This article was machine-translated from the Korean original. Read the Korean original
Hello, this is Choi Jong-hwan. There is a question I hear very often from both professional players and amateurs: "Is it better to draw lines on the ball or not?"
First of all, the line on the ball is a guideline—that is, a line meant to provide assistance. However, some people benefit from this line, while others find it a hindrance. If it is a hindrance, there is no need to go out of your way to draw it when hitting. If it is helpful to you, you can simply follow that guidance.
01Criteria for judging whether it is helpful
There is only one criterion for judgment: whether the direction you aimed aligns with the direction of the clubface at the moment of impact. If you are someone who aims well and can hit the ball straight by stroking in that exact direction, this aim line will definitely be helpful.
However, when you actually perform a stroke test, the direction of the intended shot and the direction of impact differ quite irregularly in most cases. In such instances, improving your stroke comes before relying on guidelines. You must first acquire the skill to maintain the pace in the intended direction to launch the ball straight; only then does setting a target and utilizing guidelines become meaningful.
02Two cases of superiors
When you move up to higher levels, there are two types.
- The type of player who maintains their pace in the direction they aimed — in this case, the line helps.
- Unlike aiming, but always hitting consistently (e.g., always opening the club face 2 degrees at impact compared to address) — you are already in a state where you can control the starting direction.
The second type of players typically aim slightly to the left when targeting the left edge of the hole, anticipating that the hole will naturally open. When they stroke, the ball goes exactly in the direction they intended. This is because, based on experience, the same pattern always emerges. For these players, the aim line is actually not very helpful and can even cause confusion. Since the address face and the impact face are different, it appears as though the ball will go to the right when viewed solely from the line.
03Final advice — Don't be too obsessive.
Ultimately, the line is just a guideline. There is no need to be obsessed with adhering to it perfectly. In fact, that obsession often stiffens your body and leads to mistakes more frequently.
The important thing is to first master the skill of rolling the ball in the direction you intend and maintaining the same clubface as you did at address. On the next practice green, try hitting the ball a few times with both a lined club and an unlined one to see for yourself which feels more comfortable.
