Pro-Tips – Alignment

 Alignment is one thing that is paramount to both good putting and accurate full shots and is one thing that many of my students struggle with.  It is also one of the easiest things to correct with a pre-swing fix.  Once you have built it into your pre-shot routine, you can concentrate on making good swings.  For years, I have utilized and taught the use of an intermediate target.   The key to picking an intermediate target is finding something in front of your ball that you can see without moving your head to focus in on that object.  You should be able to see the ball, your intermediate target, and the tips of your shoes without moving your head or eyes. If an object is picked that you have to turn your head to see, it is too far out in front of you.  You will always focus in on the object you have picked if it is not within your field of vision causing misalignment on many occasions. 

By picking a spot 6 to 8 inches in front of the ball, it is much easier to square the club up to that point and imagine the line that is made between the ball and the intermediate target.  Once you have that imaginary line, get your toes, hips and shoulders parallel to the target line and you will have proper alignment.  Fight the feeling to readjust after you are standing over the ball, because your first instinct is normally the best.  This is not only a great tip for the full swing, but on the putting green as well.  If you are aligned correctly, you give yourself a chance to stroke the ball in the right direction.  More often than not, students that come to me for help with their swing are aligned incorrectly and many of their swing faults stem from trying to get the ball back toward the intended target.  Take a minute to pick an intermediate target and get your shots and putts started in the right direction. 

– Chad J. Maxim, PGA
Head Golf Professional