Which factor will most affect the direction of a putt?

The lie angle of the putter is crucial in determining the direction of a putt because it affects how the clubface aligns at impact. When a putter is designed, the lie angle is set to ensure that the club rests correctly on the ground when the golfer assumes their stance. If the lie angle is too upright or too flat for an individual’s setup, it can cause the clubface to be misaligned at impact, leading to an offline putt.

A proper lie angle allows the putter's face to point down the intended line at impact, promoting a straighter roll of the ball toward the target. When the putter strikes the ball at an optimal lie angle, the ball leaves the face with the intended initial direction, increasing the golfer's chances of making the putt.

Other factors, though they can influence putting performance and outcomes, do not have as direct an impact on the initial direction of the putt as lie angle. Grip pressure can influence feel and control but doesn’t fundamentally change the alignment of the putter. Ball position can affect the angle of attack and contact point but is often secondary to how the lie angle points the face at impact. The striking point can affect distance and roll but is not the primary factor