Alignment, or aim,
is an often overlooked fundamental of golf. Proper alignment can go a
long way in improving the scores and accuracy of an intermediate golfer's
game. The intermediate golfer has focused mostly on the basic fundamentals
of grip, stance and swing along with chipping, pitching, putting and sand
play. At this level, the golfer usually shoots scores from 85 to 105,
but has trouble lowering his or her scores from that range. Assuming the
golfer has good swing mechanics, improper alignment, or aim, can actually
throw off the golfer's swing, which can be detected in the flight of the
golf ball. Practicing proper alignment will have a positive impact on
consistency, accuracy and scoring. This tutorial will first show you how
to evaluate ball flight and then instruct you on alignment.
An intermediate golfer rarely checks his or her alignment, yet advanced
golfers checks their alignment at every practice session. This fundamental
is simply just overlooked. Most swing path problems occur because
the golfer simply aims poorly and the golfer has to adjust for poor
aim by swinging an outside-in swing path.
For best results in improving your golf game, consult your local PGA
Pro. He or she can help you identify specific areas for improvement
and prescribe the practice techniques that are right for you.
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1.
Ball
Flight
In a
"correct" or straight shot, during the downswing, the
clubhead comes from the inside of the target line, strikes
the ball with the clubface straight, imparting backspin to
the ball, then moves to the inside of the target line on the
way through. The resulting divot is straight towards the target,
indicating a good swing and proper alignment.
2.
There
are two "incorrect" or non-straight shots. The first is the
slice, or a curve to the right. During the downswing
that results in a slice, the clubhead comes from the outside
of the target line and crosses to the inside of the target line
on the way through. This swing path imparts sidespin to the
ball, which curves it to the right. The resulting divot is to
the left. Possible alignment problems include an open stance
aimed to the left of the target.
3.
In a hook, or a curve to the left, the clubhead comes
from the inside of the target line and crosses to the outside
on the way through the ball. This also gives the ball a sidespin,
which causes the ball to curve to the left, and the telltale
divot is to the right. Possible alignment problems include a
closed stance that is aimed to the right of the target.
4.
Alignment
To get
a proper alignment, or aim, start by positioning yourself
about 10 feet directly behind the ball, keeping the ball between
yourself and the target. Put your grip on the club at this
point.
5.
Pick a spot on the ground about 3 feet in front of the ball
that is on line to the target, and use that spot as a reference
for addressing the ball and aiming your clubface.
6.
Keeping focus on your spot, walk up to the ball. With your feet
together, get into your posture standing parallel to your target
line, which is drawn from the ball to the spot 3 feet in front
of the ball, towards the target.
7.
Address the ball, keeping your body square to the target line
and positioning your feet appropriately for the club you are
going to use. The line of the tips of your toes, knees, hips,
and shoulders should be parallel to your target line.
8.
Position
the club behind the golf ball with the clubface pointed squarely
towards the target spot in front of the golf ball. With strong
swing fundamentals and proper alignment, the flight of the golf
ball should straight towards the target on every shot.
9.
Recommended
Practice
Go to
the range and place a club on the ground between yourself
and your ball, to use as a reference. For a right-handed golfer,
aim the shaft about 5 yards to the left of the target, and
for a left-handed golfer, aim the club about 5 yards to the
right of the target. Align your toes parallel to the club
on the ground and practice about 20 shots, then remove the
club and test yourself.
10.
Another way to test your alignment is to lay your club down
on the ground against the tips of your toes after you hit a
shot. Lay another club on the ground next to your ball, parallel
to the other club. Now, step back and see where the club next
to the ball is aimed in relation to your target. If the club
is lined up straight to the target, then you're perfect. If
it is not aimed down the target line, then keep practicing your
alignment!
An intermediate golfer rarely checks his or her alignment, yet advanced
golfers checks their alignment at every practice session. This fundamental
is simply just overlooked. Most swing path problems occur because
the golfer simply aims poorly and the golfer has to adjust for poor
aim by swinging an outside-in swing path.
For best results in improving your golf game, consult your local PGA
Pro. He or she can help you identify specific areas for improvement
and prescribe the practice techniques that are right for you.
