19th Hole Golf T-Shirt
$27.95 – $31.95FacebookTweetPinLinkedInEmailPrintThe funny Here For the 19th Hole unisex soft-style t-shirt puts a new spin on casual comfort for golfers and as a gift for golf lovers. .: Made with 100% ring-spun cotton, a lightweight fabric (4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)), this unisex t-shirt feels like a bliss to wear all year round. .: The classic fit […]
Arnold Parred Here Golf T-Shirt
$27.95 – $31.95FacebookTweetPinLinkedInEmailPrint The funny unisex Arnold Parred Here soft-style t-shirt puts a new spin on casual comfort for golfers and as a gift for golf lovers. .: Made with 100% ring-spun cotton, a lightweight fabric (4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)), this unisex t-shirt feels like a bliss to wear all year round. .: The classic fit with […]
Augusta Golf T-Shirt
$27.95 – $31.95FacebookTweetPinLinkedInEmailPrint The funny Unisex Rose Napped at Augusta soft-style t-shirt puts a new spin on casual comfort for golfers and as a gift for golf lovers. .: Made with 100% ring-spun cotton, a lightweight fabric (4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)), this unisex t-shirt feels like a bliss to wear all year round. .: The classic fit […]
Bad Lies Golf T-Shirt
$27.95 – $31.95FacebookTweetPinLinkedInEmailPrint The funny Unisex Bad Lies Have Been Told soft-style t-shirt puts a new spin on casual comfort for golfers and as a gift for golf lovers. .: Made with 100% ring-spun cotton, a lightweight fabric (4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)), this unisex t-shirt feels like a bliss to wear all year round. .: The classic […]
A golf ball alignment tool, sometimes called a putting or marking line tool, allows players to draw a straight line on their golf ball to help with proper alignment when putting.
Using this handy device can improve accuracy on the greens by assisting you in lining up putts square to the target.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain what golf ball alignment tools are, their permitted uses under the Rules of Golf, and step-by-step instructions on how to properly utilize one.
I’ll also offer tips on maximizing the effectiveness of alignment lines when putting. Let’s get started in harnessing this simple tool for sinking more putts.
What is a Golf Ball Alignment Tool?
A golf ball alignment tool is a small manual device typically made of plastic or metal that allows you to draw a straight line completely around your golf ball. It consists of:
- A grooved channel that gently imprints onto the ball as you roll the tool around it.
- Ink or paint that transfers from the channel onto the ball to create a uniform line.
- Grips or handles on the tool for stable handling.
- Adjustable width settings to control the line thickness.
This neatly applied line serves as a visual cue and guide when addressing putts to ensure proper alignment of the ball toward the target.
Rules for Using Golf Ball Alignment Tools
Under Rule 4.3a of the Rules of Golf, using an approved alignment tool to place a single straight line around a golf ball for alignment purposes is permitted, subject to the following:
- Only a single line meeting the required specifications can be placed on the ball.
- The line must be circular with a width between .003” and .008”.
- The line must not be more than 1/4” in width.
- Decorative marks along the line are allowed as long as they meet the above criteria.
- The line must not be used to otherwise help with alignments, such as lining up clubface or feet.
As long as these requirements are met, golf ball alignment tools provide a legal method of marking your ball properly under the rules.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here is a step-by-step process on how to properly use a golf ball marking tool:
1. Adjust Line Width
If your tool has variable width settings, adjust it to your desired thickness (between .003” – .008”) for the alignment line. This impacts visibility.
2. Ink/Paint Line Channel
Apply ink or paint to the grooved circular channel on the device where ball contact is made. This transfers the line onto the ball.
3. Place Ball in Tool
Set the golf ball in the tool’s holder so it rests against the inked/painted groove channel. The holder keeps the ball stable.
4. Roll Ball in Channel
Rotate the tool fully around the ball, rolling in the holder, to transfer and imprint the straight line neatly around the entire circumference.
5. Let Ink/Paint Dry
Allow a minute or two for the transferred alignment line to fully dry on the ball surface before putting to avoid smudging.
6. Verify Line is Within Specs
Visually inspect that the drawn line meets all specifications for allowable width and is a complete circle.
The ball is now properly aligned and marked, ready for use under the Rules of Golf.
Tips for Using Alignment Lines Effectively
To gain the maximum benefit from golf ball alignment tools when putting, incorporate these useful tips:
- Use a high contrast line color against the ball like black on white for visibility.
- Draw the line as narrow as possible while maintaining visibility. Too thick reduces feel.
- Consider a small aiming point at the top of the line for parallel alignment.
- Align the line on your dominant eye side for consistency.
- Focus on squaring the line up perpendicular to your target line.
- Use the line to double-check the aim but align the clubface square too.
- Reapply a fresh line after heavy use causes fading.
With practice using alignment lines properly, you’ll hole more putts and trim strokes off your score.
Alternatives to Golf Ball Alignment Tools
While alignment tools provide the cleanest, most consistent line marking, some alternatives exist if you don’t have access to one:
- Pen/Sharpie – Use a fine point to manually draw a line around the ball. Avoid smudging.
- Ball Marker – Press firmly and roll marker around ball to imprint a light line.
- Stencil – Cut a notched circle in cardboard and apply paint through it.
However, these options tend to be messier and get lines less precisely circular. Investing in a quality alignment tool is recommended for quick, clean lines every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common golf ball alignment tool questions:
Q: Are tools legal for tournament play?
A: Yes, as long as they meet specifications and are on the approved list from golf’s governing bodies.
Q: Can I use the tool for other alignment help?
A: No, the drawn line may only be used for ball alignment. Not feet, clubface, etc.
Q: Is one continuous line required?
A: Yes, the line must complete an entire circle around the ball with no gaps.
Q: Can I apply logos or images along the line?
A: Yes, provided they still meet size limits and don’t help aim.
Q: Do I need a new line for every hole?
A: Generally no, just re-mark when fading or heavy scuffing occurs.
Investing just a few dollars in a quality golf ball alignment tool can pay big dividends on the greens.
Take time to practice using its alignment aids properly. In no time, you’ll gain confidence and see more putts hit their target.
19th Hole Golf T-Shirt
$27.95 – $31.95FacebookTweetPinLinkedInEmailPrint The funny Here For the 19th Hole unisex soft-style t-shirt puts a new spin on casual comfort for golfers and as a gift for golf lovers. .: Made with 100% ring-spun cotton, a lightweight fabric (4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)), this unisex t-shirt feels like a bliss to wear all year round. .: The classic […]
Arnold Parred Here Golf T-Shirt
$27.95 – $31.95FacebookTweetPinLinkedInEmailPrint The funny unisex Arnold Parred Here soft-style t-shirt puts a new spin on casual comfort for golfers and as a gift for golf lovers. .: Made with 100% ring-spun cotton, a lightweight fabric (4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)), this unisex t-shirt feels like a bliss to wear all year round. .: The classic fit with […]
Augusta Golf T-Shirt
$27.95 – $31.95FacebookTweetPinLinkedInEmailPrint The funny Unisex Rose Napped at Augusta soft-style t-shirt puts a new spin on casual comfort for golfers and as a gift for golf lovers. .: Made with 100% ring-spun cotton, a lightweight fabric (4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)), this unisex t-shirt feels like a bliss to wear all year round. .: The classic fit […]
Bad Lies Golf T-Shirt
$27.95 – $31.95FacebookTweetPinLinkedInEmailPrint The funny Unisex Bad Lies Have Been Told soft-style t-shirt puts a new spin on casual comfort for golfers and as a gift for golf lovers. .: Made with 100% ring-spun cotton, a lightweight fabric (4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)), this unisex t-shirt feels like a bliss to wear all year round. .: The classic […]
