[limpalong]

Okay, here's my take. I've seen player after player spend a ridiculous (in my opinion) time to line up a sharpie mark, logo, cart path gnarl... line up something until it is "perfect". Once the ball is lined up with in a half degree of what THEY perceive is their line... they still miss the putt. Then, we have to watch the same exercise again.

Professionals have the experience and the eyes to know exactly where they want to hit the putt... EXACTLY!!!! Most weekend players do not. So often I see the people lining up the line or logo with the center of the hole... not with the line they need to putt on. The key... is properly reading the green and, then, being able to hit the putt on the line at the speed that is required.

Line up the putt with the proper read... and hit it too hard or not hard enough, it's not going into the hole. Line up the putt with an improper read... hit it a little too hard, and your "mistake" may still see the ball go into the hole.

Personally, I think a line on the ball takes a person's focus off the real requirements to becoming a good putter... line AND speed. You will not be successful until both are the traits you employ while putting. I have found much more success, concentrating of perfecting the speed required for the greens. We are "dew sweepers". Some greens can still be quite wet, even though freshly mowed, early in the round. As the round progresses, we can see the speed of the greens change dramatically. Many playing later in the day have much more consistent speed. The changing speed we encounter makes us much more cognisant of how speed effects the success of your putting stroke.

Sorry, I got long winded. No... I don't see where a line on the ball makes much difference to most mid to high handicap players. (Just my opinion!)