Lining up Properly

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This is one of the most over looked aspects of the average players game.  And most of the time, most golfers are not lined up properly, and it will cause all sorts of other difficulties as well.

Lining up properly is one of the first things you need to learn. If you line up wrong then you had best not make a good swing, or it will go where you are aiming. The swing then becomes a series of compensations for that initial fault.

How to line up properly:  With your feet together, pick a spot two or three feet in front of the ball that is in line with your target.  Look at the target and then at the spot. Only after you are satisfied that you are lined up correctly, take your stance and get ready to swing.

You can another club and lay it on the ground about 12 inches from the ball (between you and the ball). This represents the line on which you want to swing the club; i.e., your intended line. Lay another club pointing to the ball at 90 degrees to the intended line. These two clubs will be your "guide clubs."

Put your feet on either side of the club that is at 90 degrees to the intended line; keep your feet as close together as the club will allow. Take your grip on whatever club you want to use and put it behind the ball aimed down the intended line. Take notice of the angle of the shaft where it crosses the intended line. Now begin moving your feet to a position that allows the shaft to cross the intended line at 90 degrees. In order to be able to get into this position on the course, you have to learn how this feels, and how it looks to your eye.

Now spread your feet and get your shoulders, hips, and feet parallel to the intended line. If you have been lining up to the right of your target, or the left for you lefties, you will pull the first few shots. That is normal. Allow yourself to miss 20 to 30 shots when you make needed changes. It is easier on you if you approach changes knowing missed shots are part of your growth. You will need to use the "guide clubs" for awhile before this becomes a part of your pre-shot routine. You probably already have a pre-shot routine, if not get one.  This was discussed earlier in this book.  You may keep part of it, and get rid of the parts that are not productive. Don’t try to learn too much at once. Get comfortable with each facet of your game and remember, many studies tell us that it takes 7 days to form a new habit!