How's Your Alignment?

Alignment seems very simple.  All you need to do is "line" yourself up with the target and swing away.  The fact that it seems so simple makes it very easy to take it for granted.  Alignment is imperative to a good golf swing and ultimately a great shot.  The fundamentals of how a player should align themselves to the target are simple in nature, but must be practiced and checked regularly.  The following are some pictures to help you understand some of the common mistakes made and how to correct them and check them.  

Let's start with the basics.  Here is a picture of me on the range setting up to hit a shot.

The yellow alignment stick is my target line, pointed at the white target pole near the top of the picture.  The black alignment stick is my "toe line" or where my body is pointed.  Also at the target.  This set up is one that I see in players of all abilities very often. This set up creates two problems.  First, if I make a good swing, the ball will go right of the target.  Second, this set up promotes a over-the-top golf swing.  It's the only way to get the ball started at the target.  Okay, that's confusing, so let me explain further.

In order for the golf ball to fly at the target, the direction of the golf swing must be at the target.  Think of a shortstop throwing a ball to the first baseman.  In order for the first baseman to have chance to catch the ball, the shortstop's arm must move in his direction.  The baseball follows the direction of the throwing arm.  The golf swing is the same.  Making the golf club swing at the target starts with proper alignment.  Because we do not hit the golf ball off our toes, we cannot align our body at the target.  In order to be aligned correctly, we must have our body aligned parallel left of the target.  This allows us to freely swing the golf club at our intended target.  Check out the correct alignment in this picture:

Notice the difference from the first picture to this one.  It's small, but in the second picture the alignment sticks are parallel.  If you were lining up similar to picture 1, the correct alignment will look WAY LEFT!  Use alignment sticks or extra clubs to help you change what "normal" looks like.

Get out to the range and set up two golf clubs and check your alignment.  You will be surprised how much alignment can improve the accuracy of your shots.  I've often seen players improve their over-the-top swing just by having proper alignment.  

I hope that you are finding the time to get out and play.  Please don't hesitate to contact me to help you reach your golf goals.

Until next time, Fairways and Greens!