Alignment

[nulassilb]

I am struggling with my alignment. My playing partner says I tend to stand open at address and that this is particularly true with my woods.
I stand behind the ball and line up. Picking a spot a yard or so ahead of me, I then lay the club square to it and the target before building my stance around it.
Any tips for improving alignment? Things to try out?
I am also blind in my right eye - this may have an impact.

 

[CrapHacker]

When you say 'build your stance' how exactly do you do it ?

My guy told me to stand with my feet together by the side of the ball, put the clubhead behind the ball and square the clubheadwhilst holding it only with my right hand ( I'm right handed ).

Then take my proper grip with my left hand, add my right.

Then move my feet to take my full stance.

Convoluted, but it's made a difference to me.

BTW what do you mean by standing open ? Feet, hips, shoulders, or any mix of the above ? I now have a tendancy to stand with my feet and hips square, but leaving my shoulders open.

It's neverending.

 

[drawboy]

On the range with a pal, place a club on the floor square to the target, then line up looking directly over your left shoulder parallel to the club on the ground to the target. Have your pal lay a club along the line of your hips then shoulders and look down the line of the club and check how square you are. Try this for half an hour every other day if poss or at least once a week and you will soon square up.good luck.

 

[bobmac]

I use a technique similar to drawboys.
Place a club on the mat, parrallel with the ball-to-target line.
Then stand with your toes almost touching the shaft.
Take up your address position but before you swing, swivel your head and look at your target.(DO NOT STAND UP AND LOOK) You will see your left shoulder in your periferal vision. Memorise that picture.
If the next time you stand to a shot and the gap is too big, your aiming left and vice versa.
If you want more help about aiming, pm me, I might have something for you

 

[nulassilb]

Thanks for this - I'll have a go at these and also try to do a little self video to see if I can see where I'm going wrong more clearly. I think my shoulders will end up being slightly open even if I manage to get my feet in the right position. I will persevere.

 

[RGDave]

I work on the principle that I get into a habit which I rarely move from. If I suspect things are not quite right, I get out on the course when it's quiet (I don't think I can do it at the range) set up for the shot then lay the club along my toes. I then step back and look down the line.

If I am standing open or closed, next time I make the conscious decision to move my feet (one way or t'other) and set my shoulders along the same line.

I had a poor game a couple of weeks ago. Next practice out, I did the routine (as above) and discovered I was a little too open. Now, I move my right foot back a tad and will probably do this for a few games more, then double check on another quiet day.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I use this at the range as it helps both alignment and ball position at the same time

http://www.prolinergolf.co.uk/

 

[JustOne]

I am struggling with my alignment. My playing partner says I tend to stand open at address and that this is particularly true with my woods.
I stand behind the ball and line up. Picking a spot a yard or so ahead of me, I then lay the club square to it and the target before building my stance around it.

How far open? Is the person telling you qualified enough to know? Where are your shoulders aligned? What shape of shot are you hitting/intending to hit?

Maybe get a lesson from your local golf pro?

 

[nulassilb]

My playing partner has been watching me hit the ball for nearly 20 years - he feels I am standing more open than usual. As for visiting the pro - you are right. The alignment problems are sort of linked to a series of lessons I have been having. The pro wants to push me on a little and has made me concentrate upon my grip and also push my hands ahead of the ball at address. This is certainly helping - and my ball striking is improving. I have found that the difficulties with getting myself square are with the longer clubs especially.

Played this morning and really focussed upon getting myself squared up. Much better - and tried some of the above tips. Many thanks. (Really mixed round with 6 pars, 2 birdies and 4 shockers!)