World's First Adjustable Ball Marker Tested!

The Trident Align is the world's first adjustable ball marker. We test it out on the course...

World's First Adjustable Ball Marker Tested

The Trident Align is the world's first adjustable ball marker and is permitted in the Rules of Golf. Joel Tadman tests it out on the course...

World's First Adjustable Ball Marker Tested

Trident Align is the world's first fully adjustable ball marker and has been deemed legal for tournament play by USGA and R&A. Why would you need to adjust the line on your ball marker, I hear you ask?

Well firstly, it allows the golfer to begin fine-tuning the aim of their putt even when the ball is not in place on the ground. The Trident Align has a fairly weighty black base and sitting on top is the adjustable white section, which can slide round to the left or right.

The idea being that you are able to do the lining up you would normally do with the ball standing over your marker while others are putting out, in theory speeding up play. In reality though, there aren't many situations where you would be able to do this without putting off one of your playing partners.

trident-align-with-ball

The second benefit of the Trident shape is that it ensures the long line is exactly parallel to the ground. For a golfer using a line on their golf ball to putt, the line sitting at 90° is critical. If the line is tilted or rotated in either direction it effects how and where the golfer percieves their aim to be when they stand over the putt. The square shape that is created between the ball and marker ensures this 90° position is replicated.

This is a clever design that gives you the confidence that the line is positioned correctly, although it can be difficult to get the ball sit in exactly the position you want it to when putting it back.

Visually, there's a lot going on with the markings on your ball, which could put you off a little on shots taken away from the green. That said, the system is especially helpful on the greens and well worth trying for golfers that struggle with their aim or starting the ball on their intended line.

We also like the extra clubface line, which helps set the face perpendicular to the long alignment line.

The Trident Align costs around £25, quite alot for a ball marker, but for this you get a 25mm marker coin, the stencil tool, a marker pen and a carrying pouch. Annoyingly, the lid of the pen doesn't secure to the other end when in use like it does with a Sharpie, but I have been informed that Sharpie will be supplying the pens from the next production run moving forwards.

For golfers that like to use a line on their ball when putting, or are tempted to do so, the visual effectiveness of the trident shape alone makes it one of the best systems around. The amount you actually use the adjustability will be fairly limited, but it will come in handy when you can use it and it should speed up the time in taken in your pre-shot routine when it is your turn to play.

Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x