GOLF TIP
by Debbie Vangellow"AIM, Please"
How you line up a
golf shot pretty much determines where it will go. Aim and alignment are factors you can
control before you swing, and they deserve extra attention. You get a good grip to a
square clubface, aim the clubface, and align your body, in that order.
Aiming the clubface is like aiming a gun. If you don't aim accurately, you won't hit your target. If you can learn to "spot aim", your range of misses may very well decrease. "Spot aiming" is like "spot bowling." Instead of concentrating on a distant target (like the pins in bowling), you focus on a close in target (like a spot on the lane in bowling) and complete a pre-shot routine aiming at the target that is closer in, but yet on the same line as the distant target you are firing at.
You should begin your pre-shot routine by locating the target from BEHIND THE BALL. This is the only way you can clearly establish the target line you are aiming on because you are using your "two-eyed" vision, the way we look at the world everyday. Binocular vision works best when you are looking straight ahead. This way your brain can clearly receive the intended message about alignment with depth perception and linear direction.
Next you will select the line on which you plan to start the shot. If you were going to fade the ball, the line would point left of your target, and point right if you are going to draw the ball. After you have done this, identify an intermediate target spot just a few feet in front of the ball. It could be a light blade of grass or a divot, just be sure it is something that will not move during your routine.
Keep referring to this spot as you move into your stance from behind the ball. Aim the clubface first, then align your body. Aim the clubface squarely at the spot (a square clubface is identified by the bottom scoring line being set perpendicular or at right angles to the target line). Align your body lines parallel to the target line established (term is commonly referred to as parallel left), checking your feet, thighs, hips and shoulders. Look up to check to see that your clubface, the spot, and your ultimate target off in the distance are all in line. If you are getting a message that they are not (remember, your brain can help you in this game), rather than try to manipulate the ball towards the target because you are inaccurately aimed, back off and start your aiming and alignment procedure all over again. With experience and repetition, this pre-shot routine will become an automatic procedure and will not take as much time as it appears to take when you are learning it. You want to be brisk, but exacting.
REMEMBER--Good grip to square clubface, Square clubface to target, Body to clubface, ball and target, and TRUST IT--execute the shot. Following this pre-shot routine religiously will give you "the break you need this spring." Good Luck!