In need of alignment tips!

[HamiltonMillGolf#22]

Alignment has always been my problem on the course. I've had some lessons from the club pro lately, and have been hitting my irons crisp and high. However, i have nothing to show for this solid contact because I hit the ball off target. This obviously due to my bad alignment. Does anybody have some ideas!? Thanks in advance!

[tmtp]

Originally Posted by HamiltonMillGolf#22

Alignment has always been my problem on the course. I've had some lessons from the club pro lately, and have been hitting my irons crisp and high. However, i have nothing to show for this solid contact because I hit the ball off target. This obviously due to my bad alignment. Does anybody have some ideas!? Thanks in advance!

It's not legal on the course (by USGA rules), but if you place a shaft parallel to the target line on the range and then set your feet against the shaft you should be aligned properly. Also, if it is an upper body alignment issue, have a friend hold a club against the front of your shoulders at address and the club will point to where you are lined up.

[HamiltonMillGolf#22]

Alright thanks. Just wondering, what do you do to align yourself on the course? Thanks again

[tmtp]

Once you get the feel for proper alignment on the range, it should get easier on the course.

[300Yards]

Something else you can do, that I can't believe someone didn't mention..find a divot that lines up with your target, and just line up with that divot. The pros do it, it works! Also, you can bend your wrists straight back, and the butt of your club should be pointing at the target. I ust this one sometimes. Not as accurate as the divot trick, but accurate enough to get the job done!

[delong19]

Originally Posted by tmtp

It's not legal on the course (by USGA rules), but if you place a shaft parallel to the target line on the range and then set your feet against the shaft you should be aligned properly. Also, if it is an upper body alignment issue, have a friend hold a club against the front of your shoulders at address and the club will point to where you are lined up.

I thought this was legal as long as the club was removed before you mad your swing....


8-2a/1 Club Placed on Ground to Align Feet


Q. A player places a club on the ground parallel to the line of play to assist him in aligning his feet properly. Is this permissible?

A. Yes, provided the player removes the club before playing his stroke. Otherwise, a breach of Rule 8-2a would occur.

[Shortgrass]

I stand behind the ball and pick out a spot-bent grass, mark, or other identifier-then walk to address the ball keeping my eye on the mark and put the clubface down that line. As you take your stance, your feet-and body-should automatically line up correctly.

[tmtp]

Originally Posted by delong19

I thought this was legal as long as the club was removed before you mad your swing....


8-2a/1 Club Placed on Ground to Align Feet


Q. A player places a club on the ground parallel to the line of play to assist him in aligning his feet properly. Is this permissible?

A. Yes, provided the player removes the club before playing his stroke. Otherwise, a breach of Rule 8-2a would occur.

It is legal, but the removing it would cause him to move and then have to re-align himself. Kind of defeats the purpose of placing the club there, now if you have a partner that will move it for you, you're all set.

[Shortgrass]

Originally Posted by Shortgrass

I stand behind the ball and pick out a spot-bent grass, mark, or other identifier-then walk to address the ball keeping my eye on the mark and put the clubface down that line. As you take your stance, your feet-and body-should automatically line up correctly.

The spot I pick out will be such that it lines up with the target line which is usually left of the target.

[Bigvivec]

All of the above methods are great provided that you hit the ball straight...something not pointed out is that if your shoulder alignment is different than the aim alignment across the middle of your thighs (as determined with the club you are about to hit with) it doesn't matter how you line up the shot will go somewhere you didn't plan...I would suggest practicing a bit checking your alignment before every shot, using intermediate aim targets, and focusing on your technique, smooth swinging in particular and the maintainence of your form througout the swing...if it was easy to hit straight we would all shoot par but at least you can reduce the variables and start to recognize a repeating pattern in your shots...once you get that you can adjust your alignment accordingly...

[valeogut]

By the same token, ball position can also affect direction.

[delong19]

Originally Posted by tmtp

It is legal, but the removing it would cause him to move and then have to re-align himself. Kind of defeats the purpose of placing the club there, now if you have a partner that will move it for you, you're all set.

What if you were to place the club you were going to hit on the ground to align your self, then simply bend over and pick it up

[old spoon]

Stand behind the ball. Look at the Flag. Think Distance. Swing away!