Putting is all about consistency and confidence. Consistency comes from establishing a “set routine” and following it each time you putt. Do the same thing each time before you putt. 
Confidence comes with making a couple of putts early in the round, especially those pesky 2- to 6-footers.
Here’s a couple of things to consider when establishing a routine: Just always mark your ball from behind the ball. If you get behind the ball you can more easily see the “intended line” or break of the putt.

Photos provided Lining up the ball by giving it careful observation, and then listening to it drop will help get in correct putting position.

Next, line the name of the ball (Titleist, Pinnacle, Top Flight, etc.) in line with where you think the ball will break. Then set the line mark on your putter directly in line with the name of the ball (the putter head will be perpendicular to the name on the ball.
Take your stance and set up with your ball directly across from the logo on your golf shirt (well forward of the center of your body). Place your left eye (for right handed golfers) directly over the ball. A good check to see if your left eye is directly over the ball is to take a ball and put it up to your eye, drop it, if it lands on top of the ball on the ground, you are in the correct position over the ball.
When you are “set up” correctly, turn your head so that you draw an imaginary line from your ball to the intended line and draw an imaginary line back to the ball. The more you can visualize the imaginary line, the more likely you will make the putt.
The last thing you want to do is to “listen” for the ball to go in the hole. Don’t look up to see the ball – keep your head still and listen for it to drop in the bottom of the cup. The concept of listening instead of looking keeps your entire body stable and still throughout the stroke.
To summarize, establish a routine and listen for the ball to “go in the hole.”

• Dale Crafton is the owner and instructor at Cozy Acres Golf Complex, 4040 Old State Rd. 62, Madison, Ind. Call him at (812) 273-3137.