Many players draw a line on their ball in order to help with alignment their putts. I guess some times they will use the same technique for other shots, but on the green is where I see the greatest benefit for this type of mark on a golf ball. I have tried this alignment aid before, but alas it did not work for me. However, I am sure there are many different ways to mark a golf ball that bring success to the players game.

Everyone might think that there is a special technique to marking our golf balls that must apply to playing. In my case, success back in 2018 was having my friend Mike send my this picture of his group writing my initials on their golf balls before teeing off. It was very special to me and it did help lift my spirits during a very trying time.

Of course, we have to place an identifying mark so that we can easily tell that a specific ball is ours. This is vital when searching for a ball in a hazard, rough, cabbage, or any other place where it is important to identify a specific ball is yours. Also, and often overlooked, when hitting a provisional ball, ensure that the identifying mark is different than your first ball. I use the same identifying mark, but in different colours.

After looking around a bit, I found that some people are very inventive with their markings. Some have a word, others multiple lines, others a flag, and well, there really is no end to this list. Each mark has a specific meaning to them and therefor I would consider it a mark of success. As long as it has some meaning to you as a player, then you are on the road to success.

I wrote an article about Callaway Chrome Soft golf balls with the Truvis pattern. I like the ball by really enjoyed practicing with this ball. “When pitching or chipping from 20 yards or closer to the pin, the “soccer ball” pattern was perfect. I could see the amount of spin I was putting on the ball, how it reacted to bouncing off the green, and how the ball released to the pin. Additionally, during my putting stroke, the Truvis pattern showed if I was hitting through the ball, how the ball reacted to the break, and the speed of the ball off my putter. All of this information was extremely valuable for my short game.” I still think that these balls helped with my practice and I sometimes mark some of my practice balls with a few extra lines to duplicate the same conditions. It helped improve my short game, so that is success in my books.

This year, I have decided to go back to my old ball marking. The letters represent my family. I have always played my best golf with this marking, so I figure it is time to regain some of that past success. I changed from this marking to add a TGT on my ball representing my golf blog. But, after many years I think that my decision to change was faulty because I feel better with the markings on the ball to the left. So, if I am more confident, then this is the right thing to do. Some might think that I am putting too much emphasis on marking my ball, but if I am confident…….I play better. Thus, making the change is a success.

I could go on about marking my ball for success, but I think you get the idea. The mark on your golf ball, regardless of what it is, is yours alone. It should mean something to you and you alone. Marking your ball is important for the rules, but mostly it is a mental advantage that you gain from having the right mark on your ball.

On a completely different note. This was my back yard yesterday.

And yet, I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!