Did you know that alignment is the #1 basic fundamental that all golfers, not just weekend players, struggle with from time to time. It is also the start to being a more consistent and accurate golfer. To check your current alignment, pick out a target and set up to the ball as if you are going to make a swing. Next just take the club out of your hands without changing your set up and lay the club on the ground against and parallel to your feet. Walk behind the ball and see if the club on the ground is parallel to your target line (imaginary straight line from ball to target). If it is not then you have a little work to do.
How do we get better at alignment? Believe it or not it starts with your pre-shot routine. Always start your pre-shot routine from behind the ball. This will give you the best perspective of the shot in front of you. When you are still behind the ball pick out an intermediate target about 1-2 feet in front of the ball on your target line. This intermediate target can be an old divot, discoloring or anything that you can easily see. Now walk into the shot and place the club behind the ball and square it to the intermediate target. Now take your set up with the rest of your body. To make sure you are lined up properly all you now have to do is look down. Your feet should be parallel to the golf ball and the intermediate target. The reason this works is because when you look down, the intermediate target, your golf ball and your feet are all in the same field of vision making it easy to make corrections. Spend at least 10 minutes during your practice sessions working on routine and alignment. Just remember, proper alignment equals better consistency and accuracy.
Pictured is a student of mine who recently made huge strides with his alignment. Yes, he does have more work to do but in just 20 minutes a new routine was started and better alignment was produced. If you have any questions on this topic or any other topics related to the golf swing, please feel free to contact me or your local PGA Professional.
2 comments:
I think I recognize that guy TJ.... John.. and yes the struggle continues, but my posture is a lot better than it was with substantial improvements continuing.
T J if you can help Johnnie S's game you can walk on water, you have a great location to teach and play. Sometimes it's the simple things even those of us who have been playing the game for years forget. You do a great job of keeping it simple and focused.
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