Putting with a line on the ball

Region3

Region3

Ryder Cup Winner
Joined
Aug 4, 2009
Messages
11,860
Location
Leicester
Visit site
I thought I'd try this yesterday for shortish putts since missing one or two more than I was (relatively) happy with. 2 things bothered me.

The first was that I found it very difficult to line it up with my chosen line for the putt whilst crouching over the ball. I didn't want to slow the game up by stepping back then readjusting it several times so I noted how far out it was then allowed for it when addressing the ball.

The other was that I was amazed at how different the line was (when I did line it up spot on) compared to where I would normally have aimed my putter.

Anyone use this method and have similar problems, or can offer any advice to a newbie to it?
 
i use the line as well. if its your normal course you should have a good idea what way they break anyway. i suss the put out then place ball down with the line going where i think the correct path is. doesnt take long. if when standing over the ball i think its different then just put on the new line. its all in the head its a small bit of advice to trick your brain into believing the line. i do it all the time now.
 
The first was that I found it very difficult to line it up with my chosen line for the putt whilst crouching over the ball. I didn't want to slow the game up by stepping back then readjusting it several times so I noted how far out it was then allowed for it when addressing the ball.

The other was that I was amazed at how different the line was (when I did line it up spot on) compared to where I would normally have aimed my putter.

Anyone use this method and have similar problems, or can offer any advice to a newbie to it?
Click to expand...

I have been 100% committed to this method for a while now.
It does take a bit of practice to do it accurately and quickly. To me if feels as if I'm aiming right, which shows why I used to miss SO many putts left.
I'm fast-ish at it now and use the shaft of my putter to double-check the line....often with one eye (for some reason).

I sometimes play with really good players and they take A LOT of time over their putts....and it pays off.

If you are anything like me then tee-green I expect you are hardly wasting any time at all, so relax, take your time and don't feel under pressure. I know it annoys the odd high h'capper but I don't give a damn. If I can spend 5/10/15 minutes helping them find balls in the jungle, they can jolly well wait for me to line up my putts. Unsurprisingly, I often get complements on my putting at the end of the game....and I'm not even any good!:eek:
 
Region3. I often had this problem, deciding that if I am going to line everything up, then it would have to be done meticulously so.

What I would recommend is once you've deciding your line, take a step back and prepare the line of the ball as to how you see it then take one step forward and place the ball down, whilst keeping your hand fairly rigid, thus maintaining the line.

Failing that, I just adjust my putt to hit the line slightly off center. Usually with poor results! x
 
I have a line on my ball, I just don't use it, except on very short putts if I have been unable to finish, and had to mark.
I find the line confusing on longer putts, as I can't see how it can be aligned correctly. A one inch line could be several degrees out over a 30 foot putt. I prefer to use feel and my own eyes.
 
I mark the ball then put the ball back down on the line I want to putt step back a little then make any slight adjustments stand up and hit it. Do not worry that when addressing the ball that the line looks miles out, it isn't it is just that you are looking from the top rather than behind so it's bound to look strange. Trust your line.
 
Initially at least, I'm only planning on using it for putts inside 5' or so. I might try it on longer ones if it goes well.
Click to expand...

t.b.h. on the super long putts, I just put it down, have a quick schuftie at the line and get on with it.

Years ago, me and a mate worked out that the accuracy over 15 foot is pretty poor. Start off with tiddlers.
 
I don't put any line-up marks on my ball, I just pick a line over a specific blade of grass about 18inches in front of the ball and hit it.
 
Nowadays most putters have a line and unless you mange to get the line on the ball in line with were your going to hit the putt then it doesn’t work, well not for me anyway. Then you have three elements to line up, the line of the putt itself, the line of the ball and the line on the putter.

If you have a good stroke, in my opinion the ball doest exist, it only happens to be in the way of the stroke. That’s why I don’t look at the ball, only a blade of grass directly behind the centre of the ball. That way there is only one element.
 
I look at the grass behind the ball too. I leave a gap about 1/4" - 1/2" between putter and ball so I can pick a bit of grass to focus on.
Since I started doing that I find I get far less off-centre hits which lose loads of distance.

My 'alignment aid' on the putter is a dot about 2mm diameter showing where the middle of the face is, so my alignment is trying to get the putter face at right angles to my intended line.
 
I use a line, but only really use it inside 6ft. I find it not only helps to line up. But also useful to focus my mind on swinging straight back and through.
 
I used to when I was struggling with alignment. I don't any more although i will probably go back to it if I start to struggle again.
 
I tend to just use the alignment line most manufacturers put on their balls these days. It seems to work ok for me. TBH I'm more of a pick your line, feel the pace and trust the stroke and read kinda guy so don't spend hours meticulously lining it up. If I get the course to myself tomorrow once England go 3 down I might spend a little more time carefully lining it up and seeing if it makes a difference
 
Hey Region,
I use this all the time.....
How long is the Line i use a taylor made Itsy bitsy and i find that if i draw the line roughly around half the equator of the ball its better....If the line is drawn too short it can be a bit more bother lining it up......
Also on short putts line the line on the ball up dead centre of the hole and hit the ball a little harder than usual to take whatever break is in the hole out....That way you'll hit dead centre nearly always. ;)
 
Roughly line the ball up and if its off ill just aim putter face accordantly and takes seconds really to do it. After a while youll notice your line gets very close to what you want it so you want have to aim putter face different to line :)
 
I don't put any line-up marks on my ball, I just pick a line over a specific blade of grass about 18inches in front of the ball and hit it.
Click to expand...

Well 'ard. :)

Are you going to upset me more by saying you average 26 putts a round.
 
I don't put any line-up marks on my ball, I just pick a line over a specific blade of grass about 18inches in front of the ball and hit it.
Click to expand...

Well 'ard. :)

Are you going to upset me more by saying you average 26 putts a round.
Click to expand...

As we all know that depends entirely how close your approach shots are and how many greens you missed completely and had to chip on to
 
I use the big black line for my short putts but in a different way to "the norm"
Rather than having it point down my starting line I turn it through 90* so that the line is then parallel with the blade on my putter. I do this for anything inside 6 ft or so.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

P
Line ball up when pick and place?
Replies
16
Views
1K
salfordlad
S
Slime
It's finally happened ................. a Hole in One !!!!!
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
Billysboots
Billysboots
N
Putting Leave Distances
Replies
8
Views
548
Hobbit
Hobbit
T
  • Poll Poll
Which bit of the ball do you focus on when striking irons?
2 3
Replies
41
Views
3K
AdoptedYorkie
A
Tashyboy
Naughty or not, thoughts
2
Replies
21
Views
2K
jim8flog
jim8flog
Top