practice indoors.
- Good for three-foot to six-foot start-line drills.
- Pairs with mirrors and ball line markers.
- Helps build confidence through repetition.
Cons
- Does not fully copy real green conditions.
- Printed lines can make aim too easy.
- May develop roll grooves over time.
- Requires space at home.
- String anchoring can be tricky indoors.
- Still needs outdoor transfer practice.
Buy it if: You want a home station for daily string-line and start-line practice.
Avoid it if: You already practice on real greens often and only need an outdoor string-line kit.
6. DIY Elevated Putting String Setup
Best for: Budget golfers who want to test the drill before buying a finished string-line kit.
A DIY elevated string setup can work if the string is visible, tight, and stable. You can use two small stakes, bright string, and a simple storage pouch. The goal is to create a straight visual reference that the ball can roll underneath.
Use a bright string that contrasts with the grass or mat. White, yellow, orange, or neon green can work. Avoid string that stretches too much or sags in the middle.
The DIY route is cheapest, but it can be less convenient. If the stakes wobble, the string height changes, or the line takes too long to set up, you may stop using it. A finished kit is often worth it if you practice this drill regularly.
DIY is best as a test. Once you know the drill helps your start line, upgrade to a proper kit if you want cleaner setup and storage.
Pros
- Cheapest way to test string-line putting.
- Easy to build with simple materials.
- Can be customized for length and color.
- Good for backyard and practice-green sessions.
- Teaches the same basic start-line concept.
- Useful before buying a premium kit.
Cons
- Less stable than many finished kits.
- String can sag if the setup is weak.
- Stakes may be awkward to carry.
- Indoor anchoring can be difficult.
- Can look messy if built poorly.
- Requires more adjustment before each session.
Buy it if: You want the lowest-cost way to try elevated string-line practice.
Avoid it if: You want a clean, portable, ready-to-use putting string kit.
What Is the T-Square Setup in the Phil Kenyon String Drill?
The T-square setup is the calibration step that makes the drill more precise. The string creates the long target line. The putter face creates the perpendicular cross line. Together, they form a “T” shape.
Place the putter under the string as if you are about to putt. The face should sit perfectly square to the string, not slightly open or closed. When the putter face is perpendicular to the target line, you can use that face line as a reference for setup and aim.
The purpose is not to make practice look complicated. The purpose is to remove hidden face-angle errors. Many golfers think the putter face is square until a true line proves otherwise.
If you use a putting mirror, the mirror can help you see whether your shoulders and eyes also match the T-square relationship. If the putter face is square but your shoulders are aimed left or right, you may still start the ball offline.
How High Should the Elevated String Be?
A useful range is roughly 6 to 10 inches above the ground. The string needs to be high enough for the ball to roll underneath and low enough that it still feels connected to the ball, putter face, and target line.
If the string is too low, the ball or putter may hit it. If the string is too high, it becomes less useful as a precise visual reference. The best height lets you see the ball roll directly under the string without interference.
On an outdoor practice green, two stakes usually make this easy. Indoors, you may need a mat-friendly anchor, books, small stands, or a finished string kit designed for practice surfaces.
Keep the string tight. Sag creates a curved visual line, and a curved visual line defeats the purpose of start-line calibration.
Step-by-Step: Phil Kenyon Putting String Drill
- Find a straight putt first. Start on a flat three-foot to six-foot putt before adding break.
- Set your start line. Choose the exact line you want the ball to begin on.
- Place the first stake behind the ball. The string should run over the center of the ball or directly above the intended roll line.
- Place the second stake near the hole or start point. Tighten the string so it forms a clean line.
- Raise the string 6 to 10 inches. The ball should roll underneath without touching it.
- Square the putter face under the string. The face should be perpendicular to the target line, creating the T-square setup.
- Check your eyes. Notice whether the string looks straight or crooked from address.
- Roll five putts slowly. Watch the first 12 to 18 inches of roll, not just whether the ball goes in.
- Add a gate if needed. Place the gate under the string to confirm start direction.
- Remove the string for transfer reps. Finish with normal putts using the same visual routine.
The most important feedback happens early. A putt that starts outside the string’s shadow did not begin on the intended line. That does not automatically mean the whole stroke is broken, but it does tell you to check face aim, contact, eye position, and path.
What to Watch for as the Ball Rolls Under the String
If the ball starts left: The face may be closed, the path may be moving left, or the strike may be toward the toe depending on your putter and stroke.
If the ball starts right: The face may be open, the path may be moving right, or the strike may be toward the heel.
If the ball wobbles: The putter face may not be square, contact may be inconsistent, or your ball line may not be aimed cleanly.
If the ball starts online but misses: The line may be aimed wrong, the green may have more break than expected, or the speed may not match the read.
If the string looks crooked at address: Your eye position or dominant-eye perception may not match the true line. Use a mirror to test eye position before changing your stroke.
Dominant Eye: Why the String Can Look Crooked
One reason this drill is powerful is that it reveals perception problems. A straight string may not look straight from your putting posture. That can happen because of dominant eye, eye position, head tilt, distance from the ball, or shoulder alignment.
Do not panic if the line looks strange at first. Move your eyes slightly inside the line, over the line, and outside the line. Notice where the true line looks most reliable and where your stroke starts the ball most consistently.
The goal is not to force every golfer into one perfect eye position. Some golfers putt better with eyes slightly inside the line. The goal is to find the setup where your perception and start-line results match.
This is where a putting mirror becomes valuable. The string tells you the true line. The mirror shows where your eyes are. Together, they turn a vague “I can’t aim” problem into something you can actually test.
15-Minute Home Putting Drill Plan
This short session works well on an indoor mat or a flat practice-green section. Keep it focused. The goal is not to hit hundreds of putts. The goal is to calibrate the start line.
- Minutes 1–2: Set the elevated string and confirm the T-square face relationship.
- Minutes 3–5: Roll 10 three-foot putts under the string.
- Minutes 6–8: Roll 10 five-foot putts under the string.
- Minutes 9–10: Add a gate 12 to 18 inches in front of the ball.
- Minutes 11–12: Use a ball line marker and aim the ball line under the string.
- Minutes 13–14: Remove the string and repeat the same routine normally.
- Minute 15: Hit three putts with full routine and no aid.
The final no-aid reps matter. If you only putt under the string, you get good at using the string. If you finish without it, you begin turning the drill into a real putting skill.
The T-Square Face Calibration Drill
This is the most technical version of the drill. It teaches the putter face to match the string before you worry about stroke mechanics.
- Set the elevated string on a straight putt.
- Place the putter face under the string without the ball.
- Make the face exactly perpendicular to the string.
- Notice what square looks like from address.
- Place the ball under the string.
- Set the face again using the same square picture.
- Roll the putt and watch the start line.
- Repeat until square begins to look familiar.
This drill is especially useful for golfers who aim the face poorly but do not realize it. A player can make a good stroke with a badly aimed face and still miss. The T-square setup isolates that issue.
The Gate-Under-String Drill
The gate-under-string drill adds start-line proof. Set the string over the ball and place a gate 12 to 18 inches in front of the ball. The gate should sit directly under the string.
Roll the ball through the gate without touching either side. Start with a gate that is wider than the ball by a comfortable margin. As your start line improves, narrow the gate.
If the ball misses the gate, do not immediately change five things. First check face aim. Then contact. Then eye position. Then path. The string and gate are diagnostic tools, not reasons to rebuild your stroke after one miss.
For golfers who like structured putting stations, this drill pairs well with PuttOut putting plane alignment stick set because both tools create visual boundaries around the stroke and start line.
How to Use the String on Breaking Putts
Do not start with breaking putts. Start on a straight putt so you can learn what online roll looks like. Once you can start the ball under the string repeatedly, move the string to your chosen start line on a breaking putt.
On a breaking putt, the string should not always aim at the hole. It should aim at the start point. That is a critical difference. If the putt breaks right to left, the string may aim outside the right edge. Your job is to start the ball on that line with the correct speed.
This makes the drill useful for green reading. If the ball starts correctly under the string but misses, your read or speed may be wrong. If the ball does not start under the string, your stroke or aim needs work before you blame the read.
String Line vs Putting Mirror: Which Drill Comes First?
Use the string first if your ball does not start on line. Use the mirror first if you do not know where your eyes, shoulders, or head are at address.
String first: You miss short putts left or right, push or pull putts, or feel unsure about face aim.
Mirror first: You struggle with eye position, shoulder line, head movement, or setup consistency.
Both together: You want the strongest technical station. The mirror checks the golfer. The string checks the line. The gate checks the ball.
If your setup is the problem, the mirror will show it. If your perception of the target line is the problem, the string will show it. If your start direction is the problem, the gate will show it.
Common Mistakes with the Phil Kenyon Putting String Drill
Setting the string on the wrong line. The drill only works if the string is aimed at the correct start point.
Making the string sag. A sagging string creates a false visual reference.
Standing over the ball too long. The drill should clarify aim, not freeze your routine.
Blaming the stroke before checking face aim. Most short-putt misses begin with face angle and start line.
Making the gate too narrow too soon. Confidence matters. Start easy and build precision.
Never practicing without the string. Transfer reps are essential.
Ignoring speed. A ball can start perfectly under the string and still miss if the pace is wrong.
What Not to Buy
Do not buy a flimsy string kit with weak stakes. The line must stay tight and stable.
Do not buy string that is hard to see. Low-contrast string reduces the entire benefit of the drill.
Do not buy a putting mirror as a replacement for the string. A mirror checks setup; the string checks the target line.
Do not buy an expensive putting gadget before testing a string line. A simple string can reveal the start-line problem first.
Do not buy a gate that is too punishing for your current skill. Start wider and narrow the gate later.
Do not buy only a ball line marker and skip practice. A marked ball helps only after you learn how to aim the line correctly.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Putting mirror: Helpful if the string reveals that your eyes or shoulders do not match the line.
Putting gate: Useful once you want stricter start-line proof.
Indoor putting mat: Useful if you want to practice the drill daily at home.
Ball line marker: Helpful for transferring string practice to on-course putting.
Marker pen: Needed if your ball line marker kit does not include a clean, durable pen.
Replacement string: Outdoor use can stretch, fray, or dirty the string over time.
Storage pouch: Small stakes and string pieces are easy to lose in a golf bag.
Who Should Use This Drill?
Use it if you miss short putts. The drill gives immediate start-line feedback from three to six feet.
Use it if you push or pull putts. The ball either starts under the string or it does not.
Use it if straight putts look crooked. The string can expose eye-line and perception issues.
Use it if your putter face aim feels unreliable. The T-square setup teaches what square looks like.
Use it if you practice at home. A mat-friendly string station can create focused daily reps.
Use it if you want a low-cost putting upgrade. Few tools give this much feedback for the money.
Who Should Skip This Drill?
Skip it if your main problem is speed control. The string is mainly a start-line tool.
Skip it if you refuse setup time. This drill takes more setup than a mirror or mat line.
Skip it if you only practice on tiny indoor surfaces. You may need a putting mirror or mat first.
Skip it if you already start the ball perfectly but misread greens. Green-reading and speed drills may matter more.
Skip it during competitive rounds. This is a practice aid, not an on-course alignment shortcut.
Skip it if it makes you too mechanical. Use it to train the eyes, then remove it and putt naturally.
Simple Buying Recommendation
For most golfers, the best starting point is an elevated putting string line kit. It gives the cleanest start-line feedback and lets you practice the core drill without building a messy DIY setup.
If the string makes the line look crooked from address, add a putting mirror. The string shows the true line; the mirror shows where your eyes and shoulders are.
If you can roll putts under the string but want stricter feedback, add a putting gate. If you want to transfer the routine to the course, add a ball line marker.
If you practice mostly at home, add an indoor putting mat that can support short putt repetition. Then finish every session with no-aid putts so the drill becomes a real putting skill.
Final Verdict: The String Line Drill Calibrates What Your Eyes Think Is Straight
The Phil Kenyon putting string drill works because it gives you a clear visual start line and forces the ball to prove whether your putt began correctly. It is simple, inexpensive, and difficult to fool.
The elevated string shows the line. The T-square setup teaches the putter face to sit perpendicular to that line. The gate proves whether the ball starts where it should. The mirror helps if your eyes and shoulders are confusing your perception.
For golfers who miss short putts, push or pull the ball, or feel uncomfortable over straight putts, this drill is one of the cleanest ways to separate aim, face angle, perception, and start line.
Use the string to calibrate your eyes, then remove it. The goal is not to become dependent on a training aid. The goal is to stand over a normal putt and know what straight actually looks like.
FAQs About the Phil Kenyon Putting String Drill
What is the Phil Kenyon putting string drill?
The Phil Kenyon putting string drill is a start-line practice method that uses an elevated string above the ball to help golfers aim the putter face, calibrate the target line, and roll the ball directly under the intended start line.
How high should the putting string be?
A useful height is usually about 6 to 10 inches above the ground. The ball should roll underneath the string without touching it, and the string should still feel visually connected to the ball and target line.
What is the T-square setup in putting?
The T-square setup means the string creates the long target line and the putter face sits perpendicular to it. This helps the golfer see what a square putter face looks like relative to the start line.
Can I do this putting drill at home?
Yes, you can do it at home if you have an indoor putting mat and a safe way to anchor the string. Many golfers use the drill for three-foot to six-foot start-line practice indoors.
Does a putting string help with pushed and pulled putts?
Yes. If the ball starts outside the string line, you can quickly see whether the putt was pushed or pulled. Then you can check face aim, path, contact, and eye position.
Can the string drill help with dominant-eye problems?
Yes. If a straight string looks crooked from address, your eye position or dominant-eye perception may not match the true line. A putting mirror can help you test different eye positions.
Should I use a putting gate with the string?
A putting gate is useful after you understand the string line. Place the gate 12 to 18 inches in front of the ball under the string to confirm whether the ball starts on line.
Can I use a putting string during a round?
No. A putting string is a practice aid. Use it before or after a round, not during competitive play.