Using a Line on the Golf Ball to Line Up Putts
A common question we get at Under Par Golf is - should I use a line on my golf ball to help me line up putts?
The only way to find out what works best for you is to experiment to determine if this is an effective aid for you. At the top levels of the game, players typically use a line on straight-ish putts within 10 feet and do not use a line on all other putts.
Try this routine from the Under Par practice plan to determine if using a line is right for you:
Line It Up [59 minutes]
Putter Path Drill [8 minutes]
Find a 5 foot straight putt on the putting green. Place an alignment tool (e.g., alignment stick, meter stick, flag stick, golf club) parallel to the outside line of a putt.
Stroke 18 putts to start to dial in your alignment and stroke path. Do not experiment with the line yet as this is just to get your stroke warmed up.
5' Putts [14 minutes]
Work through the following routine for 5 foot putts utilizing the alignment stick:
- 9 straight putts
- 9 left to right putts (approximately 3 inches of break)
- 9 right to left putts (same amount of break)
Experiment with the line on each putt. Make sure the line is parallel to the line alignment stick.
10' Putts [14 minutes]
Continue the same routine but for 10 foot putts with the alignment stick:
- 9 straight putts
- 9 left to right putts (approximately 5 inches of break)
- 9 right to left putts (same amount of break)
Continue to explore the line if you so desire. How does the line feel on straight versus breaking putts? How does it feel as you move further from the hole?
20' Putts [10 minutes]
Continue the same routine but for 20 foot putts with the alignment stick but with a little less volume:
- 6 straight putts
- 6 left to right putts (approximately 8 inches of break)
- 6 right to left putts (same amount of break)
Continue to explore the line if you so desire.
The alignment tool can also be used to evaluate the length of your stroke as putts get long. How does your backswing length compare to your follow through lenght?
40' Putts [5 minutes]
Continue the same routine but for 40 foot putts with the alignment stick but with a little less volume again:
- 3 straight putts
- 3 left to right putts (approximately 12 inches of break)
- 3 right to left putts (same amount of break)
How do you feel about the line from this distance compared to being closer to the hole? Perhaps it allows you to focus more on your distance control rather than the line?
Once you have completed the session, reflect on how you felt:
- Will you use a line in the future?
- If so, on what types of putts?
- How will you incorporate it into your pre-shot routine?
