Shoulder alignment...

[slugger]

How should the shoulders be lined up at address? Should they be totally square or a wee bit open? Would too open result in sliced shots? I know you can open your shoulder to increase loft for the like of wedge shots, but for general "hitting it down the middle" shots would a stance that's too open lead to problems?

 

[bobmac]

A good question.
The shoulder alignment is not one of the 5 laws so can be closed, square or open.
I would say however that if the shoulders are open at address, the golfer would tend to swing on that line (out to in).
If you are having trouble with a slice, try squaring up your shoulders at address BY TURNING YOUR SHOULDERS, NOT YOUR HIPS and be aware where the clubface is at impact.
HTH

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Sound advice Bob. I saw a guy yesterday at the range who had his shoulders way open (about 10 degrees left) and wondered why the arc of his swing was OTT and he was hitting big bananas to the right. He was getting mega cheesed off and was all for jacking it in big time. Silly thing was he didn't look a bad golfer.

I got him to align parallel to the target line (train track) and turn his left foot out a fraction and to square up the shoulders. I got him to flex the knees so when I held my driver the shaft ran fromt he shoulders through the knee onto the balls of his feet. It took him 3 or 4 balls to get use to it but once he had belief he started to swing with more freedom. The turned left foot helped him clear through and he was bringing the club on a much more neutral path from the top. I left him hitting 5 irons straight and high.

Its all about making sure the basics are chacked regularly and are in place.

 

[JustOne]

How should the shoulders be lined up at address? Should they be totally square or a wee bit open? Would too open result in sliced shots?

In general SQUARE is 100% the way to go although it depends what shape of shot you want to hit.
Feet square, hips square, shoulders square...everything square! That's a good starting point for any swing as it's easier to remain consistant.