Trident Align Ball Marker

This product came across my Instagram feed. It seems to be a new product designed to assist your alignment of the ball when putting. The World's First Adjustable Ball Marker | TRIDENT ALIGNI find it an interesting concept. What do you think?

I think that looks pretty cool.

I'm not sure it's permitted in the rules of golf though?

On the site they say "Discover how to get the most out of your Trident Ball Marker. When practicing or during match play."

But I'm not sure why it'd be ok in Match Play but not in Medal Play...... maybe someone who knows will chime in.

The advert on Facebook said it conforms to the rules.

I’m a sucker. Bought one.

Interesting concept. Will keep an eye on this thread.

How much to your door? Looking forward to your review.

$34.77. If it makes a few putts in my game it pays for itself. That’s my hope anyway.

oy this seems interesting

Purchased. $34 shipped.

That’s expensive. Why not buy a One Putt tool for $7.95?

Cash was burning a hole in my pocket.

All for progress but not sure how this is any better than simply marking a ball, yet I will keep an open mind and wait for those using the extra piece to give us the skinny. What I hope this thing does not do is cause one to take as much time putting as did the person in the video, even apart from repeatedly moving the angle of the putter to make a point, no pun intended. If yes, just let me know so I can pack a couple Ensures to get me through a six-hour round.

Old Cuss

Could you imagine playing behind the guy in their ad? Makes Dechambeau look quick.

My putting has improved since I started putting a line on the ball but this just seems like overkill. I guess whatever floats your boat.

Well it is going to make someone who invented this over priced tool rich. Just another example of overkill.

I just bought one. Anyone know why they included the small 25mm marker that attaches magnetically to the larger alignment marker? Maybe to use if your ball is close to someone else’s line?

I bought one as well. I do believe that the intention of the smaller marker Is to use that if you’re on or near someone’s line because the main device is quite chunky and could be a distraction if near a playing competitors line. I’ve only used it once (due to the golf just opening up in western Pa). But think it could be a useful tool and look forward to getting more rounds in with it.

Does anyone else hear an accent when reading a post from Old Cuss?

I hear it ever time.

I will say this. I have played 1 round with it. Played like absolute garbage but my putting was on point. Reading the putt is just as important as it ever was and the Trident does not help with that. But if you can read the break, the Trident will absolutely help you align everything better and get your ball on that line perfectly. Was way better within 10 feet then I had been in ages. I've spent $35 on way worse crap then this. Would probably not hesitate to pay double that amount.

And that video is god awful at explaining how to use the product. I had everything aligned and was ready to putt just as quickly as every other round I played

Thanks for the follow up. Had it in my cart but wanted some last minute confirmation that purchasing was the right move.

I have had mine for awhile. I like it and use it every round. It does not slow me down. You do have to carry a smaller marker as this is big and any putt that hits it will be deflected. I have every stencil made for putting a line on the ball so this one wins for me.

I think I saw a thread on here about using a poker chip.........

I just stumbled onto this thread myself and that looks like something that could really help my putting. My alignment is the worst.

Just came across this thread as well and this looks like a neat product. Anyting that can slide and prevent me from having to remove the mark to replace it would be a welcomed addition. I had the old Scotty Cameron alignment ball marker and i always felt like it slowed me down on the greens.

Any further feedback from people that have been using this for a little while now?

For me, it gets sand granules in it and doesn't work the greatest. But I haven't fully committed to it to try and make a valiant effort for it. Personally I guess I feel like it takes more effort than I'm willing to put forth I suppose.

I've found myself making 20+ footers more often than I used to and have been even better inside 20 feet. The only way it feels like I'll miss is if I get the speed wrong. I had my first under par 9 holes in years during my 3rd round after switching to it.

They have just launched a metal version of this marker. Looks a lot more sturdy. With the old plastic one I found crap would get in the channel and make the slider jumpy and not smooth. Hopefully the mental has resolved this issue. 
 

What I’d like to see if them team up with a ball reseller who provides custom printing. I hate using those stencils as I always smudge the damn thing and it kills my OCD!

I don't really know if this is allowed in a competition.

Look up Rule 10.2b on Pointing Out Line of Play for Ball on Putting Green.

It clearly states that:
"The player or caddie must not set an object down anywhere on or off the putting green to show the line of play. This is not allowed even if that object is removed before the stroke is made."

If they have a certificate from USGA or/and R&A then that makes it legal but mine didn't have one and couldn't find one on the website. They refer to Rule 4.

And even there look at the Clarification: When Use of Alignment Device Results in Breach for the full text.

I highlight the important part here:

"For example, a player’s ball comes to rest on the putting green and the player marks the spot of his or her ball with an “alignment device.” When doing so, the alignment device is placed to show the line of play. If the player then lifts and replaces his or her ball (which includes rotating it) so that a marking on the ball is lined up with the alignment device, the player is in breach of Rule 4.3a."

What is your opinion?

19 hours ago, MadPax said:

I don't really know if this is allowed in a competition.

Look up Rule 10.2b on Pointing Out Line of Play for Ball on Putting Green.

 

It clearly states that:
"The player or caddie must not set an object down anywhere on or off the putting green to show the line of play. This is not allowed even if that object is removed before the stroke is made."

 

If they have a certificate from USGA or/and R&A then that makes it legal but mine didn't have one and couldn't find one on the website. They refer to Rule 4.

 

And even there look at the Clarification: When Use of Alignment Device Results in Breach for the full text.

I highlight the important part here:

"For example, a player’s ball comes to rest on the putting green and the player marks the spot of his or her ball with an “alignment device.” When doing so, the alignment device is placed to show the line of play. If the player then lifts and replaces his or her ball (which includes rotating it) so that a marking on the ball is lined up with the alignment device, the player is in breach of Rule 4.3a."

 

What is your opinion?

Looks like the product has two pieces - the ball marker and the top alignment part. It looks like you can adjust the alignment part without moving the actual ball marker.