Golf Tips: Alignment Aid

To align the clubface, place it behind the ball then look down at your left hand, which should be directly under your left eye.  If the back of the left hand is flat and square to the target, the clubface is square.  Then position your feet and body parallel to the target line.

SOURCE: GOLF Magazine

Many golfers get into trouble by raising or dipping their head as they swing.  Raising promotes a steep, slice-inducing path, while dipping causes a reverse weight shift that prohibits a proper release.  Practice by teeing a ball and picking it off the tee cleanly with a 5-iron.  Only with a level head will you clip the ball cleanly.

Source: GOLF Magazine

You’ll never generate sufficient clubhead speed with stiff, tense arms.  Create soft arms by imagining that your arms are two ropes.  The should neither be taut nor loose at address; like ropes they should hang naturally from the body in a relaxed position.  Try this rope trick and you’ll hit more long, straight shots.

Source: GOLF Magazine

One of Fred Couples’ key swing thoughts is to visualize himself in his full finish position before taking the club back.  This focuses him on making a full weight transfer onto his left side and helps him whip the clubhead through impact faster.

Source: GOLF Magazine

If you’re struggling with shots that stray off line, all you may need is a better grip.  Make sure the V’s formed by the thumbs and forefingers of your hands point midway between your chin and right shoulder…in a neutral position.

Source: GOLF MAGAZINE

A forward press helps to trigger a smooth swing, a key to good rhythm.  Try this…set your hands level with the ball at address, then press them toward the target slightly just before starting the club back.

Source: GOLF MAGAZINE 

Take your practice swing seriously.  Try to rehearse an actual swing, from addressing the ball to watching it land.  No nervous swats or extra-slow swings allowed.  Use the warm-up to set the stage for the command performance.

Source: GOLF MAGAZINE

Most amateurs leave the majority of their approaches short because they anticipate hitting their best shot every time.  Instead of playing for the hole, focus on hitting your shots to the top of the flag.  Take one more club than normal and you’ll be amazed at how many more greens you will hit.

Source: GOLF MAGAZINE

If you are trying to hit a draw, focus on the inside back quarter of the ball as you look at it during your swing.  Focusing on the inside portion of the ball will help you strike the ball from an inside-to-out path on the downswing.

Source: GOLF MAGAZINE

An easy way to reduce tension is by hovering the clubhead about half and inch above the ground at address.  This keeps you from pushing the club down into the turf, which adds tension in your hands and arms before the backswing.

Source: GOLF MAGAZINE