Forced postures and positions rarely help visually. Avoid the concept of optimal.
Find what works best for you.
One of the advantages of applying a systematic approach to putting evaluation is how easily you discover conflicts you might normally miss. For example one has been understanding the influence of alignment and grip orientation on aim.
The first word of warning. Instead of calling this process aim, I will be referring to it as matching the start direction. How do you match all aspects of your putting stroke, to the desired start direction? In this way, we don’t leave your unique targeting strategy out of the conversation.
Rule #1
The start direction must be the only visual reference as you match setup to the desired intention.
Many successful players see the start direction best from an open or closed body alignment. Putter and body alignment are independent. We have several ways to help you see the task more accurately, but start with, “Where do your feet go when the putter matches the start direction?” #Useitdontfixit
Rule #2
Your hands influence your ability to match the start direction as much as your eyes.
Maybe more. A key fitting protocol is to ensure that what feels square in your hands also looks square on the ground. They must match. That is one of many reasons we recommend using a round grip, with no reminder. Much easier to match what feels square to what you see as square. And this leads us to…
Rule #3
If you are having trouble matching the setup to the start direction, start with the orientation of your hands on the putter. Your eyes are more easily fooled than your feel. Try this experiment. Match the set up with your putter to the start direction. Then close your eyes. Imagine where the start line is in your head. Do you feel comfortable? If not move. Then compare the eyes closed position with the eyes open position. Then ask yourself why there might have been a difference. I think you will find the feel in the hands is the issue.