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An intermediate golfer rarely checks his or her alignment, yet advanced players check their aim & alignment at every practice session, and incorporate this into their pre-shot routine. This most important fundamental is simply just overlooked by the average player. Most swing path problems occur because the golfer simply aims and aligns poorly, then need to adjust in mid-swing because you instinctively do know where the target is. Consider this:
"You finally make a good swing and you're aimed the wrong way". The size of the hole is 4¼ inches wide, and they put it 400 yards away. You're first shot is probably about 40 yds wide you're second maybe 15 yds wide you're next shot is 4¼ inches wide. This game is all about Aim. Have I got you're attention yet?  Practicing proper alignment will have a positive impact on consistency, accuracy and scoring. This tutorial will first show you how to evaluate ball flight and then instruct you on proper aim & alignment.
| 1. | Ball Flight In a "correct" or straight shot, during the downswing, the clubhead comes from the inside of the target line, strikes the ball with the clubface straight, imparting backspin to the ball, then moves to the inside of the target line on the way through. The resulting divot is straight towards the target, indicating a good swing and proper alignment. |  |  | | 2. | There are two "incorrect" or non-straight shots.(unless it is intentional) The first is the slice, or a curve to the right. During the downswing that results in a slice, the clubhead comes from the outside of the target line and crosses to the inside of the target line on the way through. This swing path imparts sidespin to the ball, which curves it to the right. The resulting divot is to the left. Possible alignment problems include an open stance aimed to the left of the target. |  | | 3. | In a hook, or a curve to the left, the clubhead comes from the inside of the target line and crosses to the outside on the way through the ball. This also gives the ball a sidespin, which causes the ball to curve to the left, and the telltale divot is to the right. Possible alignment problems include a closed stance that is aimed to the right of the target. |  | | 4. | Alignment To get a proper alignment, or aim, start by positioning yourself about 10 feet directly behind the ball, keeping the ball between yourself and the target. Put your grip on the club at this point. |  | | 5. | Pick a spot on the ground about 3 feet in front of the ball that is on line to the target, and use that spot as a reference for addressing the ball and aiming your clubface. |  | | 6. | Keeping focus on your spot, walk up to the ball. With your feet together, get into your posture standing parallel to your target line, which is drawn from the ball to the spot 3 feet in front of the ball, towards the target. |  | | 7. | Address the ball, keeping your body square to the target line and positioning your feet appropriately for the club you are going to use. The line of the tips of your toes, knees, hips, and shoulders should be parallel to your target line. |  | | 8. | Position the club behind the golf ball with the clubface pointed squarely towards the target spot in front of the golf ball. With strong swing fundamentals and proper alignment, the flight of the golf ball should fly straight towards the target on every shot. |  | | 9. | Recommended Practice Go to the range and place a club on the ground between yourself and your ball, to use as a reference. For a right-handed golfer, aim the shaft about 5 yards to the left of the target, and for a left-handed golfer, aim the club about 5 yards to the right of the target. Align your toes parallel to the club on the ground and practice about 20 shots, then remove the club and test yourself. |  | | 10. | Another way to test your alignment is to lay your club down on the ground against the tips of your toes after you hit a shot. Lay another club on the ground next to your ball, parallel to the other club. Now, step back and see where the club next to the ball is aimed in relation to your target. If the club is lined up straight to the target, then you're perfect. If it is not aimed down the target line, then keep practicing your alignment! |  |
| Ben Hogan once said "I hit 2 good shots during a round of golf, the rest are good misses"
Good Aim & Alignment will ensure we miss well.
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