Many golfers draw a line on their golf ball and use it to aim putts and tee shots. Others find the line distracting and prefer to aim without it. There's no right answer, but there are good and bad ways to use a line. Here's how it works, the pros and cons, and how to decide whether it's for you.
Why use a line?
- Aim: the line points along your chosen start line.
- Consistency: gives you a reference for setting up the putter face.
- Feedback: a well-struck putt shows the line rolling end over end without wobbling.
- Ball identification: a line with your own mark helps you identify your ball. Read playing the wrong ball.
Possible downsides
- Distraction: some golfers become fixated on the line and lose feel for pace.
- Slow play: fiddling with the line on every putt slows your group. Read pace of play.
- Visual confusion: some golfers find that the line looks like it points somewhere different from where it actually points, because of how their eyes perceive the line.
- Over-reliance: if the line is wrong, you'll aim wrong.
How to draw a line
- Use a permanent marker and a line tool, or a template, to draw a straight line around the ball.
- Many balls already have a printed alignment line or arrow you can extend.
- Some golfers use thicker lines or two parallel lines; others use a short line or dot.
How to aim with a line
- Read the putt from behind. Choose your start line, not the hole, for breaking putts. Read how to read greens.
- Mark the ball, lift it and replace it with the line pointing along your start line.
- Check from behind the ball that the line looks correct.
- Align the putter face square to the line, often matching the putter's alignment line.
- Focus on pace, not the line, as you stroke the putt.
Using a line on the tee
Some golfers tee the ball with the line pointing at their target or start line, to help aim the club face. The same principles apply: check from behind, then trust it.
The rules
- On the putting green, you may mark, lift, clean and replace your ball, and you may turn it to line up a marking, as long as you replace it on its original spot. Read putting green rules.
- You may draw lines on your ball.
- You may not place an object on the ground to help you aim. Read conforming golf equipment.
Is a line right for you?
Try it in practice for a few weeks:
- If your aim and short putting improve, keep it.
- If you feel distracted or slow, try without.
Many good putters use a line; many don't. Read how to hole more short putts.
Frequently asked questions
Does a line on the golf ball help putting?
It can help aim and consistency for many golfers, but some find it distracting.
Should I aim the line at the hole?
Only on straight putts. On breaking putts, aim it at your start line.
Is it legal to line up the ball on the green?
Yes. You may mark, lift and replace it with the line aligned, on its original spot.
Does a line slow down play?
It can if you take too long. Keep your routine quick.
The bottom line
A line on your golf ball can be a helpful aiming aid, provided you aim it at your start line, check it from behind and keep your routine quick. If it distracts you, putt without it. For more putting advice, read putting stroke: arc vs straight back.