
One common way to stamp your ball is with a simple STRAIGHT LINE around it or just on one half of it. A straight line pointing to the hole or target as you square your putter
Putter
A putter is a club used in the sport of golf to make relatively short and low-speed strokes with the intention of rolling the ball into the hole from a short distance away. It is differentiated from the other clubs by a clubhead with a very flat, low-profile, low-loft striking face, and by other feature…
How do you mark a golf ball for putting?
Some ball markings are very clever. These four can actually improve your putting. Draw a line along the equator — the thicker the better. On the greens, point the line on the ball down the line to your target, then square your putter to it.
Can ball markings help you putt better?
Some ball markings are very clever. These four can actually improve your putting. Draw a line along the equator — the thicker the better. On the greens, point the line on the ball down the line to your target, then square your putter to it. Bam!
How many markings can you put on a golf ball?
There are no regulations to limit what or how many markings can be applied to the ball by the player, provided its original markings can be discerned.” No regulations to limit: You could draw a star, a heart, initials, a straight line around the equator of the ball that you’ve sonically checked for “true center,” whatever you want.
How do you aim a golf ball on the Greens?
Draw a line along the equator — the thicker the better. On the greens, point the line on the ball down the line to your target, then square your putter to it. Bam! Perfect aim. A smiley face or your kid’s initials can help calm your nerves.

Where do you draw the line on a golf ball?
Draw a line along the equator — the thicker the better. On the greens, point the line on the ball down the line to your target, then square your putter to it. Bam! Perfect aim.
Should I mark a line on my golf ball?
Having extra lines will help you see the roll of the ball easier and identify if you're pulling or pushing it with your putter. This might be too much for some players but it's a good way to improve your putting on the practice green too. Sharpie is included with this alignment tool but never hurts to have extra.
Where do you place your ball marker in golf?
Place a ball-marker. right behind or right next to your ball, or. Hold a club on the ground right behind or right next to your ball.
Do pros draw lines on their golf balls?
If using a line leads to a higher percentage putts made, then the extra time spent is arguably justified. If it doesn't, well…then the rest of us are within our rights to be outraged. Professional golfers across all major tours draw lines on their golf balls.
Does Tiger Woods use a line on his ball?
There are legends on either side of the aisle that swear by it. Tiger Woods, for instance, is a line-user. Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy, among others, are not. Cam Smith, who won the 2022 Sentry Tournament of Champions by shooting a million under par, does use a line on his golf ball.
How do you mark up a golf ball?
0:473:02The Proper Way To Mark Your Golf Ball On The Greens - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if you're a guy who likes to mark it behind the ball then consistently mark it behind. If youMoreSo if you're a guy who likes to mark it behind the ball then consistently mark it behind. If you like to mark it in front just consistently mark it in front.
Can you line up your ball on the green?
From Rule 10-2b (2): “The player or caddie must not set an object down anywhere on or off the putting green to show the line of play.” When a player sets down an object — like a line on a ball — to show the line of play, that, in effect, violates Rule 10-2b, or at the very least the spirit of Rule 10-2b.
How do you mark your ball?
A player may mark his own ball or have anyone that is authorized to do so, such as his caddy, mark the ball on the green. If the ball being marked is accidentally moved, no penalty is assessed. To move a marker, it should be placed one or more full club lengths to one side.
Who wrote the rules of golf?
The purpose of the rules, at least according to former USGA president Richard Tufts, “is to make sure, as far as possible, that everybody plays the same game.”. Among other feats in golf, Tufts wrote The Principles Behind the Rules of Golf, which literally makes him the guy who wrote the book in this regard.
When was the first article in golf written?
In 1744, The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers drafted the first Articles and Laws in Playing at Golf. It’s a fun and colorful read rich with talk of horses, adversaries and misfortune. A different time, no doubt. The Honourable Company gave us only 13 rules, but their document serves as a Magna Carta of sorts for how we play today.
How many years apart are the Tufts and the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers?
The spirit of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers and the writings of Tufts may be 200 years apart but they don’t differ much. That’s our game.
What does it mean when a player sets down an object?
When a player sets down an object — like a line on a ball — to show the line of play, that, in effect, violates Rule 10-2b, or at the very least the spirit of Rule 10-2b. (The rules-makers will tell you that they don’t believe a marking is an object, even if that credo is not explicitly spelled out in the rule book.
Is it illegal to put a line on your golf ball?
Because it’s not legal. To be fair, it’s not illegal, either. In fact, the act of applying a line to your ball with the intent of it helping with alignment isn’t specifically addressed anywhere in the rules (it was before 2019, but no longer). But it feels unfair — at least it does to this golfer! — and that should mean something.
Can you use a line on the practice green?
You can and should use a line on the practice green because that’s the place for it. Not a game, not a game, not a game. Practice. We talkin’ about practice. I know this is an unpopular and polarizing position that will certainly draw criticism and defensiveness from the line-users of the world.
Can you draw a star with initials?
No regulations to limit: You could draw a star, a heart, initials, a straight line around the equator of the ball that you’ve sonically checked for “true center,” whatever you want. Again, words matter. But make no mistake: That straight line isn’t being used for identification, like initials might be.
Why do you mark your golf ball?
The primary reason why you might want to mark your golf ball would be to identify it. You are not the only player on the course. Other players are swinging their expensive drivers or fairway woods in the same direction as you.
Why do you put alignment marks on your golf ball?
And so, you put alignment marks on your golf ball to get a direct line to the hole and align your shot accordingly. It will help your putting skills to improve with time as well. The science behind using alignment marks is not yet proven.
Why Do Players Mark Their Golf Balls?
There could be many reasons. It might be personal. It might be professional. But there are some common reasons behind the existence of golf ball markings.
What is a straight line in golf?
Straight Line. Primarily done by the rookie players, a straight line on the ball is supposed to aid with the alignment. You may have the best stroke in the world or you could be at the pinnacle of your golfing career, but a simple misalignment of your shot can set you back several points.
What happens if you mistake a golf ball?
What if it’s another player’s ball. If you make the mistake, you will face a penalty according to golf guidelines, anywhere in the world. Even Rule 6-3a of the golf guidelines state that “The responsibilities for playing the proper ball rests with the player. Each player should put an identification mark on his ball.”.
Can you use a dot on a golf ball?
If alignment is not your primary goal, you can go wild with your imagination on what golf ball marking to use. It can range anywhere from a simple dot to your portrait if you are comfortable with it. But you should be careful about what you do because the rules also indicate that the marking cannot be distracting to other players.
Can you use a whiteboard marker on a golf ball?
Just make sure you don’t use a whiteboard marker because it will disappear after a few strokes. Markers are inherently very small in size and will fit easily inside your pocket or bag. If you do enough research, you will find plenty of templates that you can follow to make your golf ball really unique.
How to mark a golf ball?
The simplest and most flexible way of marking your golf ball is by using a permanent marker. Markers are available in a variety of sizes that can fit in your golf bag to mark a ball while on the course.
Why do golfers put markings on their golf balls?
Playing the wrong ball is a major sin on the golf course. Golfers and manufacturers have added markings on the ball to aid in the alignment of the ball, especially on the green. This helps many players with their drives and putting.
Why Mark Your Ball?
As stated before, Rule 6-3a encourages you to mark your golf to ensure you can identify and play your ball. Should you find a ball in a hazard but are unable to positively identify it, you have to declare a lost ball with the related penalty of stroke and distance rather.
Why do golf balls have markings?
The main reason for golf ball marking is to identify your ball on the odd occasion that it goes astray or you end up in the rough. Ball markings are also used for personal, corporate, or charity branding. Ball alignment is another reason.
What is the rule for putting a ball down on the putting green?
Rule 10-2b (2) reads “The player or caddie must not set an object down anywhere on or off the putting green to show the line of play.” Many believe that an alignment mark added to the golf ball disrespects the spirit of Rule 10-2b as it cannot be removed before the putt is made.
Why do you mark holes in one?
Another reason for marking is adding a commemorative design to identify the ball you used for your first hole-in-one, breaking 100, or the first Pro-Am tournament you were invited to.
How many strokes does it take to get a penalty for playing someone else's ball?
Playing someone else’s ball will encounter a 2 stroke penalty in stroke play and the loss of a hole in match play. The penalty can be applied more than once on a hole if you continue to play the wrong ball.
How to draw a black dot on a golf ball?
Or, you can draw a black dot on the ball and keep your eyes on it until it disappears from sight. THE STRAIGHT LINE. Draw a line along the equator — the thicker the better. On the greens, point the line on the ball down the line to your target, then square your putter to it. Bam!
How to aim a putter on the greens?
Draw a line along the equator — the thicker the better. On the greens, point the line on the ball down the line to your target, then square your putter to it. Bam! Perfect aim.
What to do if straight line fails?
If the straight line fails to improve your alignment, add a horizontal mark. When taking your address, set the putterface square to the horizontal. This is foolproof!
Common Ways To Stamp Your Golf Ball
There are many different and clever ways to mark or stamp a line on your golf balls. Anything creative will help you improve your putting, angle, and focus!
Why You Should Mark Your Golf Ball
While it is not necessarily required to put a line marking your ball, there are many reasons to do so, other than improving your putting.
Useful Marking Tools
If you can’t draw a straight line on the ball, you can use a golf ball liner to help with marking golf balls! These golf ball lines don’t cost much money, and you can use them for drawing any line marking!
Conclusion
Golf is a difficult sport, and marking golf balls is not even half of it. It takes a TON of practice, and there are a lot of different tricks you can do to improve your putting.

Marking Your Golf Ball
Why Mark Your Ball?
- As stated before, Rule 6-3a encourages you to mark your golf to ensure you can identify and play your ball. Should you find a ball in a hazard but are unable to positively identify it, you have to declare a lost ball with the related penalty of stroke and distance rather. Playing someone else’s ball will encounter a 2 stroke penalty in stroke play and the loss of a hole in match play. The pen…
What Do The Pros do?
- Professional golfers, just like amateurs, do hit the ball offline on occasion and have to identify their golf balls. You have access to the same tools as they use. See below for some ideas of how some of the best golfers mark their golf balls.
Tools to Mark Your Golf Balls
- Nearly all manufacturers add numbers to their golf balls enabling you to identify your ball if your playing partners play the same brand. You must check that no one else in your group is using the same number if your ball does not contain other identifying marks.
Final Thoughts
- Marking your golf ball is a tool to ensure that you can identify your golf ball and avoid penalty strokes. It can make your alignment on the tee, fairway (when placing is allowed), and on the green much simpler. Although some golfers consider this as controversial, it is widely accepted and recommended. Your imagination, and the size of the golf ball, are the only limitations to wha…