Get a more consistent putting stroke for less than $20 with Tony Finau’s bizarre training aid
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Tony Finau was spotted using a funky training aid at The Open – but what is it and how can it help you?
We’ve all struggled on the greens at some point in our golfing careers, but is there a worse time to be struggling with the flat stick than when you’re trying to prepare for The Open? Well, that’s exactly the case for Tony Finau, who’s employed a bizarre putting drill to try and get his putting back on track.
The putting drill might not be unfamiliar to everyone, but it certainly doesn’t look conventional. Neither does it look like the putting drill you’d be going to if you think you’re putting is in a good place.
That’s exactly the case for Tony Finau this season, who, going into the 153rd Open, sits at 137th on the PGA Tour for strokes gained putting (-7.229). The American certainly needs all the help he can get if he wants to lift the Claret Jug at Royal Portrush. So, how exactly does this unusual putting drill help?
The chopstick putting drill is most commonly seen with two alignment sticks – one placed under each arm – and they cross beneath the putter grip. However, Finau has a neat contraption, so he doesn’t have to spend time tying two alignment sticks together with an elastic band.


The chopstick drill helps to create a more connected and stable arm and torso motion while minimizing unwanted wrist action. The drill encourages a more pendulum-like putting motion, leading to more consistent strikes.
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Finau has never been regarded as one of the best putters of the golf ball, and he clearly feels as though it’s time to work on his putting because it could help him earn a spot on the USA Team at the upcoming Ryder Cup.
Maybe this drill isn’t as bizarre as it first seems. Certainly, if Finau is crowned the Champion Golfer of the Year come Sunday, I know who’ll be having the last laugh!