Do you line up your putts with a line on the ball?

[farmer]

I'm right there with Jeff. Parallax issues. What looks natural to me is way off-line to the right. You have to practice with it and learn to trust the line.

[iBanesto]

Yeah the annoying thing is that you could spend a lot of time lining the ball up, then standing over the ball you don't trust it :lol:

 

It is interesting to see people don't bother with the line.

[Hawkeye77]

Another vote for just a white ball.

[Lottaouts]

I try to hit the ball's number with my putter. I only do this on putts within 15 feet or so. Not too tedious... put the ball down quickly after initial read with the number about where the putter will contact it, then I get behind the ball for one last look and use the putter shaft as a sight line for my intended start line (slightly tedious for my playing partners to have to endure this additional 5 second ritual). By doing this I can see where I actually need to strike the putt, for instance the right edge of the number. Then I don't worry so much about mis-aiming at address.

 

Chalk line practice would lessen the need for this but I'm not that devoted.

[Cpm881]

No line for lag putts - all speed, and getting it started on exact right line not that important. Putts I'm trying to make (2-15 ft) I always use a line. Only way to be sure I'm aimed correctly.

 

Unless you're ocd about putting a ball with a mark, not sure why you wouldn't use the line or logo on a 10 footer or so. Easier to aim from behind ball with a line then aiming while standing over a putt.

 

Once you get used to using line, you will be able to line it up quickly and accurately. I have no issues lining up my putts, prob takes 10 seconds max and many times i do it while waiting for my turn.

[andrue]

the alignment aid is already there for my convenience, so I putt it to use. My question is do golf balls go outta round ?

I'm sure it can happen. I would think it would be rare though. I really don't have a ball long enough to find out. I would be more concerned with one that has been abraded (path or sharp grooves) becoming unpredictable in flight. After seeing that Titleist video where such a slight difference in dimple depth affecting flight, I might take balls out of play a little more often.

I have an automatic system that does that for me. If the ball is worn I lose it. Mind you sometimes it seems the ball comes out of the sleeve worn :)

[oz dee cee]

Anything within say 30ft I’ll line her up. Longer putts are more feel for me.

[Trawlerman]

Not for putting - but always off the tee! It has really helped me be more confident in my alignment and last year I hit a LOT more fairways.

 

Jim

[iBanesto]

Not for putting - but always off the tee! It has really helped me be more confident in my alignment and last year I hit a LOT more fairways.

 

Jim

 

One of the most accurate drivers I have played with, uses the line on the ball to line his drives.

[Circaflex]

I use a line on the ball. It has improved my putting greatly since starting to use it, I have found that the line really helps me line up my club to my intended line. I have even started to use this off the tee as well.

[Sean2]

Constant knee soreness makes using a line a non-starter even if I wanted to. I admit to getting irritated with line-users. Sometimes it takes them forever.

 

I don't see why. I do it and it only takes me as much time as it takes to put the ball down and pick up my coin.

[Johnny_Fairway]

I do not. But I usually look at the hole and not the ball.

 

Forget a line on the ball. I need to snap a chalk line on the green.

[Cpm881]

DJ changed to a putter with a site line, commentators saying his alignment was off using his old spider without a site line. Basically same as having line on ball. If #1 in world can't align himself consistently without site lines........ Just saying

[thesaxemachine]

No line. Wasn't there an article on another site that tested this and revealed that the line didn't make a difference?

[MrJones]

I once used the line. Needed to because, like some others have said, my vision has me aiming a little right of the hole on any putts over 3 feet.

 

Got too focused on trying to hit the ball exactly down my line. Caused me issues with touch, which is usually the best part of my putting.

 

Went back to just putting at a spot in front of my ball. But had problems keeping my spot.

 

 

So...I use the brand name on the ball. I want it pointing in a general direction without being too precise. This frees me up to get over the ball and concentrate on touch and my setup without overthinking the stroke.