Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question of the Week - Square Up To The Ball For Better Shots
Q.
Can someone tell me why 9 times out of 10 when i tee off with a driver the ball starts curving out to the right?????
Thanks,
M. Peyton
A.
There could be any number of reasons. But the usual culprit is that the club face is either not square at impact or your moving from too far inside on the downswing. This is the condition that would cause the ball to push or slice to the right. This is a problem for 75% or more of amateur golfers. You are not alone.
Q.
I am a right-handed golfer with a habit of swinging across the ball. The ball in turn goes to the left. It appears my momentum from my downswing is taking me that way. Somehow I have trouble squaring up to the ball with my footwork and body to make the ball go straighter. Is there a tip or drill you can give me to help me with this problem?
Thanks,
J. Gaudio
A.
Thanks for the question. It sounds like you have an alignment problem. Misalignment can ruin shotmaking. Remember what Jack Nicklaus says: "If you don't set up correctly, you'll hit a poor shot even if you make the greatest swing in the world."
Below are five steps to achieve perfect alignment:
1. Place a ball on the ground or on a tee
2. Lay a club behind the ball, with the grip end facing the target
3. Take your normal stance, with a club in your hands
4. Place a club along your feet but parallel to the first club
5. Remove the club from behind the ball
When you remove the club, you have a perfect reference point. Your body will be pointing about 15 feet left of your target. If you're left-handed, your body will be pointing 15 feet right of target.
Hit a few shots using this alignment technique. When comfortable, hit some shots without laying the clubs down. Re-do the drill. Keep doing it until perfect alignment becomes natural. With practice and repetition, you'll align yourself properly every time.
I am a right-handed golfer with a habit of swinging across the ball. The ball in turn goes to the left. It appears my momentum from my downswing is taking me that way. Somehow I have trouble squaring up to the ball with my footwork and body to make the ball go straighter. Is there a tip or drill you can give me to help me with this problem?
Thanks,
J. Gaudio
A.
Thanks for the question. It sounds like you have an alignment problem. Misalignment can ruin shotmaking. Remember what Jack Nicklaus says: "If you don't set up correctly, you'll hit a poor shot even if you make the greatest swing in the world."
Below are five steps to achieve perfect alignment:
1. Place a ball on the ground or on a tee
2. Lay a club behind the ball, with the grip end facing the target
3. Take your normal stance, with a club in your hands
4. Place a club along your feet but parallel to the first club
5. Remove the club from behind the ball
When you remove the club, you have a perfect reference point. Your body will be pointing about 15 feet left of your target. If you're left-handed, your body will be pointing 15 feet right of target.
Hit a few shots using this alignment technique. When comfortable, hit some shots without laying the clubs down. Re-do the drill. Keep doing it until perfect alignment becomes natural. With practice and repetition, you'll align yourself properly every time.
