DETROIT – When we reached out to the fans of Bob Krause Golf on Facebook to learn their golf challenges, alignment was an issue that many golfers requested to know more about.
People wanted to know the best way to align themselves on the course according to where they want the ball to go.
Alignment is placing your body in a position that allows the proper movement of the club through the ball and is arguably one of the most important parts of your basic golf set-up. A high percentage of "swing flaws" are traceable to a poor set-up position; improperly aiming to your target can cause a good majority of those flaws.
Another aspect of alignment that many golfers don't consider is the architectural design. Golf courses are designed for you to not play your best as they are intended to be challenging.
Three simple tips to alignment
1. Pay attention to your surroundings (course design) making sure the tee box is not lined up right or left of your target.
2. Pick an intermediate target a couple of feet in front of the ball, on the same target line of where you want the ball to go.
3. Double-check your alignment before swinging. Be sure to align the clubface to your target line then make your toes follow that same line. To do so, set up to the ball then lay a club above the toes of your shoes and take a step back to see where the club is aiming. If the club isn't pointing at the target simply adjust it and align your feet accordingly. (see photo)
When it comes to alignment, the three things to consider are you, the ball, and the target. It is about you in relation to the ball and your target, the ball in relation to your body and the target, and the target in relation to the ball and your body.
Your eyesight and your ability to use to calculate this triangle can greatly affect your body's ability to swing the club to your target.
It may take some time and practice, but it is worth it. Just changing your alignment to a proper position can make drastic improvements to your ball flight, as well as your club path, club head at impact, and posture.
Written by Breanna Doan, Central Michigan University Intern for 4-Seasons Golf and Bob Krause Golf