SimSights Golf
Directional Control

Start Line

The initial direction the ball travels immediately after impact.

Full Definition

Start line is the direction the ball begins traveling the instant it leaves the clubface. It's determined primarily by face angle (about 75-85%) with some influence from club path. Start line is different from where the ball ends up—that depends on curvature added during flight.

Why It Matters

Knowing your typical start line helps you aim correctly. If you consistently start the ball 3° right of target, you need to either aim left or fix your face angle. Start line is predictable and controllable once you understand its relationship to face angle.

Related Terms

Face Angle

The direction the clubface is pointing at impact, relative to target.

Launch Direction

The horizontal direction the ball starts relative to the target line.

Curvature

The amount the ball curves in flight from start line to finish.

How SimSights Helps

SimSights automatically tracks your start line across all your shots, showing you trends over time and comparing your numbers to tour benchmarks. Our AI analysis explains what your start line means for your specific swing.

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