A Drill For Ensuring Your Stance Is Square To The Ball?

[Spoff]

Is there a simple drill I can include in my pre-shot routine that will help ensuring everything is 'squared-up'

At the range I hit the ball well and straight more often than not, and on more than one occassion people have been surprised to hear my handicap is 28.

Yet on the course my ball striking is poor in comparison. Now I know the range mats give a consistant surface and that will have an affect but also at the range the bays are all 'square' so set up is easy.

Obviously the course isn't square so any tips? Is it as simple as picking a point in front of the ball and drawing an imaginery line?

 

[USER1999]

Yes. Stand behind the ball, pick your target in the distance, then look for something on the ground in front of your ball on this line. Maybe a weed, different coloured bit of grass, divot, whatever, (there is always something) that is between 1 foot and 3 feet from the ball. Then walk round and stand parallel to the line between your ball and the mark. Simples.

 

[stevie2722]

when you are on the range lined up square with mat and the target have a look down the line of your shoulders.
this will be running parallel with your target line.
It should be about 20 yards left of your target the distance to the left is not so important but familiarising yourself with how your body is orientated at address will help on the course.
If it does get bad on the course a drill i used to use was to stand behind the ball on the target line then step to the left onto the line your feet and shoulders will take. then pick a point in the distance a tree etc.
you can then use this as a quick reference point.
its not hugely accurate but can help boost your confidence whilst on the course.

 

[Fore]

I put the club down behind the ball with the bottom edge of the club square to the target and build my stance from there.

 

[slugger]

The first thing i do is stand behind my ball and take a (straight) line from the target to the ball. I then pick something (even if it is just a blade of grass) and line my club head square up to that target. Then it's a case of addressing the ball with my feet together. Then i move my feet apart, check my shoulders are square to my feet and hey presto, i'm all square to target )

 

[Whereditgo]

If I am doubting my alignment at address I find that laying the shaft across my thighs gives a clearer indication of the line of my stance

 

[RGDave]

I think a lot of folk get a bit carried away with this.
OK, if you KNOW you are off-line, find a method to discover the problem and work at it.
If you are basically OK, but playing only to a mid standard, why worry too much......it's not going to take lots of your h'cap overnight.
On the tee, I know I'm fairly good. On the "course", I suspect I'm a bit dodgy at times. As my shot could go one of three ways, I don't let the stress of it ruin my routine. If I'm lined up left or right, the ball might still end up right or left.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

In the summer I try and find a mower line on the tee to use as a guide and set up square to that