Every golfer knows the sting of a short putt that should have dropped. You line it up, you feel good over the ball, and then it slides by. What if part of the problem isn't your stroke at all, but what your eyes and brain believe is possible?
That's the idea behind the Big Ball Putting Trainer, and it was recently put to the test in a detailed hands-on review by Paul Liberatore of Golfer's Authority. All credit for that review and its findings belongs to Paul, and you can read his full write-up here: Big Ball Golf Putting Trainer Review on Golfer's Authority. Liberatore admitted going in as a skeptic, expecting a novelty, and came out a believer.
The trick is perception, not mechanics
As Liberatore explains in his review, the Big Ball is noticeably larger than a regulation golf ball. Because the ball is bigger, the hole looks smaller relative to it during practice, forcing you to be more precise. Then, when you switch back to a normal ball, the cup suddenly looks generous and inviting. It's a confidence reset for your short game.
Slightly heavier, with a realistic roll
Here's a detail that makes a real difference: the Big Ball is just slightly heavier than a regulation golf ball. That extra bit of weight encourages you to accelerate through the putting stroke rather than decelerate into it, which is one of the most common causes of missed short putts. Despite the added weight, it still rolls just like a normal ball, so the tempo and distance feedback stay true to life.
A simple routine that works
Liberatore's review highlighted a straightforward drill: around 25 short putts, three to four times a week, always finishing the session with a standard ball so your eyes recalibrate. Over about five weeks, he reported a real jump in short-putt confidence and make percentage.
Be honest about what it is
This isn't a fix for a mechanical stroke flaw, alignment, or long-range lag putting, and you'll need access to a real putting green with a hole. But with a single ball starting at less than $15, no setup, and pocket-sized portability, it's an easy tool to keep in your bag.
The verdict from Liberatore's review was clear: not for everyone, but a genuinely useful confidence-builder for anyone battling the short putts. Sometimes the simplest ideas roll the truest.
Ready to reset your short-game confidence? Shop the Big Ball Putting Trainer today — single balls start under $15, and you can stack code BB626 for 10% off.